Possible depression HELP?

ACowboyKid

Hey guys,

So I've been here for I believe over a year now. Last summer I lost a ton but regretfully had to pull my attention from my health to focus on another person's in the fall. Since she has recovered I've been trying to get back on the ball but unfortunately I think I might be struggling with some emotional issues. Maybe its depression? Maybe its not? I've been swinging from extreme highs and extreme lows to the point where my girlfriend is baffled because its coming out of complete nowhere. I'm a emotional, boredom and social eater so this is going disastrously for my health. I'm almost back up to my highest weight EVER at 207lbs!! Which is making things worse.

Can anyone offer any tips? Anyone else have this problem but get through it? Just anything would be appreciated.

backtobeinghot

you dont get any medals for soldiering on - after my two brothers died I went to the doc's and have been on prozac 5 times over the last 15 years, I know a lot of people think it's a scary drug, but it really works for me, no manic highs or lows I just felt like the big black cloud over my head just moved over gradually, still feel down, still feel up, but in a more normal (!) kind of way. So, suppose the point of this is to say, go see your doctor, it may even be a hormone thing - point is, you need to speak to somebody qualified who can help you.
Laughing here keying this - i'm one to give advice - joined up three wks ago weighing in at a hefty 220lbs, have not lost a single pound and this is the first time I have posted......! Anybody got any advice for me

acman145acp

Its tough the only real options are get a doctors help
Or keep putting on your boots and go on

Wish i had some great words of wisdom but i just dont think they exist

1shauna1

It's hard because often the weight is the cause of the depression, and then you gain weight because you're depressed. It's a vicious cycle. Can you see your doctor? Maybe an anti depressant would help; I've been on them in the past and they really can help (don't feel ashamed about having to take them, or even asking for help).

BBBBennyandtheJets

I think I have been depressed for 4 years now. It's really not fun. Lately I've been getting random mood changes and I'm very emotional and even suicidal at times. The funny thing is I don't even know why. It's hard to try and overcome and look past these feelings when that's all that you feel. I would suggest seeing a doctor or even a therapist or someone to talk to. If I have the courage I might go see one myself. My best friend is in the same boat and he's currently seeing a therapist and she is prescribing him something.

labarile

I empathize greatly with your situation. I had been on antidepressant medication for 10 years. had to stop because I couldn't afford the doctor bills or the medication anymore. I have gained 10 lbs a year for the last 7 years and am now up to 210 lbs. I can't afford a gym and my work schedule keeps me from other activities I had previosly been involved in. I also recently moved to a new area and have not found a good place for the nightly walks I used to take.
I cry every day. every day I try to put on my big girl panties and just do what I have to do.
If at all possible I would suggest you see a doctor. therapy and/or medication could help.

luztrella

You might try niacin supplements. I've read some really great things about them in respect to depression. I went off of my antidepressants and started taking them and have really noticed no difference. Do a google search. It probably wouldn't hurt and you can still go to the doc if it doesn't work.

jakenfred

Hello there!
I've been on antidepressants for years now, and I feel great. My advice is this: see a psychiatrist and get a proper diagnosis. If you do need meds, make sure you get them prescribed by a psychiatrist, not a GP, as you need to be properly diagnosed first. This is important. Also, talk to your doctor about your weight gain issues, as some antidepressants and other psych drugs can cause weight gain. Some can cause weight loss, which would be a plus for you. Next, get to a support group! I cannot stress this enough. I used to facilitate a group for anxiety spectrum disorders which includes depression and OCD. This group was a life saver for me. Next, read any literature you can get your hands on. There are many books out there as well as videos. Also, there are on-line sites that often include on-line support groups. Try: http://www.adaa.org/ . Good luck!

BamaGirl_Tricia

I suggest seeking a doctor's help. Depression is an illness, just like any other thing, e.g. blood pressure, heart trouble. Medical advice is the ONLY solution. Just don't wait TOO LATE that it causes something else, e.g. hallucinations, loss of appetite, loss of social activity. PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE!!

NeuroticVirgo

I feel you. I lost a good portion of weight on MFP and then got depressed over Christmas last year...and its been a struggle ever since. I agree with people here that seeing a doctor really might be an option worth looking at.

I've yet to go to a doctor, I've just never felt comfortable with it. But I also don't want to be stuck like this much longer! I did have a a few good weeks a little bit ago when I bumped up my exercise (endorphins!), but when I stopped exercising so much I got down again. That is another idea you can try. I was doing about 2 1/2 hours of exercise a day. :0/

Good luck!

sjbangs

I work with a natural health practitioner. I gained a lot of weight this summer and was diagnosed as bipolar. They started me on mood stabilizers, but I don't like being on meds, and a lot of anti-depressants and mood stabilizers can make you gain or keep you from losing weight.

I'm working on a weight loss documentary now aimed at teaching people how to lose weight in a healthy, natural way (no drugs, no quick fixes) and how to focus on correcting imbalances by using food and natural supplements.

Anyone, feel free to message me for more info.

And hang in there. Depression sucks. but it can get better.

Jaimehathcock

I also eat when I am depressed and eat more cause I am depressed that I keep eating... Y gotta use these tools to snap out of it! Seems like a lot of people here really care

divalivious

You obviously been through a bunch and from the sounds of things you could be. But like most say its best to see your doctor and be 100% honest with them about your symptoms. For they might give you medications or assign you to some support groups that will get you over this bump.
Also keeping a journal of your emotions your highs, lows, what was oging on, how long they last etc, so when you go into the docs they can see if there is a pattern with them. Have your gf keep an eye on when those pop up and make a note or two in case you miss something.
Good luck

Chelle_Davis

Had similar issues and found out I was bi-polar. Once I got on the right meds, my whole entire world changed. I felt more in control of myself and was able to focus on what was important. If worse comes to worse, go see a doctor!!!

BlueInkDot

My advice is to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. The doctor will probably refer you to a therapist or prescribe something for you that will help you out.

One important thing to realize is that this is not uncommon. You are not alone. It is fairly common for adults to take some kind of medication to help them have a higher quality of life. So don't feel like you're weird or abnormal because you're not. That's how I felt when I first went to the doctor's about my depression. But my doctor told me that this is very common and not unusual at all. And now that I take a medication, my quality of life has improved significantly.

My guess is that you have bi-polar disorder? I'm not sure what medications are out there for bi-polar disorder, but I'm sure there is some kind of medication out there that can help you out. Your doctor would know.

Just do whatever you think would help most - most likely either therapy or medication. Good luck, and I hope you find what you need to feel better.

Toddrific

To reiterate what others are saying, talk to a doctor.

If you do discover you have long term depression (as opposed to just feeling down temporarily)
I'd suggest not to just do pills, but also see a counselor/therapist.

Cognitive therapy is a wonderful thing and it helps break thinking that leads to a downward spiral.

Also, exercise, helps tremendously.

Edit: In addition, make sure you are getting enough fat, and try to get some omega 3s in, it seems they might be linked to mental well-being.

cmriverside

Well, we've gone from Niacin to bipolar. That's about it for the MFP Psychiatry Department. That will be $375. :laugh:

amkelley

Exercising is what helps me climb out of depression...walking, dancing, biking, etc.....2 times a day and Im in better spirits and all around happier....it sends out the happy endorphins that make me happy...good luck!!!

AbsoluteNG

Take Omega 3 fish oil on a daily basis. It will help and stop the headaches if your depression has progressed that far.

Crystal_Pistol

My vote goes to seeing a professional for an evaluation.

Donnacoach

I have suffered from depression for many many years. See your Dr. and talk to her/him about how you are feeling. Please don't wait, for your own peace of mind. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself busy and motivated. Taking a great walk or working out
always puts me in a better frame of mind. Also, do you keep a journal? Write down how you are feeling on a daily basis. It gets
it out of your system and it honestly does make you feel better. Good luck.

JacksMom12

If you're experiencing manic and depressive swings, could be bi polar disorder. You Said you go from extreme highs to extreme lows. I'd definitely go get properly diagnosed by a professional. Not just a GP, either. The right meds can change your whole world around if it is BPD. Good luck :-)

oahugirl

Hi! So sorry to hear you're feeling this way. I have suffered from depression and anxiety disorder for 15 years. I encourage you to see your doctor as there are meds that can help. I will say, in addition to the meds, the two things that have really helped me have been exercise and more importantly, cutting the bad carbs out of my diet. I know it sounds crazy but since i went on Atkins my drastic mood swings (even while on meds) have stopped and I am much more positive about life. Maybe it's just me but there's something about the sugar and processed carbs that really mess with my mood. I also take a supplement with Fish Oil and Flaxseed each day which seem to help. Please, please know you're not alone. Feel free to friend me and reach out if you have any questions/need support. It's a long, rough road and the meds, exercise, diet, etc are by no means a "solution/cure" to depression but they can help a ton. I'll be thinking of you and please reach out if I can help! Hang in there...things will get better!

kdeaux1959

If you are having both highs and lows, you may be dealing with Bipolar disorder. There are several types of this disorder but both manic (or hypomanic) -- highs and depressive lows are prevalent in the disorder. If you think that you may be experiencing this, it is a medical condition that really needs medical attention... Some try to weather it alone and to one degree of success or another.

I would recommend...
1. Write down what you have been experiencing and for how long
2. Take it to your doctor or better yet a mental health professional

Treatments for this disorder will be some combination of medication and/or talk therapy most likely.

All that being said. If you decide to go it alone, DO NOT HESITATE to go to the E.R. immediately if you have any thoughts of self-harm.. This is not normal and it is far better to be safe than sorry.

cassieko

I understand - this happens to me, too. I have an anxiety disorder and go through bouts of depression (usually around my birthday!) Ihave been on antidepressants before, too. I don't like taking medication and luckily for me I can manage without - some people can't, and that's fine. We're all different

Anyway, what I do is try to avoid things I know will trigger my anxiety and depression. When I don't sleep enough, it gets worse. When I have too much caffeine, it gets worse. Drinking too much makes it worse. Exercise makes it better. Fresh air and sunshine makes it better. Going tanning makes it better (yeah yeah).
Amazingly, things I do when I'm already stressed (no sleep! Coffee!) make the stress worse, and when I start to take some time for me (a nice walk!) it helps me manage.

Keep track of your moods and see if you see a pattern. You owe it to yourself to get this under control - if lifestyle changes an do it, great. If not, then go talk to a doctor. Life is too short to feel miserable.

Pifflesmom

It's hard because often the weight is the cause of the depression, and then you gain weight because you're depressed. It's a vicious cycle. Can you see your doctor? Maybe an anti depressant would help; I've been on them in the past and they really can help (don't feel ashamed about having to take them, or even asking for help).

This x infinity. Plus 2. Please see your doctor and discuss this with him/her. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of and it CAN be treated! Good luck.

Lib_B

Hello there!
I've been on antidepressants for years now, and I feel great. My advice is this: see a psychiatrist and get a proper diagnosis. If you do need meds, make sure you get them prescribed by a psychiatrist, not a GP, as you need to be properly diagnosed first. This is important. Also, talk to your doctor about your weight gain issues, as some antidepressants and other psych drugs can cause weight gain. Some can cause weight loss, which would be a plus for you. Next, get to a support group! I cannot stress this enough. I used to facilitate a group for anxiety spectrum disorders which includes depression and OCD. This group was a life saver for me. Next, read any literature you can get your hands on. There are many books out there as well as videos. Also, there are on-line sites that often include on-line support groups. Try: http://www.adaa.org/ . Good luck!

^^^^ This. I have also spent years on them. I didn't not want to be "dependent" on a pill to make me feel better and so I attempted to stop taking them a year ago with really awful consequences. Then my wonderful husband put it in perspective for me. He said, "This is an illness. If you could will it away, would you?" To which I said, "Of course!" He continued, "Then why hasn't it worked? If you had diabetes, you would treat it. If you had heart disease, you would treat it. You are sick and there is no shame in treating it."

And I haven't questioned staying on my meds long-term since. It's way better than the alternative for me. Some people are able to be on them short periods of time, others, like me, need them long-term. Whatever the case - get to a psychiatrist and see if you need something to help you through this time or if you would just benefit from counseling. Either way, you need to speak with a professional for a diagnosis. And I promise, it does get better.

Elzecat

Hello there!
I've been on antidepressants for years now, and I feel great. My advice is this: see a psychiatrist and get a proper diagnosis. If you do need meds, make sure you get them prescribed by a psychiatrist, not a GP, as you need to be properly diagnosed first. This is important. Also, talk to your doctor about your weight gain issues, as some antidepressants and other psych drugs can cause weight gain. Some can cause weight loss, which would be a plus for you. Next, get to a support group! I cannot stress this enough. I used to facilitate a group for anxiety spectrum disorders which includes depression and OCD. This group was a life saver for me. Next, read any literature you can get your hands on. There are many books out there as well as videos. Also, there are on-line sites that often include on-line support groups. Try: http://www.adaa.org/ . Good luck!

This is very good advice.

Also know that your psychiatrist should recommend additional measures (counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise/diet (!), etc) and not just automatically write you a prescription for meds, unless other things don't help. I've been dealing with depression and anxiety for over 20 years and am currently med-free, although meds did help me at a certain point in my life.

Best of luck!

cimonroe

I have battled with and overcome 20 years of depression and definitely some bipolar aspects as well. I'm not even on meds anymore and I'm a straight A student now and while my life isn't IDEAL i'm generally happy and healthy...with that said..I understand what youre going through I think.....
what are the support systems in your life? Freinds? Family? Activities? Even though you probably want to say NOTHING....try to find shreds of positivity and gather them up or if something sticks out capitalize on it...its not a solution but it will give you a good starting point and keep you from getting dark, because while you can do things while a bit depressed you can't do anything dark. Therapists are a dime a dozen and they are a tailored fit so try a bunch out and don't settle for someone who isn't cutting the mustard... The best way to lose weight when youre depresssed??? Do a sport or ACTIVITY that you like AND must show up for regularly...such that there is an accountability..or else you probably won't show up as much or at all. Depending on how intense it is while youre doing it you wont feel depressed for the time being and that weight will fall off.....Sorry maybe a bit too random and unclear but this is what got me through everything and keeps me in shape!