Bipolar

nichi123

Hi, does anyone out there know how Bipolar can affect your eating habits? Could really do with some info. Thanks x

ChitownFoodie

Don't know, but I will bump to keep the post going.

daking639

I can't speak to bipolar but I will say that being diagnosed and treated for depression has helped me tremendously. I no longer have the huge drive to eat that I had before. I know this isn't the same as Biplolar but maybe there is some small similarity that can be helpful.

nichi123

Thanks guys. I have had depression for years....recently been told my the doc that she thinks I am bipolar. Very confused at the moment and I know you can get very odd eating habits...just wondered if I have had this longer than I thought and that my over eating is something to do with it. Thanks

chocl8girl

You know, I never really thought about it too much before. My 19-year-old son is bi-polar, and we struggled for YEARS to get him the proper treatment. He used to weigh about 50 pounds more than he does now. When he was 14, he went through a bad BAD time, attempted suicide, and ended up in a group home for a few months. He FINALLY got put on the right medication for him and came home, and in less than 2 years lost 50 pounds, really not doing much more than not feeling the need to snack as much. He is now a perfectly healthy weight (around 190). It's something to think about, for sure...

pornstarzombie

I'm Bipolar I. I am not sure how much if affects my eating habits, as I am also slightly OCD and tend to fixate on a few things at a time food wise.

When I am in a depressed cycle...I do tend to eat my emotions. When I am manic, I don't really eat much.

It also depends on what medication you are on, if any. Some meds make you gain weight, no matter how much you try to be healthy and exercise. Remeron, Serequel...can't think of others, but I know they are out there.

WHAT you eat DOES make a difference in controlling your Bipolar, though. I find when I cut out sugars, white flour, etc I am more stable. I wrote a huge paper on Bipolar at one point, I'll have to go find it and search through it. I had a section on eating habits and types of food, but I don't remember exactly what it says.

nichi123

Any body else know anything about ti?

tripletmom2004

Bump

leahartmann

I´m also bipolar. Haven´t really thought about a connection, But ofcourse I eat more to comfort myself, when I´m depressed/ having a bad day. When I´m manic, I dont eat that much, but I sure burn a lot, not sleeping at all and doing stuff 24/7. But I would say that weight gain is much depended on the medication. I gained 50 pound in a year due to medication. That, and the emotional eating makes a difference. Not sure if this helped any... Hope you will find what you´re looking for.

FlaxMilk

Unfortunately, it really depends on the individual. Some people eat more when they are manic because they are more impulsive and less inhibited. Others eat less because they are too busy to slow down and eat. Other people lose their appetite when depressed, others gain appetite or comfort eat. If your doctor thinks you may have Bipolar, it is her responsibility to explain to you what that means and help you understand what that means for you.

jenjones28

Depression and mania can both have effects on eating, either causing you to eat more or less. Depression can cause you to overeat or not want to eat, and mania or hypomania can cause you to not feel the need to eat as much or make you eat more because food tastes better and you may feel more social, leading to more social gatherings centered around food, etc.

Like others said before, medications have their own unique food consequences. It's definitely a topic for discussion with your psychiatrist, because the weight gain in turn can have psychological side effects. It's a tricky balance for sure.

nichi123

Hmmmm...thanks everyone. I suppose I should do a bit of research on the subject.