Exercise generally has a favourable impact on people’s moods. Endorphins, also referred to as the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, are released by exercise. Increased endorphin levels can improve your mood over time. For this reason, exercise is frequently suggested for depressed individuals. Exercise can also aid in stress management.
These advantages lead one to believe that exercising may aid those who have bipolar disorder. That can be accurate, but it’s not always the case, according to a review of studies done in 2015Trusted Source.
For instance, one of the studies included in the analysis discovered that for some bipolar illness sufferers, exercise alleviated hypomanic symptoms, which are milder than manic episodes. Additionally, it promoted sounder sleep. The study also revealed that some people can find specific routines to be tranquil. These physical activities include swimming, running, and walking.
However, the same study also mentioned that exercise can aggravate manic symptoms in some bipolar patients. Both manic and hypomanic episodes could get worse in a “spiralling” manner.
Similar findings have been made by other investigations. For overweight adults with bipolar disorder, researchers developed a programme in one 2013 trial that incorporated exercise, nutrition, and wellness training. They stated that the approach did lead to advancements in weight and health. Additionally, it lessened the individuals’ depressive symptoms and enhanced their general functioning. They said that their findings also suggested that exercise can make manic symptoms worse.
Bipolar disorder health hazards and exercise
More than only your mood might be affected by bipolar disorder. You run a larger chance of developing other health issues if you have this illness.
According to research published in 2015Trusted Source, people with bipolar disorder may be more susceptible to developing diseases like:
• obesity
• stroke
• Heart conditions
• Diabetes type 2
The study also revealed that these health issues may worsen your bipolar disorder symptoms in addition to being a concern for your general health.
The increased sedentary behaviour (nonphysical activity) linked with the disease may be one cause for these elevated health risks. People with mental illness were shown to be more sedentary than those without mental illness in a 2017 studyTrusted Source. And bipolar disorder sufferers were the least active of those with mental illness.
Exercise, which is the antithesis of sedentary behaviour, can lower your risk of developing or worsening these additional bipolar disorder-related health issues. You can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke by managing your weight.
Exercise and weight gain with bipolar disorder drugs
Obesity can be a concern for those with bipolar disorder, as was already mentioned. Some of these examples involve weight gain that may be related to the usage of specific bipolar illness drugs. Your body may experience metabolic changes as a result of the drugs that prevent it from burning calories as effectively as it formerly did. Or perhaps the medication just makes you more hungry.
The following medicines have a chance to make you gain weight:
• antidepressants
• antipsychotics
• Antipsychotic-antidepressant combos
• Mood elevators
Speak with your doctor if you notice that you’re suddenly gaining weight after beginning any of these medications. You might need to try a different drug if your weight gain is out of control. But you should never stop taking a medicine or adjust your dosage without first consulting your doctor.
In other situations, upping your workout routine could aid in weight loss. Exercise can help you lose weight since it burns calories and develops muscle.
Outlook
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong diagnosis, it is manageable with the right care. Although medication is frequently the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder, exercise can also be beneficial. In many instances, it can aid in easing bipolar disorder symptoms and minimise the elevated chance of developing certain medical disorders that are connected to bipolar illness.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America advises exercising for 30 minutes, three to five days a week, for those with bipolar disorder. Therefore, discuss the addition of exercise to your treatment plan with your doctor. Also, make sure you follow these steps:
• Before beginning a new fitness routine, especially if you are new to exercising, see your doctor.
• If your symptoms get worse or if you stop doing anything that hurts, call your doctor.
• If you discover that your manic symptoms worsen after beginning a new eros fitness regimen, make sure to consult your doctor.
Find the best fitness programme for you by working with your doctor and keeping in mind that different forms of exercise are effective for different people. Test out many possibilities until you discover the strategy that works the best for you.