depression and trying to lose weight

blueblonbee

trying to lose but depression has me not wanting or caring too, any suggestions?

April0010

I used to have the same problem. Have you tried visiting your doctor? I know you may not want to go the medicine route, but it has helped me tremendously. If you're not willing to go that direction, my suggestion is try to get that first workout over with. Once you start working out it becomes easier. Good Luck to you.

alortega730

i am always up and down with my mood but a time came when it was all down and i hated it. working out helps make me feel better and i started taking vitamins and fish oil and my husband has said that he has seen a big difference with my down and i feel it. sometimes you have to put everything else out of the way and think of you. start slow and you can add me and maybe i can help.

Srmmelson

I love the visiting the doctor idea! I would also suggest finding workout that you enjoy doing, (we have a ton out there to chose from!) and just enjoy doing something fun. If I'm in a bad mood (I know not the same as depression) I find that if I workout, I feel better. Start by doing something you enjoy and then focus on the weight loss later! Good luck!

VanessaGS

Try finding a pill that will lower your stress level. I used to take one, but can't think of the name right now. I felt no stress and it gave me energy to workout. Once you get in the routine it kinda sticks with you.

illecl

Exercise is my mood lifter. Particularly the sweat-producing kind like aerobics and biking. But only after it's over... I find it's a great antidepressant, best if I do it in the morning. If that doesn't work, I agree the doctor might be a good choice.

HMD7703

Some Doctors will prescribe Effexor for depression, which has a side effect of weight loss due to loss of appetite. You will need to speak to your Dr about this particular drug and if it is right for you.

On a lighter note, eating clean (no processed foods) may help to rid your depression as well as drugs and therapy. Many studies show that chemicals in processed foods can lead to a variety of medical conditions (vary by person). Cleaning up your diet may be a good first step that could only benefit you in the long run. And ultimately help with weight loss as well.

Good luck!

regina2063

go to the doctor for depression....stay logged into MFP for motivation and support....just reading the message board sometimes, bring a laughter to me from some of these posts...i forget im depressed and remember there is other people going thru the same thing as i am.

mfpcopine

I also suggest you see a doctor, and a psychologist or a psychiatrist. If drug therapy is recommended, make sure you tell them that you need to avoid medications that have weight gain as a side effect. Explain that this is not a matter of vanity, weight gain will only exacerbate your depression.

Try to find activities you enjoy, and if necessary, make them structured ones that you do with other people. It's not always easy to get out of bed if you are clinically depressed.

Good luck.

HighenSugar

I have had the same issue. I found I could cope better after I narrowed my depression down to the cause: I hated myself and how I looked. I recommend doing that first, if you feel like your depression is triggered by something else, beyond your control, then definitely see a counselor or doctor.

It's been hard, but like the other girl said, definitely do the first workout. I find I feel much better and more motivated after a workout (I only do Jillian Michael workouts out home, the gym intimidates me too much) and I only compare my results to myself. I try not to be like "well that girl lost 50lbs in 6 months, why haven't I???" because all that does is make me feel worse about my progress, when I shouldn't.

Once you workout a few times you start to feel really good about yourself afterwards and it gives you something to look forward to...I keep this in mind the days I try to talk myself out of a workout because I'm feeling down about myself.

I hope that makes a little bit of sense :flowerforyou:

Goingnuts2

I just mentioned this to another MFP member. I started taking SAM-E about a week ago and can't believe how much better I feel. It's not meant for all, so if considering please research it. I've had two emotional issues come up since I've been on this and couldn't believe how I didn't fall apart like I normally would have.

I've also checked out this site http://www.stress-relief-tools.com/muscle-relaxation-technique.html it - has helped me focus.

Get out and move, even if it's down you're street and back. Do you have MFP friends? It's amazing the support they give you.

Hope these and the above suggestions are helpful. Good luck on your journey.

emeralz

I too have depression, and for years didn't feel like doing anything for me. I can do anything for anyone else, but when it came to myself, bleh.. I didn't feel like it, and didn't care to be honest..
It was the point that I decided, I am tired of not caring, and tired of being tired of everything, time for me.

The first week I had to make myself (literally arguing with myself in my mind) to get up and move. After that week, guess what I realized?! Where did my depression go?!?! I wasn't numb, I wasn't sad. I actually felt Great!

Now I find that I can start to feel the depression like a weighted jacket coming down on me. I get on my stationary bike, and it's gone! My energy level is so much higher. I just feel so much better all around.

That first week, just force yourself to get on with it, do a little something and slowly add to it. I think you too will find that your depression sneaks away before you know it! Good Luck, I know you can do it!

CEQuick75

I've been diagnosed with depression for close to 10 years now. At the advice of several doctors, I have been on meds to help with it, but in my personal experience, they have done very little to help. I feel my depression is more due to my environment than mental issues. One big factor is my weight.

It's always best to check with a doctor for something like depression, but also I have found that exercising can turn my mood around pretty quickly. In fact, the days I skip tend to be days where I end up being down emotionally. You just need to push yourself that first time, and eventually it becomes a good habit with great results!

Good Luck!

kristyjoy16

Definitely go to your doctor. It really helped me. And do what you can manage. Sometimes I get intimidated on this site or feel like you have to keep up because members are running marathons and doing "shreds" (whatever the heck that is hahaha). Honestly, when I was feeling very depressed, I started doing a VERY gentle, slow yoga called pranayama. That helped me a lot. I also take a lot of walks which I find helps. And it counts as exercise too don't forget! Just believe that people care about you and want you to succeed.

75Juniper

Exercise helps a lot with mood. I hate to work out, but I make myself do it, and I always feel so much better afterwards. Too many carbs or too much sugar can also influence depression.

I used to have a lot of issues with this, but once I started incorporating exercise and cleaning up my diet, the difference was amazing. It doesn't take a lot, either. I still enjoy a reasonable portion of something sweet each day, and I do 30 minutes of structured exercise a day (as well as just generally being more active - taking the stairs, going for mini walks at work, etc.)

I know it's hard because when you are depressed you don't want to exercise or eat right, but if you take small steps each day, you'll build momentum until you find that the benefits of your healthy lifestyle motivate you to keep going.

LikeNoOneElse84

I have been there. I was diagnosed with Major Depression at about 15. I started losing weight last year and let me tell you, it was hard. I literally had to force myself to just do it. It was a rough start, but I will tell you, as soon as progress starts you will start to feel better. The better your diet and the more you exercise, the better you will feel. Now, that's not to say that your depression will go away, but it will get better. If you need support or a weight loss buddy, I am here.

lg3703

I definitely agree about the processed foods and chemicals... I always feel sluggish, tired and depressed when I eat it. Also its easy to feel down if the goal looks mountainous. I set small goals I know I can achieve like just making it thru the day eating healthy, going for a walk twice a week...once you see you CAN accomplish these you make new ones. Before you know it you will be so proud of yourself!!

Danhra

First I want to say I am not an expert or anything and agree with others to talk to your doctor, but I have studied psych pretty extensively; in particular neuropsychology and cognition and I just wanted to give my 2 cents:

I feel for you. Depression can be very crippling. If you fear the drug route (as I did) then I think exercise can actually play a big role in helping cope with depression if approached properly. Like others have mentioned exercise can be a major mood booster but goal fulfillment plays a major role in depression. Since many times depression is characterized by a feeling of helplessness then the way you approach the exercise could either be beneficial or harmful. Try not to focus on the end game or weightloss at first, make very simple goals, such as completing 3 workouts a week, or something that you is workable for you. Focusing on long term goals could actually make you spiral and just give up imo. When achieving a goal (no matter how minor) you brain releases rewarding chemicals which lift your mood as well as the endorphins released from exercise. It is all in the way you look at things, start small and view your goals as important (even if you have to force yourself to believe it at first). I hope everything works out for you.