A Woman Woke Up With Extremely Sore Calves After Working Out Too Hard and Had a Meltdown Because of It

Exercise is one of the proven ways to cope with anxiety and other mental health problems. It makes your body release endorphins, often referred to as the feel-good chemical. 

However, being relatively new to exercising can make your body feel like it’s experiencing a bad hangover, but instead of a headache, it’s your body that aches. Most people would deal with this discomfort by taking a hot bath and perhaps getting a massage, but a Redditor who posted in r/TIFU accidentally had a meltdown over body pains. 

The original poster (OP) had existing mental health issues since she was a teenager and went through a journey filled with medication and psychiatric checkups. She had been medication-free for a while but had to resume taking them after being diagnosed with ADHD.

She recounted that she did not feel the effects of her medication but still tried to manage her emotions with the hope that they would work soon. Unfortunately, a series of unfortunate events did not help boost her hope at all.

So, she signed up for a new gym to improve her well-being and completed a challenging workout, even though she was a complete beginner. The next day, she was shocked by how sore her calves were and began to spiral into thoughts of being immobile.

This triggered the meltdown that led her to a very dark place. Fortunately, she had the presence of mind to immediately call her psychiatrist and had to double her medication.

In the end, she felt mildly humiliated by how her sore calves caused the meltdown but found humor in it the following day. She decided to share her story with other Redditors, who showed their support.

This is how OP thinks she screwed up

Ohquinn

OP has had a long battle

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A side note:

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Understanding Physical Responses to Exercise

The intense soreness experienced after a workout can trigger a variety of emotional responses, including panic and frustration.

Research in exercise psychology indicates that physical exertion can lead to heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, particularly for those who may not be accustomed to rigorous activity.

This can create a feedback loop where physical discomfort exacerbates emotional stress, leading to feelings of helplessness.

Fancy new gym

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Then the soreness of her calves hit

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This pushed her over the brink and triggered a meltdown

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From the perspective of stress response theory, the body's reaction to intense physical activity can resemble a fight-or-flight response.

Studies show that when individuals feel overwhelmed by physical sensations, it can trigger anxiety, especially if they have a history of anxiety disorders.

Learning to recognize and differentiate between normal physical responses and alarming symptoms is crucial for managing these experiences.

OP felt better after everything calmed down and learned her lesson

Ohquinn

There are a lot of things to unpack, and OP’s confusion about why her meds are not working can be linked to...

aghzombies

different trial and error when it comes to taking them

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Coping Strategies for Managing Post-Workout Anxiety

Developing coping strategies to manage post-workout anxiety can be extremely beneficial.

Research indicates that deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and mitigate anxiety responses.

Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, can further enhance emotional regulation and foster a sense of calm.

Despite it all, OP still manages to strive and take care of herself

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Along with taking care of herself, OP should closely monitor her moods, appointments, and medication effects

Ok_Detective5412

Having a meltdown is never an easy thing to recover from

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Establishing a gradual approach to exercise can also help individuals adapt to physical challenges.

Studies suggest that pacing workouts and gradually increasing intensity can reduce the likelihood of overwhelming physical responses.

Creating a balanced exercise routine that includes rest days can promote long-term adherence and enjoyment of physical activity.

Fortunately, OP took steps to feel calm afterward

Ohquinn

If OP still wants to return to working out, she could start with stretches to minimize the soreness afterward that contributes to her pain

char11eg

Taking it easy with how she does her workouts would also help

KrissyKrave

Well, this was an interesting story. Although the situation brought a feeling of humiliation to OP, the people in the comments showered her with praise.

They pointed out that it was normal to snap over something so minor after being overwhelmed by a series of unfortunate events on top of dealing with mental health issues.

Psychological Analysis

This situation highlights the emotional complexities that can arise from physical exertion and the need for self-awareness in managing those responses.

Recognizing the interplay between physical sensations and emotional reactions can empower individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding the psychological and physical responses to exercise is crucial for fostering a healthy relationship with fitness.

By developing coping strategies and pacing exercise, individuals can enhance their experience and reduce anxiety.

Ultimately, embracing physical activity as a positive outlet can lead to improved emotional well-being.