Reddit reviews Exercise for Mood and Anxiety: Proven Strategies for Overcoming Depression and Enhancing Well-Being

Hey, sorry you are feeling that way! I have definitely felt similar at times. The lack of enjoyment you're describing is often termed "anhedonia", which is a symptom of depression (although it doesn't necessarily mean you're clinically depressed - also I'm not a doctor :P). I think I have 3 main suggestions!

First, I see in another comment you are considering seeing a therapist. I would just say that I've had several years of therapy and it's taken me from a place of often feeling like you describe, or worse, to a point where I am very happy with my life. There is nothing shameful about it - on the contrary, you can feel proud about going, as it means you are taking care of yourself!

Second, making sure that you are getting exercise is hugely important! Exercise can have as big or bigger of an effect as antidepressant medication. I highly recommend this book. It's a great guide to the benefits of exercise for mood, and practical tips on getting started and building an exercise routine.

Thirdly, if it appeals to you at all, meditation is also a huge help! I would recommend Headspace to get started. No affiliation, I just really benefited from the app - there are tons of others too. I don't use it anymore but I do have a regular meditation practice and it really helps me regulate my mood.

I feel like there is a good sense of connection and camraderie on this sub. We all are drawn to this show in various ways, but like you describe, I think many of us identify will Elliot and the emotional struggles he has. From that perspective, it's not odd to ask for help here. It's nice to be able to help each other out!

I hope you find something that works for you! Just remember that it can take time to make changes, and don't get discouraged if it takes a while to feel better. You can do it!

My coworker's wife is a psychologist and she's been recommending Exercise for mood and anxiety : proven strategies for overcoming depression and enhancing well-being by Michael Otto and Jasper A. J. Smits, Mind over mood : change how you feel by changing the way you think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky, and The happiness trap : how to stop struggling and start living by Russ Harris and Steven Hayes

Personally, my go-to comfort books are Harry Potter and any of the Tortall series' by Tamora Pierce (though if you haven't read them before, I recommend starting with Alanna)

As far as using exercise to regulate your mood is concerned I would strongly recommend this book https://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Mood-Anxiety-Strategies-Overcoming/dp/0199791007
There's been some recent research showing that lifting improves mood over a no exercise control group. But honestly this book is amazing and kind of life-changing for me and it doesn't emphasize lifting.

Yep I've got a suggestion. I too have struggled with impulsive, out of control behaviors in different areas. One major thing that has helped is getting my blood sugar in order, which in turn gets my moods, my rountines, my cravings and impulse control much more manageable. A book I used it Potatos Not Prozac. It's for people with sugar/food addiction but is based on a program the author developed to help alcoholics. She explains how crazy blood sugars can make you literally feel and behave in crazy ways and the most gentle way to stop bingeing over time. I listen to various OA (overeaters anonymous) speakers on my ipod I found somewhere online years ago for free. Even though I don't go to OA or care much for the god/higher power thing , I find the talks still helpful and motivating when I need a boost. There are also free online SMART meetings. It's a secular program for getting over addictions of any kind. Personally, I found it a bit too easy to run away from but it may work for you.
Honestly, the other thing that has worked best for me is to get fairly high intensity cardio exercise in the mornings several days a week - it changes your brain chemistry - but that only became possible after my binges got under control else I couldn't wake up. I used tricks from this book to be able to start and stick with that. Oh and doing tonnes of online and book research on addiction over many years - you should do that too!

Good job, man.

There are a LOT of studies that show that exercise helps with anxiety and depression.

In the short-run, high-intensity exercise releases feel-good hormones - norepinephrine, e.g. In the long run, it can actually change your brain structure and keep you from being anxious.

https://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Mood-Anxiety-Strategies-Overcoming/dp/0199791007