comment: >
  
  It cures depression in all animals (including humans) tested in trials. I doubt rats are benefiting from 'willpower' when they workout.
context: Your title and explanation of your view really are at odds with each other.
  First 
  
  I've read and heard multiple testimonies about how working out helped someone through depression or provided a gateway to other productive habits and ultimately a better life.
  
  This can be true,
  
  However, I propose that you will not start working out when you are at your lowest.
  
  And this can so be true. 
  You can be depressed, and not be at your lowest point. And being at your lowest point might look very different from person to person. And just because you are better than your absolute lowest point, does not mean you are "overcoming it"
  So you may be not at your worst, and still very depressed, and getting yourself out of your home and working out may help you to continue to get a better mental health. >
  
  Mind and body are connected.
  Working out releases endorphins which feel good.
  It may not cure depression, but physical exercise can absolutely help alleviate some of the symptoms and take the edge off.
  As someone who has lived with depression most of his adult life, I can promise you that getting the drive to work out was not already overcoming it. >
  
  I don't think op was denying that at any point, they just said that if you can find the strength to workout you probably aren't doing so bad that you thought you did. 
  When I'm depressed I have to fight with myself for hours to even go to pee. I'm definitely not in the mental state to lift some weights. I know everything that needs to be done, but it's like the commands my brain gives doesn't reach my muscles. >
  
  
  I don't think op was denying that at any point, they just said that if you can find the strength to workout you probably aren't doing so bad that you thought you did.
  
  By that logic if you can find the strength to seek out any means of treatment for your depression, you probably aren't all that depressed in the first place, so nothing cures depression because if you can make the effort to seek out a cure you're not actually depressed. >
  
  
  By that logic if you can find the strength to seek out any means of treatment for your depression, you probably aren't all that depressed in the first place, so nothing cures depression because if you can make the effort to seek out a cure you're not actually depressed.
  
  In a way, this is kind of true. It's why depression is such a huge problem.
  When you're deep enough, the solution cannot come from one's self. One would need a really good support system where other people essentially force you to get help.