I often hear the notion that if people with bipolar disorder just exercised more, they would be close to symptom free but that is simply not the case. Everyone who has bipolar disorder has a set of symptoms that differ in severity and type so generalizing what every individual person is capable of is not possible.

Exercise certainly can help in managing bipolar disorder. In my case, when I become aware that a depressive episode is starting, I try to exercise a bit more so that it does not get worse. When I exercise right when it starts it does not relieve my symptoms but if I do not exercise, I land in a bigger pit. Once I am in the pit it takes a long time to get out of it.

When people with bipolar disorder are having a severe depressive episode, the fatigues is so extreme that mustering enough energy to brush your teeth and take a shower requires a tremendous amount of will power. I often tell people in this state that if they cannot exercise then just try and keep moving as much as possible. Do your best to stay out of bed and even if you sit outside that is beneficial.

When my mood is low the best way family and friends can support me to be more active is by inviting me to join them to do an activity. For example, “I am going for a walk. Would you like to come?” would be a good question. It is important that the person who invited me to join them does the activity even if I do not have the energy to go with them.

I have had people in my life who are trying to be helpful tell me that when they are down, they exercise so I should do the same. Depressive episodes are not the same as feeling down. During depressive episodes you are not well. You have physical symptoms like aches and pain and extreme fatigue and exercise does help you get out of it faster, but it does not immediately alleviate the pain.