Mental Illness Support

brb_2013

Does anyone else have issues with asking for advice with mental health as it relates to weight loss efforts?

I have misgivings about asking for advice in any detail mostly because I know no one here can actually help (due to not being psychology professionals or doctors).

But most of my barriers to successful weight loss are my mental health issues. So when weight loss problems go beyond what to eat and how to exercise, where do WE go for help?

Please keep in mind that many people simply cannot afford the potential years of therapy to "fix" these problems, yet still desire support. Is there a forum for this? Not here I know, but elsewhere? I have found mental health, and weight loss, but not a decent community that includes both.

elphie754

If there is a mental health issue, professional help is required. As to not being able to afford therapy, there are tons of resources to help people gain access to the help they need.

ravi_tiwari_786

I think depression and anti-depression pills are the biggest reason of weight gain... The best way to deal with mental illness naturally is yoga.

elphie754

ravi_tiwari_786 wrote: »

I think depression and anti-depression pills are the biggest reason of weight gain... The best way to deal with mental illness naturally is yoga.

No. This can be dangerous information. Mental illness covers many different illnesses. While yoga MAY be helpful to some, suggesting it is "the best way to naturally" deal with a mental illness is just bad information.

brb_2013

elphie754 wrote: »

ravi_tiwari_786 wrote: »

I think depression and anti-depression pills are the biggest reason of weight gain... The best way to deal with mental illness naturally is yoga.

No. This can be dangerous information. Mental illness covers many different illnesses. While yoga MAY be helpful to some, suggesting it is "the best way to naturally" deal with a mental illness is just bad information.

Agreed. Wasn't even going to give this reply much thought.

Elphie, I appreciate your advice and I truly wish I could manage to do that for myself. I'm actually having a hard time finishing typing because my eyes are welling up but just the thought of trying to make that phone call terrifies me to my core for so many reasons. But thank you.

SoulOfRusalka

ravi_tiwari_786 wrote: »

I think depression and anti-depression pills are the biggest reason of weight gain... The best way to deal with mental illness naturally is yoga.

LOLOL. Don't forget that yoga is also the solution to chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia and cerebral palsy.

elphie754

brb_2013 wrote: »

elphie754 wrote: »

ravi_tiwari_786 wrote: »

I think depression and anti-depression pills are the biggest reason of weight gain... The best way to deal with mental illness naturally is yoga.

No. This can be dangerous information. Mental illness covers many different illnesses. While yoga MAY be helpful to some, suggesting it is "the best way to naturally" deal with a mental illness is just bad information.

Agreed. Wasn't even going to give this reply much thought.

Elphie, I appreciate your advice and I truly wish I could manage to do that for myself. I'm actually having a hard time finishing typing because my eyes are welling up but just the thought of trying to make that phone call terrifies me to my core for so many reasons. But thank you.

I am so very sorry to hear this because I know what it feels like. The first step is always the hardest, but I have never regretted making it. Reaching out is the best thing you can do. I know the thought of asking for help or admitting you might need it is terrifying but you don't have to be alone with whatever you are feeling/dealing with. Feel free to message me.

allenpriest

Check out new life ministries. It is a Christian ministry but these guys are legitimate counselors and psychiatrists. There are times when meds are necessary. There are times when we need to talk things out. Or both and all.

It's tough. I had some heavy baggage to deal with first before I could deal with weight issues.

ukaryote

brb_2013 wrote: »

Does anyone else have issues with asking for advice with mental health as it relates to weight loss efforts?

Sure. I hear ya.

Mental illness still imposes a strong stigma on anyone. My prescriber does not want to hear of life events. My psychologists do not want to hear of physical issues. My primary care doc states I am overweight and feels uncomfortable discussing mental issues. The three blind men describing the elephant. After a while I stopped asking how to target the mental issues surrounding weight management.

But most of my barriers to successful weight loss are my mental health issues.

Excellent observation. For almost everyone here all the barriers are mental. (There are people with significant physical differences that make the process difficult) Nominally mentally well people must change attitudes and habits. That is head work.

Clinical mental illness certainly can make it harder. Fer instance my depression. I will not ask here how to alleviate that condition much as I would not ask how to manage diabetes. I consult with professionals. You probably have your own medical professional posse. Here I can gripe a little and get support. So I do that.

Bluwaves1

I work in a mental health setting and the psychiatrists are being pro-active and starting patients who begin to gain weight because of medication on Metformin. Works for some people at least.

brb_2013

I'm sorry but this doesn't address my posting at all. Seems as though you read the title and then posted a reply without reading. I'm not asking for medical advice or even mentioning medication. I also purposefully wont disclose the mental issue so it's interesting to suggest a medication based on zero information.

Bluwaves1

OK, you have a nice day! I did read your post I and hope you find the answer to your mystery problem, wish you the best!

Basically it is up to you to solve your problems, however.

tara_means_star

It's true that, even though the issues of mental illness and weight/physical wellbeing overlap a lot, there is little in the way of support groups to address both issues together. The closest I can think of, and not a perfect match, is overeaters annonymous. They claim to not just address the weight and weightloss issues but also issues surrounding weight including emotional wellbeing. Other than that, the closest professional I can come up with (though not exactly what you asked for) is a health psychologist who addresses how emotional health and wellbeing impacts health and weight.

zoeysasha37

Just a thought, maybe start a mental health support group or challenge here on mfp And see if you can find other members that feel like you do.maybe if you found others, you guys could share uplifting stories or links to free or sliding scale mental health help in your areas. ( its just an idea I had to help you connect with others and share information )

starbuckaddict

Mental illness is rough. I have no advice or anything but I hope you can find something that will help ease things in your life and mind. *hugs*

zoeysasha37

ravi_tiwari_786 wrote: »

I think depression and anti-depression pills are the biggest reason of weight gain... The best way to deal with mental illness naturally is yoga.

" yoga is the best way to deal with mental illness naturally" could be an unsafe statement. This board has tons of lurkers and someone could read this and decide not to seek professional help and decide to try yoga instead. That would not be okay.

Carlos_421

I don't know of any forums dealing with mental illness and weight loss.

I will say from what I know that use of non-prescribed drugs never helps but only complicates mental health issues so stay clear of recreational dope (including weed).
The last thing you want to do to a mind that needs healing is to alter it with drugs.

vivmom2014

I have a nephew with mental illness. NAMI is an excellent organization that has resources, peer support groups, family to family support groups, and more. They are in every state. Maybe try giving them a call as a starting point.

I hate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Seems like the only way to eradicate it is to unapologetically speak up and seek help. Good for you for getting the conversation going. There is strength in numbers. I wish you well.

soulofgrace

brb_2013 wrote: »

Does anyone else have issues with asking for advice with mental health as it relates to weight loss efforts?

I have misgivings about asking for advice in any detail mostly because I know no one here can actually help (due to not being psychology professionals or doctors).

But most of my barriers to successful weight loss are my mental health issues. So when weight loss problems go beyond what to eat and how to exercise, where do WE go for help?

Please keep in mind that many people simply cannot afford the potential years of therapy to "fix" these problems, yet still desire support. Is there a forum for this? Not here I know, but elsewhere? I have found mental health, and weight loss, but not a decent community that includes both.

There is a thread in the general weight loss tab called "depression and weight loss." Sorry I don't know how to link it on mobile, but try a search. It stays up towards the top most days. You're right, there is no advice given there, but its definitely a thread where you can commiserate and maybe learn where you can find resources. A lot of people there have commented how helpful just reading the thread has been for them. It isn't a closed group probably so that people like us can stumble upon it and participate. I hope you get to feeling better. You're not alone.

PearBlossom9

elphie754 wrote: »

If there is a mental health issue, professional help is required.

No,no,no,no! You don't run to your psyc or therapist every single time you desire support. That is not how that works. We have to learn how to be content on our own. Yes, some of that can be worked on through therapy but a desire to have a place to discuss issues with folks that are having the same problems can be immensely helpful.

Since there are many different types of mental illnesses, it is somewhat hard to cover all mental health & weight loss in the same sort of forum. What I would suggest is seeking out something geared towards your specific issue. Say, if you just have depression I would look for a depression related group. If the group is large enough, you should be able to talk about weight loss. I happen to like Reddit for this purpose. They have lots of decent groups that deal with specific mental illnesses and lots of great diet related stuff elsewhere. For example, check out www.reddit.com/r/depression/

brb_2013

Bluwaves1 wrote: »

OK, you have a nice day! I did read your post I and hope you find the answer to your mystery problem, wish you the best!

Basically it is up to you to solve your problems, however.

Of course it is. I'm simply looking for resources to find others in the same sort of situation I find myself in.

I'm happy to report that this post did indeed help me compile a list of resources to look into, and even some like minded folks who reached out for mutual support. That was my purpose, to point out a lack of this dialogue and start it on a small scale to assist myself and others.

Also, reaching out for help online helped me reach out in person as well to my partner of two years. He's never before heard the depth to which my condition impacts me emotionally, and this is my first weight loss journey he's been around for. It's a difficult time and I appreciate everyone's advice.

pollypocket1021

brb_2013 wrote: »

I'm sorry but this doesn't address my posting at all. Seems as though you read the title and then posted a reply without reading. I'm not asking for medical advice or even mentioning medication. I also purposefully wont disclose the mental issue so it's interesting to suggest a medication based on zero information.

I think @Bluwaves1 was simply suggesting that some mental health professionals may be more aware of or proactive about weight than others. I think that is a valid and valuable contribution to the tread.

OP, I don't think there is a forum, per say, to meet the specific needs you mentioned. And if there was (and it was not monitored by professionals), I would be worried about the dialog that may transpire. Here, on this diet forum, people propose and endorse dangerous practices and absolute silliness (for instance, the above post on yoga...). The theoretical stakes are so much higher with regard to mental health. It can quite literally be a life-or-death thing.

firephoenix8

I definitely understand the struggle, even if mine might be different from yours. I think of it as that a great deal of my considerable internal fortitude is wrapped up in just staying alive, just breathing and getting up and going to bed and eating (anything). When I don't have the resources to do what apparently is supposed to be not that hard, whether it's brushing my teeth before bed or dieting or whatever, I remember that I'm engaged in a battle for my life every moment of every day, and that is where my energy went. (Incidentally, I use that when I wonder why I'm not further along in life as well.)

I guess without knowing what your particular struggle is and without being asked for specific advice, I would just say that as hard as it is, the best thing, the only thing, that ever worked for me was asking for help. I still fight it, it's hard to this very day, and sometimes you get *kitten* advice or treated badly, but for the most part even people who care and who've noticed there's a problem can't or won't help if they aren't given an opportunity. Everything that ever did make my life better started by me reaching out, which sucks when you can't or don't know who to reach out to, but still, it's the best thing I've found.

The only other thing I would say is I personally think mental health is more important than dieting, losing weight or exercising. If I really have to choose, I would pick feeling like I do now (which is still not wonderful) over looking beautiful or living healthy for a long time - or both - because feeling like I did would make beauty and health irrelevant. Literally irrelevant - I would die rather than live like that long term. So my personal view is that if dieting or counting calories or whatever is bad for your mental health, stop the diet. It'll always be here. It waited 15 years for me (maybe 20, if we're talking about the first time I felt fat) until I was in a place I could deal with it positively.

Billy323

Interesting question. I bet anywhere you look will tell you to address the illness and the weight loss will follow and that's obviously where your frustration comes from.

Maybe Google has what you are looking for.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2013/nih-study-shows-people-with-serious-mental-illnesses-can-lose-weight.shtml

LKArgh

brb_2013 wrote: »

Does anyone else have issues with asking for advice with mental health as it relates to weight loss efforts?

I have misgivings about asking for advice in any detail mostly because I know no one here can actually help (due to not being psychology professionals or doctors).

But most of my barriers to successful weight loss are my mental health issues. So when weight loss problems go beyond what to eat and how to exercise, where do WE go for help?

Please keep in mind that many people simply cannot afford the potential years of therapy to "fix" these problems, yet still desire support. Is there a forum for this? Not here I know, but elsewhere? I have found mental health, and weight loss, but not a decent community that includes both.

First you need professional help. There is no way around it. Not necessarily therapy, therapy is not even the recommendation for all mental health issues. But you need at least a psychiatrist you can trust, so you need to figure out a way to make this happen.
Since I do not know your exact situation, it is hard to post specific advice, but you can check https://www.nami.org/ and see if you can get help there, or check mental health support teams and groups in your area. Struggles with weight are common with several mental health issues, so if you become part of a group you will definitely find others who have been through the same.

aebigham

Mental health is a big obstacle for me.... it has gotten easier with medicine and therapy though...

catt952

Hey hun i understand how hard it is mentally to cope with life and weight loss. Is the logging an issue? I find it helps to just keep logging even if i'm too hungry to have a deficit that day. To be honest i sort of just eat how much i am hungry for and just log it. It is easier than forcing yourself to deprive yourself and try hit a exact number. If you keep logging onto myfitnesspal, this 'tool' almost becomes your partner in crime, your support. It's good to think of weight loss as a rest of your life sort of thing, i hope that doesn't sound scary.. but having a deadline for losing weight can worsen how you feel. I wouldn't cut out anything now that you don't plan on cutting out in future. If you want to have a life where you can enjoy the food you love, then let yourself have the food you love now, but log it, you will learn to trust your appetite and will not feel deprived. i know i majorly went off on a tangent, however i think you are fully capable of achieving anything you want if you stick your mind to it. Be gentle on yourself.

tara_means_star

aggelikik wrote: »

brb_2013 wrote: »

Does anyone else have issues with asking for advice with mental health as it relates to weight loss efforts?

I have misgivings about asking for advice in any detail mostly because I know no one here can actually help (due to not being psychology professionals or doctors).

But most of my barriers to successful weight loss are my mental health issues. So when weight loss problems go beyond what to eat and how to exercise, where do WE go for help?

Please keep in mind that many people simply cannot afford the potential years of therapy to "fix" these problems, yet still desire support. Is there a forum for this? Not here I know, but elsewhere? I have found mental health, and weight loss, but not a decent community that includes both.

First you need professional help. There is no way around it. Not necessarily therapy, therapy is not even the recommendation for all mental health issues. But you need at least a psychiatrist you can trust, so you need to figure out a way to make this happen.
Since I do not know your exact situation, it is hard to post specific advice, but you can check https://www.nami.org/ and see if you can get help there, or check mental health support teams and groups in your area. Struggles with weight are common with several mental health issues, so if you become part of a group you will definitely find others who have been through the same.

Actually, for most mental illnesses I'd recommend you "at least have a therapist" before I'd recommend you "at least have a psychiatrist." For most illnesses, medication isn't a primary intervention but should be used as an intermediate intervention to help lessen the symptoms of mental illness while you work with a therapist to learn skills. Doing so can help many people eventually come off of their medications (though not always and should be done under supervision). Psychiatrists, thought trained in counseling, are notorious for focusing exclusively on pushing pills. Not all, but I've worked with a ton of psychiatrists and can tell you that medication is their primary concern. Mental illness can often be managed without medication, with less medication, or without long term medication use. (Again, NOT all and no one reading this should think that if they are on medication they should suddenly come off. THAT is dangerous.)

chastity0921

It's hard to answer where to go without knowing your mental illness. Depression would need different treatment than PTSD or an addictive disorder. But, I think it is fair to say a therapist, LCSW, psychologist, psychiatrist would be a place you could go to get answers to your questions. When money is an issue, look into medical insurance from the state (for some illnesses), to churches or cathedrals, to doctors who bill on a sliding scale, to universities. Receiving some therapy may help with the illness, and also with the weight loss. Not sure if you meant that you couldn't afford the time or the money, but if it is the time you are speaking of then it may be worth it if your sanity is on the line.

brb_2013

chastity0921 wrote: »

It's hard to answer where to go without knowing your mental illness. Depression would need different treatment than PTSD or an addictive disorder. But, I think it is fair to say a therapist, LCSW, psychologist, psychiatrist would be a place you could go to get answers to your questions. When money is an issue, look into medical insurance from the state (for some illnesses), to churches or cathedrals, to doctors who bill on a sliding scale, to universities. Receiving some therapy may help with the illness, and also with the weight loss. Not sure if you meant that you couldn't afford the time or the money, but if it is the time you are speaking of then it may be worth it if your sanity is on the line.

It's the money unfortunately. But I'm seeing my doctor in the next week to see if he has any ideas that won't be as expensive as a therapist.

tara_means_star

I'm not sure which state you are in but there are usually agencies and even private practitioners that will do sliding scale for financial difficulties. You may not feel you need or want a therapist but if you do, there are usually options that won't break the bank.