Exercise and Depression ...

I ran for years.

I loved it, and at times, I hated it.

Running was an automatic reaction for me ... and a wonderful stress reliever. Looking back, I see that it was a form of therapy at a time when I couldn't identify that I was suffering from depression and anxiety.When I couldn't run anymore due to several stress fractures, it felt devastating. Running was more than just exercise, it had become a part of my identity - that was me, that was what I do ... and suddenly I couldn't run anymore. My primary source of exercise stopped and I tried other forms of exercise to try to replace it.

For The Walk for Depression, I've committed to walk/bike/hike 835 miles. For the past month I've been biking these miles through Wentworth and Westchester, Nova Scotia. Every morning I fall a little more in love with my bike and the journey's that we're taking. I have the same sensation on my bike that I had while running - a sense of freedom. Not just from the day to day stresses and problems, but from the depression and anxiety. It's an amazing feeling.

During my ride I feel powerful and when I return I feel proud.

Proud that I got out of bed.

Proud that I made it up the mountain.

Proud that I've come this far.

If you're having a tough one ... get out and go for a walk. It may take everything that you have ... but it's worth it. Exercise doesn't take away the pain, but it helps to ease it.