Creatine and lifting weights both show real promise for easing depression — but the science is more nuanced than a gym selfie.

The post is onto something. Other research has found that people with depression who took creatine alongside their regular medication felt better faster and more of them improved significantly compared to those on a placebo. Similarly, other research shows that adding creatine to therapy boosted mood more than therapy alone, with no extra side effects. On the lifting side, other research found that both heavy and light weight training helped people feel less depressed, and a large review of many studies backed up the mood benefits of resistance training. That said, these studies looked at creatine and lifting as part of a treatment plan — not as a replacement for medical care. The evidence is encouraging, but it's not the same as saying everyone who lifts will be depression-free.