Struggles with eating and mental health

Becky_charles29

Hi all

I was diagnosed last year with bipolar II and ever since, I've been aware of patterns of my behaviour. When I'm up, it's great. I'm able to control my eating...eating for fuel as the world is great. I love going out for runs, getting up early to spin.

However, on the flip side, when I'm in a depressive state I don't really want to plan eating...I just want to eat what I want. I think that going out will cheer me up, or that pizza will make me feel better. To make matters worse, I get so tired that the thought of exercise shuts me down and I sleep most of the day when I can. It's like I can't physically move.

I was wondering if anyone on here shares my diagnosis, or perhaps suffers with depression who can give me some advice on what works for them. I have a health team around me, but they don't actually experience it. If I could just be in my 'up' state permanently I swear I'd have the body of a goddess!

Thanks for taking the time to read. I'd be grateful for any advice/support as I feel quite alone right now

larali1980

Hi, I also have bipolar II and it is not fun. I guess the thing to do would be get properly medicated first and then deal with things from there.

Personally, I want to start planning my meals very strictly. Eating the same breakfast, snacks and lunch every day so I get in a routine, and always having a healthy frozen dinner available in case my husband decides to order pizza for dinner. Checking out menu plans for all the restaurants we go to and deciding what I can eat in advance. Taking a "doggie bag" with me every time we go out to eat and immediately putting half my meal into it... if I wait till after dinner to ask for a doggie bag, I won't have any food left.

I would say that rest days are absolutely necessary sometimes. I've found that if I push myself too hard on days when my body/ brain can't handle it, it usually triggers several more really bad days with lots of crying and emotional exhaustion.

I understand your plight

musycnlyrics

I also have bipolar disorder and have experienced the same thing: success when I'm manic, no progress when I'm depressed.
I went to my doctor and got medication. It changed my life. It SAVED my life. I feel normal (whatever that means) most of the time and am able to better control my emotions. And with that, I can better control my eating. I still struggle with consistent exercise, but that's because I'm lazy
You can add me and we can keep each other encouraged.
Talk to your doctor and they will help you find some balance

crybaby1216

I have borderline personality disorder and I have found it very hard to stick to my plan. For me when I am depressed food comforts me. I am going to thearphy and trying to learn how to control my impulses I am making some progress but it is a hard journey and I have days when I fall back into bad habits. I understand I guess we just try to take it a day at a time and try not to beat up on yourself for slipping.

Becky_charles29

Thanks guys. I'm on the way with my medication. The severe ups are under control which my bank account is thankful for but we are still tweaking the meds for the depression bit. I know I've still got work to do with that but it's nice to know I'm not alone. And lovely to hear that sometimes you just need to give in an have a 'do nothing' day. Makes me feel less bad about essentially being a slob for the day. Thanks again. X