Depressed after physical exercise

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I’ve always experienced feelings of depression following physical exhaustion after working out. Could this be an aspie trait? The past years I’ve tried on several occasions to get healthier and more into shape by getting physical in various ways, but I’ve always given up these attempts in the end due to the negative emotions I’m experiencing. I’ve been on SSRI for depression the last five years, but I’ve always been told that physical exercise is a good “remedy” for depression. However, exercising seems to have the opposite effect on me, as I’m feeling totally deflated afterwards, as well as physically sick from time to time. It's like I'm getting drained on both my physical and mental energy at the same time.

So, could this be some kind of aspie phenomenon, anyone here experiencing the same thing? Any advice on how to deal with it? I really do wish to get into better shape and physical condition, but preferably not on the expense of my mental wellbeing.

Your profile does not state your age. Are you sure you are healthy enough for vigorous exercise? Maybe you have an underlying heart condition. Some people feel a "runner's high." I don't- just kind of tired and hungry, but satisfied. Sometimes I feel rejuvenated. Never depressed though (not more than usual, anyway). Actually exercise helps me combat depression.

I'm 24 and have no heart condition according to my doctor. I don't smoke and although I'm slightly overweight, I'm nothing near being fat. So I have no apparent health-related explanation to my negative reaction to exercising. I've always been clumsy in my movements though, and I suspect that my "body mechanics" are not what they should be...

Well, I typed out a big long response and hit submit and the website did not take it
So I will try again, but this will be a short version

Normally when people exercise, the body releases endorphins, this is what makes most people feel good after exercise.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphin
I am pretty sure your levels are out of wack. I would talk to the doctor that gave you the anti depressents, as your levels might be off, or this might be a side effect. While on medication like this it is always important to tell your doctor about things like this, as this is how they tell if the meds are working right and what dosage to give.
SSRI regulate your brains serotonin levels, that regulates your mood, so in turn it regulates your endorphin level. Maybe your levels need adjusted.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin

how long are you exercising? what are you doing for exercise?

i find i don't really get much of a mood lift from short periods of exercise, so try doing cardio for longer, i'd suggest at least an hour, and see if that's any better. i've had some very intense endorphin highs where i'm walking home from the gym and i can barely keep myself from grinning, but other times i've walked out there exactly as down as i walked in, sometimes more so if i didn't accomplish what i wanted to.

another thing, make sure you're hydrated and well fed, dehydration and starvation could contribute to the sick feeling you're getting after you work out. medication could also play a part in it. I know it's a completely different medication, but i find i don't get as much of a mood lift when i'm on dexedrine (for adhd) than when i'm not on it, so your medication could be playing a part in this. if it's a medication you're allowed to stop taking for a few days, which i doubt, then you could try skipping a few days (to allow your body to readjust to not having the meds) and then working out and seeing if there's any difference. if you're not supposed to skip any days i wouldn't suggest doing that.

other than that i don't know what to tell you

I agree with Beef, but I have to say I would not advise skipping a couple days, as they say the withdraw symptoms of a suden stop will make you very sick. When ever you feel it is time to stop the SSRI it has to be gradual as to not go threw withdraw, but I am sure you probably know that.

yeah, i'm only suggesting it as an option if it's a medication you can do it with. I can do it with dexedrine, at most i go through 3 days of mild withdrawal (first day i'm tired, sleep a lot, am lethargic, second and third day i'm mostly normal but sleep about 4 or 5hrs more than normal), but i doubt you can do that with most (or any, i'm not sure) SSRI's.

No one has mentioned the obvious response. Low Blood Sugar!

If you don't properly maintain your blood sugar level, it can drop rapidly, resulting in the following possibly symptoms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoglycemia):

You guys have come up with some good and valid points, but keep in mind that my problem primarily is about the mental bit – the physical exhaustion is after all somewhat understandable considering I’ve always been sort of sedentary and physically inactive.

I feel bad after physical exercise cos the only time I do it is at school, and then people are all yelling at me and stuff, so I guess it's not the actual exercise.

I never feel good after exercise. I think it's a crock.

I think nutrition is the key. You probably don't get enough to replenish what you use when you work out. This can cause headaches, depression etc.