Really struggling :(

Miss_Spooky

Hi everyone. Im trying so hard to eat better and exercise more but with my mental health issues its such a struggle Its like im stuck in this vicious circle I cannot seem to get out of. Anyone else going through this? I have 116lbs to lose and I know by losing it my mental health will improve so much. Can i ask, how do you all stay motivated? Im not ashamed to say i need any help I can get so please feel free to add me x

88olds

There's no way to stay motivated. Motivation comes and goes. Use periods of motivation to try to put good habits in place. Or do other useful weight loss work.

Good habits will help see you through periods when you are feeling down. When really up against it, summon some determination. Determination sees a project through to the end.

To lose 100+ lbs you need to think of ways to deal with discouragement. Calculate a livable downward trend, track your food, and prepare to spend the time to let the process work. If you read these boards much you find many people wrecked by their own brains. Usually due to impatience. Don't let this happen to you. Think long term but work short term. You can't make a plan to lose 100lbs. But you can make 10 plans to lose 10 lbs. But avoid any schedules. Time driven weight loss goals turn success, losses, into failure- not fast enough. In the end it will take exactly as long as it takes.

Just my opinion but our WL efforts are about as good as our tracking. Tracking is easier with good planning. There's always some useful work to do. When all else fails go for a walk.

tg16nullity

Great advice, 88olds!

Spooky, I don't know much about your situation or weight loss efforts, but I know depression personally. Try to use it as fuel. If you have time for a walk (or jog) right before sunrise, do it. A dose of nature/beauty and a feeling of accomplishment is a great way to start the day; a victory over whatever cloud hangs over you and a nice metabolism boost to boot.

Easier said than done, but try to focus on the victories rather than the scale. If you are eating right and being more active, that's a win.

Hang in there!

hollyegriffith15

Thanks for sharing thoughts on motivation. I feel like I've hit a plateau and I hear people say oh you are looking good and I thank them but the negative voice in my head is saying that I am not seeing the results as fast/consistently as a had hopes for. Then I get depressed thinking I'm being a jerk for complaining that it's not enough when every pound off and each change should be appreciated. I have changed sizes in clothes which should be a huge motivator but I keep thinking if I'm not continuing to lose weight I may stop pushing myself and backslide into old ways. Is anyone else feeling this way?

dseatea

It is a struggle and one I've worked through since about 10. Just not fun but the positives of staying on a plan really are worth it. I agree takes a lot to stay motivated. Sometimes just doing it Imp. Then it will work. Walks are essential.

DebLaBounty

Depression is a bi#@ch. Sometimes the voice in your head says not to even leave the house. The key for me is to get out of bed, drink a strong cup of coffee with cream, and dress in my comfortable walking clothes. I force myself out the door for a 15 or 30 minute walk. It is becoming a habit. Just opening my front door and stepping onto the porch feels like a major accomplishment! It will help clear your head, trust me.

I agree with the setting of small goals. Mine is to celebrate every time I lose 5 pounds. It might not show outwardly, but I worked hard for it so I give myself a pat on the back. Honestly, I look in the mirror and don't see a change but I know eventually I will. Keep going!

I've installed the Happy Scale app on my phone and input my weight every once in a while. Instead of showing all the fluctuations as a source of "failure", the graph shows the downward trend.

You can't necessarily will yourself out of a depressive episode, but you can ignore it for half an hour to take that walk.

besmith11

Think about WHY you are continuing this journey. I have my motivators posted all over my house in the form of pictures. I am doing this for my little nieces and nephew that have said that they want me around for a long time to come. Whenever I go to the fridge they are there. The scale? Their pictures are right in my line of sight.

I also concur with everyone that says track everything.