I am a 35 year old female, recovering from alcohol addiction, and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I recently came across an article in the paper that discussed the effects of working out and managing mental health (particularly depression and bipolar).

I started back to the gym when I started my treatment program for alcohol earlier this year. It seemed a natural and positive thing to add back to my life. At the time, I knew fitness can help manage mental health symptoms but did not realize to what degree.

According to this article, women in particular, who worked out 4.5-7.5 hours a week showed significant improvement in their mental health symptoms. The article also stated women over 35 that worked out regularly could experience growth in the hypocampus making them less susceptible to memory disorders.

I know as someone who has struggled with weight and mental health my entire life, that the two are often married together. What do you do to beat your depression? Have you found exercise to be one of those things?