I don't know what to do!

floridagirl7264

To start with, I'm bipolar. After 10 years and many, many medicine changes, my psychiatrist and I finally found the perfect combination of medicine. Unfortunately one of the meds causes intense sugar cravings and eating in general. I find myself going to get food without even thinking about it. Or I'll eating two of something for no reason at all. I get this "I don't care" attitude. I've already gained 10 lbs back. Stopping the med is not an option. I absolutely refuse to go back to the way I was, which was pretty miserable. I just don't know how to get a hold of this situation. I always think that I can drink a glass of water or chew some gum after I've already eaten something. Did I mention memory loss is a side effect of this med as well? Any suggestions?

PeachyCarol

Have you tried a low carb approach? It might help in your specific situation.

snowflakesav

My experience with struggling with mental health is the one thing that is a game changer is regular intense outdoor exercise. Fresh air, sunshine and endorphins. Defenitly add a daily dose. If you need to get a dog so that you go on daily dog walks then do so.

Think in terms of improving your self care. Nourish yourself and learn to find ways to rest that you really enjoy( so you don't end up bored and snacking).

runmama411

Agree on above post on outdoor exercise. Definitely a mental health must. Good luck and maintain those right combo drugs.

TimothyFish

I know nothing about mental health, but exercise seems like a good idea. If you're going to eat the calories, you might as well put them to good use.

futuremanda

Have you been on the medication long? Sometimes, side effects don't last. You could try to keep busy, not keep sugary stuff in the house, pre-log your food, and just have faith that this side effect will lessen or disappear.

And you can probably try to work on the "I don't care" and the mindlessness. It might take *work* but I doubt it is impossible to improve on.

I, too, find exercise very helpful in terms of my mental health. Adding in some extra walks, bike rides, etc might help keep you busy, work off some extra cals, and generally give you a boost. So another vote for exercise from me.

kamber13

Agree, agree, agree with the above posts about time outdoors, but I also think you can't be on the right combo of meds if you're experiencing such side effects as memory loss. I can't believe that's an acceptable consequence. I would go back and work more with your health professional

kelziemba

Hi. I'm also on medication for mental health. I can relate totally to what you describe. I have gained 5 stones in 15 months since going on the meds. My appetite was totally out of control. I would eat 6 slices of buttery toast as a snack, crisps and biscuits and giant fruit and nut bars also as snacks, sweets, massive portions.......

I'm now 2 weeks in to losing weight. I had convinced myself that it would be impossible on my meds, but now that I'm determined, I'm working hard to control my appetite and stick to my allotted calories.

I've just started (today) working out and I just know it will help with my mental health as well as my weight.

Good luck!

oedipa_maas

I'm bipolar too and am on a truckload of meds. Exercise, as others have mentioned, may help, as will other things that distract you. Sometimes I just wait 20 minutes before acting on an impulse, and that delay is enough to calm me down and figure out if I want to eat. One of my meds caused me memory loss too. I still preferred it to being unmedicated. Good for you that you found a combination that works! Side effects can be really difficult to manage. Practice helps. I've practiced dealing with my impulses, learning to exercise…establishing new habits and resisting "I don't care" is hard. But you've been through much harder, considering your illness. You can do this!

star1407

Do you guys go to mind? They can help with social activities to keep you busy, active and connect with other people. Distraction is an important tool. Have you asked your GP for help? Maybe dietician or even an appetite suppressant. I wouldn't normally suggest that but certain drugs make it really hard not to eat a lot more