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The Workout Routine That Could Be Masking Your Child's Depression

Mental Health & Exercise

Like clockwork they’re up at 6 a.m. to hit the gym. They never miss a workout and stick religiously to their routine. They are laser-focused on their physical fitness. At the core of every healthy habit is discipline. But when does this fierce dedication to exercise turn from a healthy outlet into a mask to hide mental health behind?

 

As a society, we’re conditioned to celebrate hard work and discipline, especially when it comes to something as objectively “good” as exercise. And while physical well-being is a component of mental health, it can also be used as a band-aid for a much larger issue.  Let’s break it down.

 

The Complex Relationship Between Exercise & Mental Health

 

If you didn’t know before, you do now: exercise is good for mental health. Research consistently shows that regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It releases endorphins, improves sleep, and boosts self-esteem. In fact, some studies suggest that prescribing exercise can be as effective as prescribing medication for mild to moderate depression. 

 

On its surface, it would appear to be a win-win, right? Exercise improves you physically and mentally. But every rose has its thorn. For some, exercise can become a coping mechanism. It’s used to suppress or avoid dealing with underlying emotional pain. This is the downside. When exercise shifts from being a tool for mental well-being to a method of avoidance, it can actually exacerbate the problem. 

 

Signs Your Child’s Workout Routine Might Be Hiding Depression

 

The stereotypical symptoms of depression look like sadness, withdrawal, irritability, etc. While those may be the usual symptoms, depression in young adults doesn’t always look like this. 

 

High-functioning depression can present differently. In some cases, it can even look like hyper-productivity or an obsession with achievement. This includes in the gym. If your son or daughter becomes anxious or irritable at the thought of missing a workout, this might be a red flag that exercise is more of a compulsion than a healthy habit. Do they hit the gym after every bad day or stressful event? While occasional stress relief is normal, using exercise as the sole way to cope with emotions could be an issue.

 

Becoming overly aware of their physical appearance or never feeling satisfied with how their body looks could signal co-occurring mental health challenges like body dysmorphia or an eating disorder. Overtraining can lead quickly to exhaustion, injury, and mood swings—all of which can worsen mental health symptoms.

 

Why Exercise Alone Isn’t a Cure-All for Depression

 

Don’t get me wrong, exercise is a valuable tool in the mental health toolbox. But just like you can’t build a house with just a screwdriver, exercise alone isn’t going to cure depression; especially when it's linked to underlying trauma, anxiety, or substance abuse. 

 

Co-occurring disorders deserve a multi-faceted treatment approach that includes therapy, medication, and peer support. Dual diagnosis treatment programs that can address the root causes of mental health and substance abuse are often extremely effective. 

 

A workout routine might help someone feel better temporarily, but it doesn’t teach them how to navigate their emotions, process trauma, or build resilience. For young adults grappling with depression, this often means they’re left running (or lifting) away from their problems, instead of through them.

 

The Role of Dual-Diagnosis Treatment in Healing

 

For young adults who are using exercise to mask depression or other mental health struggles, dual-diagnosis treatment can make all the difference. This treatment approach addresses both mental health conditions and any co-occurring substance use disorders, at the same time.

 

In a residential treatment setting, therapy can help them uncover why they’ve been leaning so heavily on exercise and teach them alternative ways to manage their emotions. With the guidance of a treatment team, they can develop a healthier approach to physical activity that supports—rather than masks—their mental well-being.

 

What Role Does Exercise Play in Mental Health?

 

The answer is both simple and nuanced. Exercise is a powerful tool for improving mental health, but it’s not a standalone solution. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, don’t wait. Reach out to Momentum Recovery’s dual-diagnosis treatment program to explore the best path forward. Because sometimes, what looks like strength on the outside is really a call for help on the inside.