Research by Sylvia, et al suggests that outcomes are suboptimal for patients with bipolar disorder who are treated with pharmacotherapy ALONE. They say that exercise can improve acute and long-term outcomes. Jamie Blumenthal did a study of 150 participants with depression. One third were assigned to take Zoloft, 1/3 assigned to an exercise regimen, and 1/3 to both. At the 6 month follow-up, the exercise only group had a significantly lower relapse rate than the other two groups. In studying this topic, I found numerous personal endorsements of exercise by people with bipolar disorder. There are so many articles about this on the internet that I find it hard to say anything new on the topic.
I will say, however, that I personally get close, if not achieve, the three-times a week of recommended exercise. I walk my dog around our block almost every day, which takes us 20 minutes, walking briskly. I get to the gym two to three times a week, swim for 30 minutes, and am now also gradually increasing my time on the stationary bike. Outdoor exercise is still my favorite because I can get some light therapy from the sun as well. I enjoy flowers in the spring, animals, trees, creeks and other nature "eye-candy."
As with any other healthy goal, it is best to start small and gradually improve. I am quick to forgive myself for getting off schedule. However, I don’t forget about the "big" plan. Here’s where my manic grandiosity pays off as I believe that I have a lot of important stuff to do and can’t afford episodes that disable me. Besides, hospital wards are not much fun.
“Bipolar disorder self-care”, www.mhsanctuary.com
Raven, Robin,“How to exercise for bipolar disorder”, ehow.com
“Dreaded exercise”, McMan’s depression and bipolar web
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