Weight Loss And Depression

anl90

Hi all,

So I am someone who battles with chronic depression, amongst other mental illnesses. I always do well for a while, and then my depression or anxiety or whatever start taking over, making me go right back into my unhealthy habits. Are there any others in the same boat, and if so do you have any suggestions? I am just really feeling hopeless. Thanks in advance, y'all.

hraasch12

YES! I am in that boat with you. I do well for 2-3 weeks, my longest run was 3 months. Then something happens and boom I'm right back into my old habits. I'm really trying hard to get started (and not stop) with exercising more consistently as that's supposed to help with the depression and anxiety I struggle with. I just keep on keeping on, hoping that one day it will stick

I'm currently trying to come out of that homeless feeling myself. The thought that I'm just destined to be obese for life has crossed my mind several times this time around.

kommodevaran

Comfort eating is pretty normal, and rebound overeating too, after restricting too much, as well as the feeling of loss of control from all-or-nothing/black-and-white thinking.

My suggestion is to use your food diary, fill it with food you like, hit your calorie target, eat and enjoy, and fight tendencies to perfectionism, while practicing some patience and gratitude exercises, maybe even meditation.

HeatherClose

Hi, all! A couple thoughts: Tara Mohr's book Playing Big (I listened to the audio book since having time to read is a challenge for me.) has many simple, functional, and effective thoughts on supporting yourself through any life-change. She shares details about her own struggle with emotional eating and her relationship to food. One of the many gems Tara presents is convincing research that self-discipline is a concept that has no foundation in evidence-based research!

What is proven to work is self-compassion, making changes your default, and supporting your spirit and your goals with all the means at your disposal. She also shows women how to quiet our amazingly wicked "inner critic," so we can get to the real meaning and joy we were all meant to have.

Get a copy from Amazon, B & N, or your local library. You won't regret it!! Some of that self-hatred and depression can be eliminated by developing simple habits that manage the hyper-critical chatter that often harasses us night and day!

try2again

This is my biggest challenge... I have pretty good habits overall, but go through those down periods when I just can't bring myself to care about making good choices & staying within my calorie allowance. I wish there was an easy solution, but there's really not. Personally, I try to take advantage of the good (less bad?) times to build good habits and pursue a calorie deficit. As someone mentioned above, do so in a reasonable way- not severely restricting calories or trying to overhaul your entire diet. Then when the low periods hit, it seems to be a matter of minimizing the damage and doing the best I can. I keep logging, and try to stay within maintenance calories. Doing this, I've been able to lose a considerable amount of weight over the past decade or so and *mostly* keep it off with some occasional short-term regains (30 lbs off, 10 lbs on, 20 lbs off, 10 lbs on, etc). It definitely requires some persistence & patience, but we can make progress.

Dealing with the depression is really the biggest thing. I copied this list from a previous comment I made on another thread of things that have helped me (of course, a person is wise to seek professional help as well):

1) Fish oil. At least 3000 mg. I started taking it when I read about it in a book from our insurance company. I don't feel amazing on it or anything, but when I don't take it, things get really ugly really fast.
2) Vitamin D, as has been mentioned. I've also read excellent things about SAM-e and niacin, but haven't tried them yet.
3) Exercise. I have a recumbent exercise bike and walk when possible. I used Leslie Sansone walking dvds a lot (which have the added benefit of some positive mental messaging), but have since developed a problem with jarring exercise. I think the real benefit in using the bike & walking is that I put on my favorite fast, upbuilding music with it and it gets me out of my own head for a while.
4) Getting out. I can't always bring myself to do it, and when I do, sometimes it takes almost everything I have. Isolating yourself is the single worst thing people like us can do. Even when I go to the grocery store and have to chit-chat with the check-out girl, it helps. A commitment is a good thing- somewhere you are obliged to go/attend. Whether it be a class, school, congregation, or community activity or some pitiful part-time job. It's not the activity, it's that it requires you to interact with others instead of living (and complaining) in your own head. Often you have an opportunity to listen to someone else's problems, or do something kind for someone, which is a *huge* boost. Even though sometimes I'd rather have a tooth pulled than go somewhere, I never come home regretting it.
5) A balanced diet with less fast carbs/sugar (dramatic energy swings).

Wish you the best- just don't give up

maybe1pe

I struggle with anxiety issues that sometimes send me down this route.

Currently am stuck in a "why am I even doing this... it's taking forever...it's annoying..." cycle.

I've found that speaking to a therapist about this has greatly helped. These periods of time happen less and less since I've started seeing her. So I would seriously recommend that.

What I do:
1) getting out of the house like was mentioned above. I have standing plans with one of my friends. Every Tuesday, whether we feel like it or not we hang out and make dinner and watch and movie and I can honestly say neither of us has ever regretted doing it even when we didn't think we wanted to.

2) made an exercise routine and stuck to it even when I don't want to. I always joke and say I made a commitment to my dog to walk him every day as long as it wasn't too cold/hot for his feet. And I do it. I actually sat down and literally said the words out loud to my dog. Which I know sounds crazy but it was a commitment and I made it and I stick to it even when I really don't want to.
I also wrote myself a workout calendar and unless I'm seriously sick or injured I stick to it and at least do 15 minutes. I might not do the whole thing but I will do at least 15 minutes.

3)Keeping my diet in check. I feel like *kitten* when I eat too much junk, or eat out too much. So even when I don't really want to I try to keep myself in line, knowing how that McDonald's will make me feel later is incentive not to eat it.

4) as mentioned above I see a therapist, not often once every month or two but she helps me have a safe place to work through my anxiety

anl90

You all are so awesome, thank you for the input! I am currently working with my psychiatrist to get set up with a therapist, so I hope that helps. And I think the fact that there is no snow on the ground anymore will help motivate me to start walking again. I am just such a Debbie Downer about everything in life. It sucks. lol

lois1231

I also struggle with anxiety and depression. you are not alone

shenanigans_

anl90 wrote: »

Hi all,

So I am someone who battles with chronic depression, amongst other mental illnesses. I always do well for a while, and then my depression or anxiety or whatever start taking over, making me go right back into my unhealthy habits. Are there any others in the same boat, and if so do you have any suggestions? I am just really feeling hopeless. Thanks in advance, y'all.

No suggestions, I struggle with this also. Hugs.

hbratset

I have bipolar depression and anxiety. I am just coming through a long bout, but got really good therapy and medication and am starting to get my motivation back to start logging, and start trying again. I don't have any good advice besides maybe talk to a therapist and start getting some good cognitive based exercises you can do when you are emotionally down. I have been listening to mindfulness/body scan in the evenings as I lie in bed because of the anxiety makes sleep difficult... my mind goes in a million directions. That has been a positive thing. Try to go for a walk when you are really down. It sounds cliche, but getting fresh air and concentrating on nature or your surroundings can lift you up. Medication has been a really big help for me as well. Good luck... being depressed really sucks, and sometimes hard for people to understand. I think logging and trying to stick to your plan can be uplifting too. I have been limiting my sugar and feel like I feel a difference in my attitude and energy level.

birdenerd

I struggle with anxiety and depression too. I've been afraid lately that I'll give up on weight loss next time my depression gets really bad again because that's part of what's stopped me from reaching my goals in the past. I'm working on getting mental health help, making sustainable lifestyle changes that hopefully I can keep up to some extent even if things get bad again, and making sure my body is getting what it needs (water, movement, vit D etc).

The above advice all seems really helpful. Best of luck to everyone

JaneQP

B vitamin complex and zinc and cutting out all added sugar helps my anxiety and depression considerably.

MarilynTC

I have major depression disorder and it got easier to avoid that cycle for me once I was on the right med (for me, Trintellix). I don't really have days where I get quite as low anymore. But I also have a notebook with inspirational messages in it that I turn to when I need a boost. OK, my husband brings the notebook to me and makes me look at it. Or I blast some of my favorite music and just chill to it until I am feeling a little better. Or read a book to one of my kids - that usually perks me up, bc we snuggle on the bed while we read.

gevaisa

ooooh gurl yes, i suffer from depression + anxiety + other mental illnesses. the only way i've been able to cope so far is to only restrict calories. any type of exercise is not feasible when i'm in my bad spells, so i've stocked my fridge with frozen vegetables/fruits and canned/dry goods in the pantry. i also keep a jug of water next to my bed. my depression meals consist of like, avocado toast or ramen with a bunch of veggies. that way i'm not trying to fill the void by eating junk food/ordering out. it's been a bit comforting actually knowing i have one (1) thing i can control in my life right now. when i have the motivation i go on walks and listening to podcasts. having a friend to drag you out of the house is helpful, and trying to go outside as often as possible is the goal.

i've added you as well! solidarity ✊

katyisacat

Just wanted to be another person to reach out and let you know you're not alone. Mental illness is a huge part of the reason I let things get so far and kept up unhealthy habits. Now I'm trying to learn to cope with that and live a healthy lifestyle at the same time. I sent you a friend request in case you're interested in some support from someone who knows a lot about what you're going through. ❤️

cedhome

I have been suffering from depression, anxiety and ptsd. I have the same issues, good for a few days then depression amps up and I fall back into old habits. It is good to know I'm not alone now. Hope to try some of your suggestions.

theabsentmindednurse

Gut health is linked to overall good health and is particularly linked to mental health.
I take a Probiotic tablet daily, brew my own Kombucha (Fermented tea, eat Greek yoghurt and sauerkraut.
This creates good but bacteria and a high fibre diet feeds the bacteria.
Self love and self care is so important.
Take this journey a step at a time and a day at a time.