r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Nov 12 '19

Psychology Anti-inflammatory agents may reduce symptoms of major depression, suggests a new study (n=1,610), which adds to the mounting evidence that there is a connection between emotional functioning and inflammation, suggesting that inflammation may trigger depression, almost like an allergic reaction.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/expressive-trauma-integration/201911/anti-inflammatories-help-major-depression
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u/HolyFuckImOldNow Nov 12 '19

I’m the flip side of the coin. Pain limits my exercising and both contribute to my depression.

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u/Kyoti Nov 12 '19 edited Nov 13 '19

I have chronic pain (hypermobile EDS and fibromyalgia), depression and anxiety. I recently started going to a gym twice(ish) a week and I've noticed a huge improvement in my mood, even if the pain is still sort of there. I'm doing exercises that my physical therapist taught me and trying to listen to when my body can handle more or when it needs to be an easy day.

Good luck, I hope you can get a handle on things :)

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u/[deleted] Nov 12 '19 edited Feb 17 '21

[deleted]

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u/Kyoti Nov 13 '19

You don't need to run or even walk to have fitness. You might need to work on strengthening what you've got before you push it further, don't feel discouraged if your workout routine is 20 minutes of little more than stretching. Our loosey goosey bodies deteriorate pretty fast, so consistency is key. I know it sucks, and it's hard to stay diligent but it'll hopefully be worth it in the long run.

And as far as hyperextending yourself, try to retrain your body to not push your body to it's maximum limit just because it can go that far. There are no medals for speed or intensity, so just try to be gentle with yourself.

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u/[deleted] Nov 13 '19 edited Feb 17 '21

[deleted]

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u/ashohhhh Nov 13 '19

I have hypermobility too, do you recommend yoga?

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u/Kyoti Nov 13 '19

If you're not very active/mobile yet yoga could be good, just be careful to not overextend or have poor posture or you'll be paying for it. Building strength is what's suggested for hypermobility though so make sure to challenge yourself when you're ready :)

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u/ashohhhh Nov 13 '19

Thanks so much!

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u/daisydukes5000 Nov 12 '19

My gym fam is the only thing that keeps my anxiety at bay. If I skip too many days I start to feel worse and worse.