Depression, anxiety and weightloss

Nakita369

Hello
I wanted to post a thread on health and mental health. I have secretly (well not so secretly now) been struggling with mental health. As a result I've put on 2 stone in the year going from 9 stone to 11. This have knocked my cofidence completely and motivation and i find myself getting into a vicious cycle constantly. BUT I'm really trying to fight and the first step is to acknowledge it which I'm currently doing. I now wanr to tackle the health side and would really appreciate some motivation. Likewise i would live to motivate other in a similar postion too. I don't normally put myself out there but I really want to start living my lifr as living in a constant state of what feels like survival is exhausting. Thank you K x

Okohme

When I first started working out and losing, I was pretty depressed. I have battled depression all of my life but this time it was differentbecause there were PP issues to deal with too. Long story short weight loss, daily activity and structure, along with fresh air and sunshine did me a lot of good, and I'm working on being a stronger healthier mommy. I hope it will do you good, too. Its not an easy road, but it's easier than being unhealthy and unhappy all of the time.

akilia112010

I've been depressed a lot more than usual lately so I'm also trying to battle that and losing weight at the same time. I kind of think that losing weight is the only thing that'll help me feel better about myself overall and not be so down all the time. I've gain about 50lbs in the last year because of this too. I was already overweight and now I'm in the morbidly obese category. Hopefully we all can make it and do better both physically and mentally as well.

jlscherme

I gained 70 lbs 4 years ago due to depression and the meds I was taking to combat it. I've managed to lose about 55 lbs of that. Some of that weight loss was due to more depression and not eating enough. I've subsequently lost a lot of muscle mass because of the rapid weight loss. Now I'm getting my meds straightened out and am working out more regularly. Starting to feel a bit alike my old self again. It is a vicious cycle but the first step is often the hardest. Once you get out there and start doing things that are healthy you will feel so much better.

allmannerofthings

For me regular vigorous exercise helps with the depression and with the weight. As hard as it is to get up and get started with the workout - I always have a better day when I do it, getting started is the hardest part.

fitoverfortymom

Is there a mental health professional you can talk to for help with coping strategies?

hope516

You are not alone. 1 in 5 people will suffer some sort of mental illness in his or her lifetime. However, it seems you have some sort of misguided shame associated with your depression and anxiety. I understand where it comes from but it is unnecessary. Would someone admitting they have arthritis, the common cold, or any other illness feel shame? Not at all. And neither should you. Depression is a disease like any other. It needs to be treated and is not your fault.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and as you can see they tie into one another. Getting the help you need for your depression will make the weight loss fall into place.

I think you admitting out loud that your weight gain is connected to the depression will be a big step for you.

I would love to be (and receive) any type of emotional support you need and can give! I too suffer from depression and anxiety and can relate.

avygyaru

Dude, speaking in stones, I've put on 10st -- almost a whole you-- over years of struggling with depression and anxiety and the gaining only made it worse. I'm a mom now and using the following as motivation:
In case of zombie apocalypse, must be able to carry 80 pound son on my back +20 pound supplies in his backpack) and run like hell without being eaten alive. Must also be able to climb up things to sleep up high out of zombies' reach.

So whatever it takes to motivate you and also distract you from the weight-related sadness, do that. And once you get into a rhythm, you'll find it a wee bit easier to think about the more emotional aspects. In my case, I'm not even ready to think about my idea of what is attractive and me then vs now. But I CAN think about being strong enough to do an obstacle race or slay dragons.

Good luck to you! Positive thinking works if you find the right focus.

edena001

Hey I'm the same as you, add me if you'd like
Just got to set that one main motivation. And go back to it.
I've also found in my bad depression points I've tried going to the gym when I'm upset to get my mind off it instead of eating the feelings away.
As for anxiety, a 24 hour gym has worked wonders! This means to get in you usually use a code, you don't have to bump into any staff if you go past like 9pm (usually). And they're usually not busy past 8/9.
It's also really good because when your depression keeps you up you can go to the gym to physically tire you so you can sleep or clear your mind

emeliamariea

My depression has been kicking my *kitten* this week. I'm thankful I am on antidepressants and am working with a therapist, but I know that working out & eating better will make me feel better- and have in the past.

That and sleep. The hard part for me is balancing when I need to sleep and when I need to go take myself to the gym.

avygyaru wrote: »

In case of zombie apocalypse, must be able to carry 80 pound son on my back +20 pound supplies in his backpack) and run like hell without being eaten alive. Must also be able to climb up things to sleep up high out of zombies' reach.

I love this so much. That's one of the reasons I starting working out again. I don't want to die in the first wave of the zombie apocalypse darn it!

fslumb

Hello my name is felicity, i have gone from Bulimic to Anorexic to binge eater to mummy! Gosh i feel ur hurt but recognising and trying to change is the biggest step in ur new life!! Add me if u like but the most important thing to recognise is that u have already made the first step!! Xx

Nakita369

The response from this threat is absolutely fantastic snd i just want to say thank you everyone who took the time out just to write to me whether it's to tell me ans bit of there story of to give me some tips. It's helped me to feel connect and helping me to keep acknowledge and hiding away from my difficulties. I'm hoping to kick mental health in the butt. I think I've been suffering for a while and being open is refreshing. It seem like exercise is help and the way forward. Any tips on getting started and getting into a exercise routine? x

Nakita369

@fslumb thank you very much for replying I've add you and im so happy that you reached out its amazing how empowering feeling herd can be

sarahmchugh07

I'm in the same boat with you. I take one day at a time, one task at a time and try to look at the bright side of things as much as I can. It's so nice to see you put yourself out there is great. We are ALL her to support!

Nakita369

@ameliamariea complete agree we need to be fit a ready for the zombie apocalypse. It's great to hear that's your are on medication and seeing a therapist I have recently reached out to a therapist myself and i'm finding it very helpful.

Nakita369

@edena001 thank you very much for the reply maybe we can motivate each other? I have recently joined a 24 hour gym to and once I'm there I really love it it's just the getting there.... I have found it useful to go in thr evening. But sometimes I find the classes better because the extra pressure of being around other exercising helps. How often do you go to the gym?

Nakita369

@avygyaru thank you so much for the humour. I think sometimes it ao easy to be down and let the negativity consume you. I Nedd to take a bot of your potive mental attitude and find a focus.

Okohme

Nakita369 wrote: »

The response from this threat is absolutely fantastic snd i just want to say thank you everyone who took the time out just to write to me whether it's to tell me ans bit of there story of to give me some tips. It's helped me to feel connect and helping me to keep acknowledge and hiding away from my difficulties. I'm hoping to kick mental health in the butt. I think I've been suffering for a while and being open is refreshing. It seem like exercise is help and the way forward. Any tips on getting started and getting into a exercise routine? x

I just started. I started walking. When walking got easy, I started jogging a little. Then running. Then resistance training. Now I'm trying to add in some weights. Some days I have to just go without letting myself think about it because if I do, I'm afraid I'll quit.

hrush1889

Hi! First of all let me say you are very brave to acknowledge your struggle with mental health problems on here. As someone who has similar problems, I've found it hard to tell most people about it. I definitely think depression and anxiety can add to weight gain. After i was out of college and moved away I struggled with depression and anxiety more than ever and also put on about 25lb and had no motivation to do anything about it. I couldn't control myself even tho I hated who I saw in the mirror. But you are so strong in taking this step! I've been logging daily for about 4 months now and it has helped a lot. For me watching my diet and exercise has given me control back of at least part of my life and it feels great. My advice is to not stress about it too much as far as weight loss in the beginning, small steps like incorporating some healthy food items (doesn't have to be all healthy just a couple snacks you may like). And figuring out when exercise works for you. For me I can't find motivation or energy in the morning to make it to the gym, I usually go after work (at like midnight) or even just taking walks when you have time in your day will help. Being outside and having time to relax is key. Hope that helps!

emeliamariea

I know that when I'm at home I binge watch tv. So, instead of binge watching it at home, I go to the gym and I'll hop on an elliptical or on the treadmill, set it to automatically change intensity every so often, and then watch my show either over wifi, or recently I discovered that Amazon Prime lets you download things onto devices and I'll watch those at the gym.

I'm doing what I would be doing otherwise, just working harder while doing it. It doesn't matter how fast or slow I go that day- it just matters that I'm doing it.

WillLift4Tats

For me, I had to take the time to not only acknowledge the depression, but to treat it and get back in a healthy mindset before trying to do anything else. That takes time, and it's okay. I couldn't focus on anything else besides that. Taking the time and effort to focus solely on my mental health helped me get to a good place where I could then feel confident in focusing my renewed energy elsewhere, like my diet and exercise.

Take your time, go slow, and be kind to yourself. This is a life-long journey and there's no rush to get to an imaginary end goal. There is no end goal. It's your life and your health.

Additionally, don't be afraid to reach out to those you trust in times of need. A good support system is so beneficial to your recovery. Best of luck!

P.S. I'll also add that while you are working on your mental health, buying cute new clothes that fit your new size will help your confidence in yourself. Personally, the depression was not helped by me feeling uncomfortable and unsexy in all of my ill-fitting clothes. And even though I had to buy bigger sizes, I feel so much better strutting around now than I did before. You deserve to feel good in any size while you work on yourself.

drivennightrunner87

jlscherme wrote: »

I gained 70 lbs 4 years ago due to depression and the meds I was taking to combat it. I've managed to lose about 55 lbs of that. Some of that weight loss was due to more depression and not eating enough. I've subsequently lost a lot of muscle mass because of the rapid weight loss. Now I'm getting my meds straightened out and am working out more regularly. Starting to feel a bit alike my old self again. It is a vicious cycle but the first step is often the hardest. Once you get out there and start doing things that are healthy you will feel so much better.

Have you tried Wellbutrin--it's an atypical anti-d that helps lift mood, motivation and doesn't increase appetite. It has kind of a stimulatory effect...so it's not the best choice for anxiety/taken later in the day. I thought it was OK overall.

honestly, it really depends what's causing your mood imbalance. For me, it was being overweight in itself (and factors tied to it--lack of self-control, prone to more acne breakouts, low confidence, social issues). So while taking meds made the day somewhat easier (in my case, it was Vyvanse which is fda-approved for BED), the root of the problem would never be fixed until i actually lost the weight/establish a better relationship with food and able to maintain a normal/healthy bmi range.

edena001

Nakita369 wrote: »

@edena001 thank you very much for the reply maybe we can motivate each other? I have recently joined a 24 hour gym to and once I'm there I really love it it's just the getting there.... I have found it useful to go in thr evening. But sometimes I find the classes better because the extra pressure of being around other exercising helps. How often do you go to the gym?

WHat me and my friend do (she lives in a different city) is we say we're going to go to our different gyms at the same time which helps motivate me, without someone expecting me to go I probably wouldn't go.
I try go to the gym daily. But it ends up being going to the gym for 10 days straight then 4 off because I'm out of town or away, so it probably evens out to 5 times a week.

I think going on a weekend is a good idea, the gym is usually dead even at peak times and it also gets you up and out on a weekend ! Then have your days off on your busy work or uni days ?

ladywishingstar

I recently gained about 30 pounds from depression and binge eating.. I used to suffer from anorexia and was okay for a long while till then. I started Low carb and lost almost all of it, but recently Ive just lost motivation, and at this point food doesnt even sound good to me, I just eat because im hungry, thinking about eating certain foods in general makes me nauseous idk why, its just not an okay feeling for me. I fell off low carb and want to get back on but idk

Nakita369

@hope516 thank you do my for thr reply. I would definitely love the motivation and support and have added you so thank you very much. Yes I would say I feel shame about it. I think because it such a private things for me and I have it episode then i always try and wait the episode out. So in the back of my mind im like just wait it out and don't talk about it. Your completely right someone who you can see as being physically ill i would be so hard on. That's why I really wanted to talk about it acceptance is a really big thing in movong forward

Nakita369

@sarahmchugh07 thank you for writing to me and being supportive. I great to see that people are responding about me speaking out and that just makes me feel 10 timed better. It's give me that little bit of movitation to move forward and helping wih accepting it. Would definitely love the ongoing support thank you

Nakita369

@fitover40mom hiya I have started seeing a therapist recently and it has been really helpful. We started to tackle the aspect of PTSD first by focusing on reliving and now we are using CBT to focus on the depression and self esteem. Before going to the sessions I never identified by self as having low self esteem but it is really connected to my core belief about myself. I have lost of rules and assumptions i live my life by. I should, I ort to i must. I working on trying to not see things in black and white. In my session this week and we are about 5 in finally admitted i was depressed. I broke down in tears it was such a bit moment for me. Not only does my mental health affect my weight but it affects my ability to be efficient in my job which ultimately made me feel worse and was keeping me in a cycle

Nakita369

Having an argument with my partner aways leads to wanting to ear my emotions..... Any tips on how to be productive when managing emotional situations right in the moment?

Nakita369

@allmannerofthings i find i know exercise is so good for me but I really struggle. I have recently joined and new gym and i really like the spin class especially when I do it before work as it sets me up for the day. However it starts 6:30 and im find I'm soo zing my alarm but I want to go and the feel rubbish thay i don't go

Nakita369

@jlscherme thank you for sharing you story with me and we'll done for losing 55lbs! I think one thing that I'm going to take away id that you can also gain weight from not eating enough. I was looking into how it put your body in to starvation mode. I was taking medication but I felt it didn't agree with me. Maybe it was hat specific one but it made me like a zombie. I working thing out through therapy at the moment and it seems to be helping. But I'm glad to hear that your sort your medication out and that it works for you. I guess differnt things work for different people just have to find your groove.

Nakita369

@akillia112010 thank you for sharing with me. I hope that we can motivate and inspire one another. I feel you that yes losing a bit of weight would impact on mood. I feel use to be more confident and comfortably when I was smaller. I can empathise the shock of moving up categories in terms of weight. I've always had BMI of 19-21 and have been in the healthy range however when I checked it recently I was mortified. I was classified as overweight. I know it mat not seem big to other and yes obese would be very difficult to but I was so hurt by it. I had alway been so sporty and had 4 pack and really looked after myself. I don't think I realised till I did my bmi and got on the scale at how bad things have got. I feel like I don't look like i have put on weight but I have. I was comparing picture then and now and it making me feel motivated. Definately trying to take a postive outlook on thinks as postivity type is key.