Therapy vs. Exercise: What’s the Real Antidote to Mental Health Struggles?

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In this episode, Dr. Richard Blake (@the_breath_geek) and Joseph Anew (@TheRUNGAGuy) go deeper than the usual therapy vs. fitness debate — questioning whether traditional therapy is even the best first-line treatment for many people.

We explore:

• Why SSRIs might not be the magic bullet we were promised

• How exercise could act as the “missing ingredient” in emotional healing

• The dangers of weaponizing “intention vs. impact” culture

• How plastic surgery affects mental health

• The real reason social connection predicts longevity

• Why men’s mental health needs movement, not just talking circles

With honest reflections, real studies, and no sacred cows, this conversation is a much-needed reality check for anyone navigating modern mental health culture.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Facelifts: The new PED for biohackers?
04:17 – Plastic surgery and its unpredictable impact on mental health
06:56 – Why your perception shapes your reality more than you think
08:32 – How outrage culture is making us miserable
13:05 – Does therapy really work? A harsh look at the evidence
19:45 – The dangers of therapy if you don’t actually need it
24:15 – Exercise, SSRIs, and therapy: Which one wins for mental health?
37:31 – Why men might need exercise even more than women
43:34 – Longevity and friendship: It’s not what you think
48:10 – New Age spirituality and narcissism: a slippery slope
55:06 – SSRIs: The dirty secrets no one talks about
01:08:04 – Why therapy needs to integrate sleep, food, sunlight, and fitness

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Plastic surgery and mental health:
  Cosmetic surgery can boost self-esteem when correcting major perceived flaws. However, repeated surgeries or seeking unattainable standards may worsen mental health.
  

  
  Liability Note:
  Mental health outcomes vary; cosmetic interventions should be pursued carefully and with informed consent.
  
  

• Therapy effectiveness:
  Meta-analyses show moderate effects for CBT and other therapies — but dropout rates are high and often unaccounted for. Therapy works best for those motivated to engage in the process.
  
  

• Exercise and depression:
  Exercise can rival or exceed therapy and medication for reducing depressive symptoms. However, exercise programs also suffer from high dropout rates.
  
  

• SSRIs:
  SSRIs have been found to produce modest effects for depression compared to placebo. They often numb both positive and negative emotions, and can cause significant side effects.

  Liability Note:
  Patients should consult their doctor before altering or stopping any prescribed medication.
  
  

• Contraindications for breathwork and intense exercise:
  High-intensity exercise and certain breathwork techniques are not suitable for individuals with cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, severe hypertension, or during pregnancy. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning.
  
  

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Stay Connected

Follow @the_breath_geek and @TheRUNGAGuy on Instagram for more grounded conversations on movement, mindset, and true transformation.