Depression!!!

jojorocksforeva

Alrighty so im having some depression this month its really hard im not a big depressed person i like being happy but i think i eat when im sad or something els when im not even hungry how do you all deal with your depression or if you have it?

aStrongerSteph

I never realized how much I suffered from depression until it occured to me that EVERYTIME I lose weight I slip into it. I have learned that exercise really can help a lot. Honestly though, the thing that has helped me most has been seeing a counselor and figuring out coping skills, other than food to deal with it.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you find your own answers

sarahrbraun

I was diagnosed with depression over 20 years ago. For the most part I am OK without being medicated.

What kind of exercise routine do you have? It has been shown that cardio causes the release of feel good hormones such as endorphins and seratonin. For me personally, if I don't get my cardio in, you don't want to be around me! I injured my leg in December and could not do cardio for a week...and after 3 days I was losing my mind.

bbgughj

Stay out of the house and keep yourself Busy !
Go for walk , Go to the gym to relieve some stress ,
go for a jog , or a Bike ride ....

And stay away from the TV....

ninerbuff

Alrighty so im having some depression this month its really hard im not a big depressed person i like being happy but i think i eat when im sad or something els when im not even hungry how do you all deal with your depression or if you have it?

Depression can happen from a myriad of problems. I know you and I had a debate about how you chose to lose weight, but it's obvious you're not the same spunky gal from a couple of months ago. So could it be your nutrition? Maybe. It's hard to say because we don't really know you.
What I can say is that if you feel your depression is deep, then consult a professional. Good luck.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Akimajuktuq

I resolved severe depression, anxiety, a personality disorder, and binging (supposedly a psychological disorder as well) by changing WHAT I eat. Yup, I eliminated some types of food. I also had a long list of physical illnesses resolved as well. Contrary to what many people think, most illnesses, including supposed "mental disorders" can be resolved through diet. And I am NOT an isolated case. Most of my other MFP cohorts are smart enough to avoid the general forums, but sometimes I get curious.

Athena125

Take classes at the gym. or park district. You will make some new friends and it will get you out of the house. Watch movies. Do some little nice things for yourself like buy yourself something nice to wear that isn't too pricey. I don't take prescription meds, but I have sometimes taken an herbal supplement called Nevaton. My chiro gives it to me. Not sure if you can get it on your own. I try to eat less sugary stuff so my blood sugar doesn't go up & down so much.

Also be careful to slowly lower your calorie intake. I notice when I change my eating (a) I have nothing to be addicted to to get my mind off the emotions and (b) my body goes through an angsty funk for a couple weeks til it gets better.

It's counter intuitive, but I always feel better when I tell myself it's okay to feel crappy! Usually when I accept my bad mood and stop fighting it, it goes away. The more I fight it, the more it fights back. Don't be too hard on yourself either. It takes awhile to change eating/exercise habits.

Maelay

I have the same issue as well. However, this time around, I have been doing so much more cardio, and the problem has for the most part gone away. I'm also seeing results so that helps with my depression. My advice (take what you want) is to try to go outside more often and incorporate more cardio. Winter however, throws a wrench into that, but I try to go outside as often as possible. I went to a doctor a few years ago, and she suggested vitamin D pills. At the time they worked. I don't use them now, because I've worked through a lot of things, and cardio alone helps me. My final suggestion, if this is something more serious and not just the post Xmas/ winter blues, I would see a doctor or counselor. Good luck, and I hope you get feeling better!

cleanjerksnatch

Fight depression with your diet.

Eat foods that will boost testosterone such as beans, beef, garlic, etc. Testosterone is amazing. It increases your pain threshold up to 50%, helps you cope with stress, depression etc. Muscle wastes in testosterone deficient environments. Many diseases are corrected with a balance of testosterone in contrast to estrogen. Saw palmetto is great.

Another affect of that feeling is deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. A normal person with no stress needs about 4 grams of ascorbic acid daily, aka vitamin c. Who takes 4 grams a day of vitamin c daily? This is the normal amount needed for a normal unstressed human to operate at par. For those who are losing weight and have stress will obviously need more. The body cannot convert glucose to vitamin c like all other animals can except for primates and guinea pigs. We need to take MORE than the recommended dosage stated at 200 mg a day.

Magnesium potassium aspartate is something you should take. Magnesium alone aids with muscle integrity, relaxation and prevents over excitement of cells which may cause too much stress or death of the cell. MPA, magnesium potassium asparate greatly increases your endurance and performance simply because most diets are insufficient.

This is just a little tip of the iceberg, keep working hard and there is plenty of research on a ton of other things that help your body maintain its health naturally.

0ssum_Bl0ss0m

Everyone here has great contributions.

I suffer with depression and have been fighting with food and exercise. Depression is a medical condition, a lot like hypertension. Like hypertension, depression can be treated with medications but requires lifestyle changes to manage as well.

cleanjerksnatch

Everyone here has great contributions.

I suffer with depression and have been fighting with food and exercise. Depression is a medical condition, a lot like hypertension. Like hypertension, depression can be treated with medications but requires lifestyle changes to manage as well.

Yes they do require lifestyle changes.

Depression keeps increasing even as we have all these medications, therapies, psychiatric help etc.

Hypertension can be significantly reduced with natural means (magnesium which prevents over excitation).

I am sure it is difficult for those who suffer from depression and anxiety but IMHO the best thing to do is to take every advantage they can get. Natural means do not have the same side effects as medications do, or any other psychotropic drugs for that matter.

Persevere.

Akimajuktuq

Everyone here has great contributions.

I suffer with depression and have been fighting with food and exercise. Depression is a medical condition, a lot like hypertension. Like hypertension, depression can be treated with medications but requires lifestyle changes to manage as well.

Depression is a REAL PHYSICAL illness. It can be resolved with diet. Really, I did it, and so have many others. Meds are NOT required and NOT safe.

sweetsarahv

It has been my experience that the best thing you can do is try and stay busy. Staying home and watching tv or sleeping isn't good. You need to be out and about...even if it's just to the grocery store. Being around people is a good thing. And excercising, as much as you probably don't want to, WILL make you feel better. Endorphins are very real!!!

Good luck! Keep fighting

samantha1242

Stay busy. Proper nutrition. Yoga. Even just getting up and getting out of the house. Start with a walk, a trip to the mall.. anything. Find something to work towards to (fill up your tank as my therapist put it). Maybe learn to play an instrument, learn to knit/sew, take a class (any kind).. When I was super depressed I decided I wanted to learn how to play the guitar, and I did. Not only were the lessons fun, but I was so proud of myself and it made me want to learn more things. I find as long as I have something to look forward to (a hike, guitar class, yoga class, working out that day, school, making a lasagna, ANYTHING) then I am super happy.

PikaKnight

Even though you haven't logged anything, I'm concerned about your calorie goal being 1000. Did you know that not getting enough nutrients (like Protein) - can actually trigger depression?

Here's a link to check out - there are lots of other sources that you can google to read more on it:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/366962-signs-symptoms-of-a-low-protein-deficiency/

But please, change your goal weight unless this is a Doctor approved and supervised.


If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

Or for a different version to figure out your TDEE, as well as some great advice...check out:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833500-what-do-i-do-common-sense-cliff-notes


Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance


For more information about fitness and nutrition, I highly suggest checking out and joining this group: (Read all the stickies. It's great information to know.)
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress


For info about your macros (proteins/fats/carbs) - check out this link. It will give you the formula to figure out your #s and also how to custom change them in MFP:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets


For those eating below their BMR (which for most, 1200 is below their BMR to be honest), not going to preach at you, but here's something you might want to look at:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/81391-starvation-mode-myths-and-science

For the whole eating under a 1000 calories, look...you are going to do what you want but check out the link below at some of the stories of people who thought it was okay (especially because they weren't "feeling" hungry a lot of times) but ended up regretting it. These links are just information to give you options. I'm not preaching or trying to tell you or anyone what is the "right way"...just throwing some info your way is all.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/521480-1000-calories-or-less-a-day
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing
http://www.fitwatch.com/weight-loss/3-reasons-why-eating-less-than-1000-calories-is-a-waste-of-time-3347.html


Yes, this is can all be overwhelming and complicated , but you are more than welcome to ask questions on the post.
One of the things that I have found that has been one of the best methods for me to get fit is to understand fitness. To understand where all these figures, etc come from.

The good thing is once you get the hang of it - it is something you'll be aware of constantly and you'll get a better understanding about your eating habits.

So I HIGHLY suggest making the effort to take every chance to educate yourself. Even if you don't end up going with any of these methods, calculations, etc - at least you understand what they are, where others are coming from, and maybe they will still be able to help you figure out what is best for you.

ninerbuff

Even though you haven't logged anything, I'm concerned about your calorie goal being 1000. Did you know that not getting enough nutrients (like Protein) - can actually trigger depression?

Here's a link to check out - there are lots of other sources that you can google to read more on it:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/366962-signs-symptoms-of-a-low-protein-deficiency/

But please, change your goal weight unless this is a Doctor approved and supervised.


If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

Or for a different version to figure out your TDEE, as well as some great advice...check out:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833500-what-do-i-do-common-sense-cliff-notes


Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance


For more information about fitness and nutrition, I highly suggest checking out and joining this group: (Read all the stickies. It's great information to know.)
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress


For info about your macros (proteins/fats/carbs) - check out this link. It will give you the formula to figure out your #s and also how to custom change them in MFP:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets


For those eating below their BMR (which for most, 1200 is below their BMR to be honest), not going to preach at you, but here's something you might want to look at:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/81391-starvation-mode-myths-and-science

For the whole eating under a 1000 calories, look...you are going to do what you want but check out the link below at some of the stories of people who thought it was okay (especially because they weren't "feeling" hungry a lot of times) but ended up regretting it. These links are just information to give you options. I'm not preaching or trying to tell you or anyone what is the "right way"...just throwing some info your way is all.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/521480-1000-calories-or-less-a-day
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing
http://www.fitwatch.com/weight-loss/3-reasons-why-eating-less-than-1000-calories-is-a-waste-of-time-3347.html


Yes, this is can all be overwhelming and complicated , but you are more than welcome to ask questions on the post.
One of the things that I have found that has been one of the best methods for me to get fit is to understand fitness. To understand where all these figures, etc come from.

The good thing is once you get the hang of it - it is something you'll be aware of constantly and you'll get a better understanding about your eating habits.

So I HIGHLY suggest making the effort to take every chance to educate yourself. Even if you don't end up going with any of these methods, calculations, etc - at least you understand what they are, where others are coming from, and maybe they will still be able to help you figure out what is best for you.

Good stuff.

I honestly believe that the approach she's using for dieting could be contributing.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

PunkyRachel

Find an activity that you enjoy, exercise does help, even if its just a short walk to clear your head. Find someone to talk to when your sad, having that support from others has helped me the most. I've been through depression, I was very suicidal (attempted twice, failed obviously) and then I met someone that lifted me up and gave me encouragement and listened, talked, asked me questions and helped me find myself. I married him and I haven't been severely depression since. Other than a few days here and there when something bad happens to us, but I just try to keep positive and focus on the good in life. It gets me through because trust me when I say a lot of bad **** has happened to me. I won't go into details, but everything happens for a reason and life continues to go on and I would rather be happy than dwell on my sad past.

Erica_theRedhead

If adding exercise or making lifestyle changes isn't helping, it is possible that you have a clinical depression, and may want to speak with a counselor or doctor. But before popping some pills, I would recommend seeing a doctor first and running some blood work. I have a history of depression and took medications in college and was worried that I'd need to go back on them (which caused weight gain btw!!!) I found out after restricting my diet, exercising, and being a northern vampire who doesn't get any sun in teh winter, that I was deficient in vitamin d, and was slightly anemic. These can make you depressed, as well as fatigued. I ate cleaner foods, and added therapeutic vitamin d, iron, and folate supplements and my energy/positivity bounced right back. I still take maintenance vitamin d since I know I'm prone to being low and it can trigger my depression.

concordancia

You used numerous exclamation points. You are not depressed, you have cabin fever. I do calisthenics and dancing to keep warm, soon the sun will come back and this too shall pass.

quirkytizzy

Everyone here has great contributions.

I suffer with depression and have been fighting with food and exercise. Depression is a medical condition, a lot like hypertension. Like hypertension, depression can be treated with medications but requires lifestyle changes to manage as well.

Depression is a REAL PHYSICAL illness. It can be resolved with diet. Really, I did it, and so have many others. Meds are NOT required and NOT safe.

You're ill informed. Talk to a schizophrenic three weeks off his meds. Come back and regal us about how he just needs to change his diet to stop receiving messages from the Mighty Overlord Zorg.

(Also, I've been eating hella better than I have in years and exercising more. Did my mental illness just vanish, even combined with other forms of therapy? No.)

Mental illness is not a blanket issue, therefore you should refrain from issuing blanket statements about its treatment. To do otherwise just makes you seem preachy and unable to understand the nuances of brain chemistry and how it affects our moods. That approach worked FOR YOU. I've met people who have managed to reign in their mental illness with a combination of spiritual approaches and fire-walking. That's not going to work for everyone.

Afford others the same courtesy.

tl;dr - don't apply the disability bingo card to the situation and you'll be fine. http://disabledfeminists.com/2009/11/02/invisible-illness-and-disability-bingo-1-0/

beautifulbrat

I take my anti-depressant, otherwise I'm either really angered or a crying mess. I go to college, so that keeps my mind occupied. Exercise wise....it depends on the weather. If its too cold/raining/etc I do Leslie Sansone videos, you can walk however many miles you want. I also like Taebo and I've been looking into kickboxing. I also enjoy my treadmill some days. Maybe you should look into those?

Also writing in a journal or talking to someone you can trust is something you can do. Sometimes you just need a friend to help sort thoughts out or give ya motivation. Thats why I like MFP cause there's a lot of people who are very encouraging.

SherryTeach

It amazes me that people who would never proclaim to diagnose or treat a heart condition or cancer on an Internet forum feel perfectly free to think they know about psychiatric illnesses. See a professional. Now. Depression is an illness and effective treatment is available.

SherryTeach

Also for many people, their drug of choice to fight depression has been food. You take that away and what do you expect? Yes, a crisis. Get treatment.

Lesa_Sass

I take 5HTP. You may be suffering from SAD if you live in a state that is not sunny during the winter.

5HTP is a natural serotonin booster but you should not take it if on an antidepressant. I also highly suggest speaking to your dr about taking it in case it could interact with any medications you currently take.

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-794-5-HTP.aspx?activeIngredientId=794&activeIngredientName=5-HTP

dustycaravan

So there are obviously MANY reasons for depression!
it can be hereditary... hormonal imbalance...vitamin D deficiency..seasonal depression.situational depression ETC..

When I was struggling with it I tried to take care of as many spects at once as possible.

I took a daily safe dosage of Vitamin D drops 1,000 iudrops/day and I took herbal supplements for my adrenals

*adrenal glands are what pump cortisol hormones into your system when they are in constant STRESS they can no longer monitor what they are pumping out!
since the adrenals are a gland, they affect every other gland in the body that produces hormones...When we have high levels of cortisol in our body we also tend to get the belly bulge or beer belly as a stress response...

So I took herbs that support healthy adrenal function....
When you are stressed you always deplete your B vitamins first... so I always take a liquid B complex in the morning
I also take a natural product called 5-htp (this is a mood stabilizer and can keep your waves of depression less extreme think of it as a way to calm the sea, there may still be some bumps but they aren't tsunami waves anymore)


Summary

I took Vitamin D
Liquid B vitamins

and a product called Veeva that contains 5-htp and some adrenal herbs...

now I believe everything here is safe to take with meds ecept 5-htp as it helps with seratonin... if you are already on an MAO uptake inhibor drug than you may be unable to use 5htp..

but you may still use vitamin D, and your B's
and you may use adrenal products on there own
(just go to the health food store and ask for adrenal support)

***always make sure to be aware of any pre existing health conditions that you may have before starting any program if your depression is extreme you should seek help from a qualified doctor/psychotherapist .. this is not intended to diagnose but to open you up to other ways to work on this, with your doctor, nutritionist, psychotherapist /primary health care provider

I am posting this to help, as everyone needs different things, I would recommend doing what feels right for you, and doing what you and your doctor feel is safe for you!

All the best

Graelwyn75

I was diagnosed with clinical depression at 13, but I was also given a diagnosis much later on of bipolar, which was then retracted after only 1 session, so I have no idea which I have, but I do know that I have attention issues and that I experience long, long periods of not being able to break out of a repetitive routine, or being able to do the things that I shouild be doing. I simply get rooted and stuck, and lose all my creativity.

I was on various medications in the past, but do not wish to be medicated now, and have not taken anything in some years. I bought some 5-htp, but have yet to take it as I also take a sleeping pill, and am always concerned of side effects with anything anyway.

Exercise helps a lot, but outside of that, it can be very difficult to make yourself do things that might help, when you lack the motivation and spark to move yourself.

dustycaravan

OH ASLO please keep in mind, since our B vitamins are depleted when stressed...
If the body has an insufficient amount of b3 (Niacin) it will convert the 5-htp into b3... so anyone out there using 5-htp with no luck you can try to take a liquid b complex for a bit to make sure that the 5-htp isn't just getting converted to b3 instead of remaining tryptophan!

justoneanna

Depression is a many layered illness. Most people go through depressed periods, due to stress, grief, and other life factors. This kind of depression reacts well to natural treatments, changes in diet, exercise, fresh air, and other forms of self care, especially if it's caused by a nutritional imbalance (which is a very real thing). Some people go through prolonged depression that responds to therapy and increased coping skills. Others respond well to a variety of meds that treat a variety of chemical imbalances.

In short, if you're feeling a little depressed and sad, double check a lot of the excellent advice, and do a google search on self care and treating mild depression. If you're dealing with severe depression, or long-term, life-impacting chronic depression (even if it's mild) seriously consider seeing a therapist, who can refer you to a psychiatrist.

If you're not sure, I don't think seeing a counselor is ever poorly advised, and talking to someone can really help you with coping skills as you change major factors in your life (and change is common thing to cause stress, which can cause depressive episodes). A good counselor or therapist will not push meds on you, especially if you say you don't want them (And they can't prescribe them anyway!)

amyllu

Some very interesting points here but those who say it's because of this or that are soo very wrong!!
Every sufferer has their own particular thing that affects them ..as has been said already. Myself, as with no doubt a lot of others, I find that it's really a case of finding out how best to manage it as it never goes away.

I have found that if I watch or dwell on things from the past it can start me off on that road.
Getting over tired is often another cause.

Just this afternoon I was watching a very sentimental film called "Finding a Family". Everything was okay until the remark was made in the film.."everyone has someone that loves them" ..At that I burst into tears because I feel I don't...My daughters who are now in their late 50s never bother to phone or contact me and I barely hear from my sisters either. Because I have learnt over the years that noone else is sitting and weeping at my predicament why waste time doing that either. The feeling still hovers in the background but I know I just have to get up and DO something to get my mind off it.