We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Pancreatitis and depression

gkirchner123
gkirchner123 Posts: 8
edited January 22 in Social Groups
With autoimmune pancreatitis, I am very limited in my food choices. Very little fat is allowed and no alcohol is allowed. I find myself eating the same things over and over. I'm really trying to gain some weight but it's hard when I can't eat my favorite foods. I'd also like to take part in a social hour so I can be with my friends like I used to. People treat you differently if they drink and you don't. My depression is bad and my anxiety is terrible. I worry about everything and even though I'm going to take a nice trip, I'm worried about what I'll eat. I haven't eaten out since last November. I'm always trying to meet someone in my town that I can relate with but since this illness is so rare, it's probably impossible. I really need help. I'm going to try a program that is for people with depression and anxiety at my hospital where I'll be monitored and have another pill added to what I already take. I think of suicide but that is selfish and I'd hurt too many people. I intellectually know that is not really the way to go.

Replies

  • angel_of_harmony
    angel_of_harmony Posts: 188 Member
    -Hugs-

    May I ask how long you have suffered from autoimmune pancreatitus?

    You are not alone; I also have panic disorder and depression. I developed these conditions before I had pancreatitus but going through the stress of this illness has not made it any easier. I am only 25 and am not allowed to drink with my friends; it is very frustrating being the designated driver all of the time and not able to enjoy the things I should be able to take for granted.

    If you would like to discuss more via pm for privacy I would gladly tell you more about my struggle with mental illness and how I've coped with it. :)

    Otherwise as far as diet goes, I have not been following mine until these past few months. My first bout of pancreatitus was when I was 20 and at that time I was told it was only acute so I assumed it would never happen again. Boy, was I wrong! My food diary is open if you'd like to get some ideas, you're more than welcome to check it out. I was told by my dr to not eat more than 45-60 grams of fat per day; not sure if this is the same as yours.

    I also am going to be posting recipes I make in a blog that I can link you two once I get it setup. :) One of the most frustrating things for me is avoiding sweets since they generally are VERY high in fat. I was lucky and found a cook book full of fat free recipes for cakes, cookies, etc. You may want to try searching online for something like this to help you adapt to your diet.

    Also, I have found you can substitute different things. For example, I am not able to eat peanut butter because of its high concentration of saturated fat. Recently I came across a product called PB2, which is made from peanuts and tastes just like peanut butter but 85% less fat and no saturated fat!

    Keep strong and remember this is a lifestyle, not a diet.

    -Lindsay
This discussion has been closed.