Does running regularly improve mental health?

Any comments or opinions? How has running affected your mental health?

I can't say I understand mental health and I've not to my knowledge suffered from it, but I have for periods been subject to extreme work stresses, and I find running works wonders, my times improved when I ran with things on my mind, it's incredible how much you can wind down, and when I seemed to be running whilst concentrating on other things the miles flew by and the times just kept improving

Depends on the issue and there's lots off statistical info in the positive and a lot of SAD sufferers find relief through outdoor running in winter

Most probably! Running burns adrenaline which is a real big part of many anxiety disorders, panic attacks etc. The less adrenaline you have spare, the better! Exercising/running in-turn should lead to more sleep/better quality of sleep.....which is widely praised as being of benefit to sufferers of mental illness.

The endorphins and endocannaboids (is that spelt right?) can certainly help with a person's sense of well being, not to mention self worth in some cases..

That said, whilst running can help with the symptoms of anxiety and probably depression too.......I'd say that finding the route cause of a person's mental condition is invariably important. Only then can a mental condition be worked on. For example, if someone has depression because they are overweight or gaining weight, running can be the perfect antidote.....happy hormones plus losing the weight!

However, if someone has low self esteem because....for example they were abused as a child or badly bullied as a teenager; running might help with some of the symptoms, but the real issues probably still need to be thrashed out with a mental health expert.

I have small kids and I find running a great way of getting rid of stress. Whenever I get worked up with them I know I can go for a run and get rid of any tension later. So far it has worked wonders on my mental hygene and whenever my kids realise that they are driving me nuts they'll say "don't worry, you can go for a run when we're in bed". Lovely.

Yes, I think they should release all the "patients" at Broadmoor if they promise to run a couple of miles every week.

I think there is a difference between stress and depression, when I was stressed running helped. I had a peroid of depression when all I wanted to do was shut myself away from the world. Running didn't help then it was just another stress on my to do list and I had a break. I have just started running again. I don't wear a watch and try not to put any pressure on myself .

mr f wrote (see)

Aiden, after your initial question what are your thoughts? Is there a reason for your question? studying? Dissertation? Personal research?

I think that is definitely does help mental problems. I am a much happier person because of it. I'm doing an A level extended project on running and this I want this issue to be a part of it but I don't really know where to start. To get top marks I need a range of research so I'm thinking of doing a little questionnaire on here so I was just testing the water. Thank you for feedback everyone

Without a shadow of doubt, it's good for your state of mind.  There was one occasion where I'd had a blazing row with a family member, who was due to visit.  I was perfectly happy if I didn't see them for a long time - but then I went for a run and upon returning, those feelings had gone completely.

As far as helping with actual mental health issues, such as depression, I'm not too sure.  It can definitely help cleanse your mind though.

id say regular running is far better than any medication

first problem and often the biggest is accepting that one has a problem,

but running can be ( at least for me ) its a real blessed control

Without a doubt. It was running that got me through my depression- had I not ran I don't know how I'd have coped and I think it'd have been ten times worse. It didn't cure it, but it definitely helped. It gives you time to reflect, so it can bring on negative and positive thoughts, but ultimately is a good thing. My depression was brought on by breaking up with an ex, the first thing I did the next morning was a hill run. I had to wear sunglasses so nobody could see my tears but I just got on with it.

Now that I'm injured and can't do anything, I'm slipping back into depression again. I don't know how I'm gonna cope this Winter without any activity. I hate the old, lazy, unhealthy me. I have big goals out of reach, surrounded by my rivals successes. The injury is playing a massive part in the depression, stress and frustration.

Beating my ex's dad in a half marathon this year was a wonderful feeling though. Flew past him after the 5th mile, saw his scowl as he turned round to see me catching him, I couldn't help but smirk and cruise past him. Finished 7 minutes ahead. Felt AMAZING!  

The Chicken Farm - that's SO true.  My children also say to me I can go for a run later!!  I am so much more patient and calm with them when I get back from a run than beforehand.

I'm training for the TT50 in Feb and am having to leave them with my mum and sister for several hours each weekend so I can fit long runs in (hubby works on a Sat).  Anyway, this morning I told them they had to go to Aunty Cathryn's on Sunday for 4 hours and that I was sorry for having to palm them off yet again but this really is a one off ultra event (only ever done marathons).  They then said "please do another ultra mummy, we like going to Cathryn's and nanny's so much!!!!"

At least I can do it guilt-free from now on 

Study after study proves that exercise improves mental health in a variety of measures.   Have you tried typing that question into Google Scholar??   You will come up with 000's of papers, but there might be some recent ones that could be useful.

Good Luck

Definitely does in my experience. If I didn't run I would be one stressed person! I find it helps deal with life's minor ups & downs. I think it could be useful for those sufferring from SAD or minor depression too. The only time I find running makes me feel low is the disappointment of a personal worst or under achieving. When I find myself being overly negative I tend to take a step back from racing & run for enjoyment. I'm soon eager to race again after a few weeks.

All the best with the research