Depression and Weight Loss

katieflaniken2017

Does anyone else have depression? I have big goals, and I'm less than 20 pounds from reaching them after losing more than 50 pounds. But when my depression hits, it feels like all my efforts are sabotaged. I'm pretty good about still working out, even if they're not as intense as normal, but my intake is dreadful. It's hard enough to get out of bed and take care of my kids. I can barely spend an ounce of energy on taking care of myself. My goals seem so far away when I feel this way.

Does anyone else have depression? How do you cope and continue to work toward your goals when life seems doubly difficult?

kd_mazur

Have you spoken with a doctor or therapist? If you are struggling to get out of bed in the morning perhaps they can help.

katieflaniken2017

kd_mazur wrote: »

Have you spoken with a doctor or therapist? If you are struggling to get out of bed in the morning perhaps they can help.

I have. I take medication, but even still every couple of months I hit a low. It doesn't matter. I've had this problem for over 10 years now. It's just part of my life. I'm just trying to understand how to juggle it as well as fitness.

aripley

Thanks for sharing. This sounds really tough! Even on my best days I can totally relate to the feeling of, "my goals feel so far away"! But you've already accomplished so much, having lost 50 pounds. That's incredible! You must already have some great strategies in place for those low periods. I'm curious what they are--maybe I could learn a thing or two from you!

Obviously you're the expert on your own life, but here are some ideas that pop into my head for low-mood days: keep lots of frozen or ready-to-eat meals in the house, research low-calorie fast food options, ask a friend or family member to help by taking the kids for a few hours or cooking a meal (just like you would if you were sick with the flu). Maybe it would help to set an intention on your low days that has nothing to do with calories. For instance, your intention could be, "today, I will be kind to myself." Or you could use a mantra like "It's not all or nothing" and keep saying it to yourself throughout the day.

hypodonthaveme

I used to be this way every 3-4 months hit a bad week where all I wanted to do is sleep. I found that if I opened all the curtains and let light in, sitting outside in the sun with a good a book really helped me. Sometime in life you just have to force yourself out of your slump. It's hard in the summer months because most of us keep our curtains shut to keep it cooler in our houses. But that darkness ( even with a light on) is dragging our moods into darkness as well. Force yourself to get outside first thing in the morning and again in the evenings if it's too hot. Do some stress relief exercises.

If your meds aren't working talk to your dr and see if it can be increased or switched to something that will work. Get your bloodwork done as well. If you have low iron you will become more tired and that will be the onset of depression as well. Get plenty of sleep during the night if you are able.