advice please.........

truddy6647
truddy6647 Posts: 519 Member
tonight i learned some information that is really stressing me out and I am having all I can do to keep from eating while crying.

My husband suffers from MDD with psychotic features and has two different medications that he takes for it as well as seeing a counsler and a psychiatrist. In any case lately he has been feeling down and a little depressed (like a month) then I found out tonight that he has not been taking his one med for the last three days and didn't take his other med this morning. He thinks it is a good idea however I know it is not. Over the last 4 years he has been hospitalized multiple times (about 2 times a year). He has an appointment tommarrow with psychiatrist however, this does not make me feel any better. I am worried about what is going to happen down the road. this worry turns into wanting to stress eat. How do I get through wanting to stress eat?

Replies

  • gil_u
    gil_u Posts: 165 Member
    I'm sorry to hear about your husband, that must be a tough situation. I know I've turned to stress eating in the past, and it can be difficult to avoid. Stress eating is completely psychological though. I have found it best to take that stress, and take it out on something else. I have a huge punching bag that I like to use in those situations. I also have a drum kit that allows me to take out stress. Everyone is different though, and I know there are different types of stress. Find what works for you, and if possible, turn it into a positive. Exercise is a great way to get rid of it because once you are done with your workout, your brain releases endorphins. This can make even the toughest situations feel better, even if only for a little bit. I encourage that you read up on their effects.

    http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression
  • zoukeira
    zoukeira Posts: 313 Member
    I agree with chucky, exercise it out. Even if it's just following a workout on you tube for 20mins or going for a jog, it makes such a difference to me when I'm stressed or grumpy.
  • Chewster001
    Chewster001 Posts: 201 Member
    I'm so sorry that you're feeling so stressed out! It's hard trying to care for any sick family member, let alone one who chooses not to take their medicine. Don't get too worked up about this yet, as he is seeing a doctor soon, so perhaps it won't get further out of control. The doctor might decide to change his medications, they might convince him to take the original meds, or they might find another way to help him altogether. It's important that you first be glad that he's willing to go see the doctor. Many mentally ill people refuse. So count your blessings there.

    Next, acknowledge that this is a tough situation and that your nervousness about it is completely normal. Your concern for your husband is completely normal. You're doing what you can. If you weren't upset about the situation, that would be abnormal, and I'd be even more concerned about you.

    As for how you handle this situation - or perhaps any stressful situation, well, you just need to change your nervous habits. When you catch yourself mindlessly reaching for that extra snack, you need to immediately put it down, congratulate yourself for stopping the bad behavior, and do something else to occupy your mind. The something else can be any hobby, exercise, prayer, or all three. The important stuff seems to be well within your reach. You know your problem, so you can fix it. Just like your hubby knows his problem and is trying to fix it. I actually think you two will probably do alright simply because you both have insight into your problems and are actively trying to improve yourselves.

    This is gonna sound cliché, but look on the bright side... and there are lots of bright sides in your story. I hope your husband starts to feel like himself again soon, and that you start to feel better, too.

    PS: An easy fix - don't bring food that's terrible for you (Halloween candy, Doritos, ice cream) into the house. If its not there, it can't become a problem.
  • FitnessPalWorks
    FitnessPalWorks Posts: 1,128 Member
    Hey Truddy, I've been through a similar situation and sent you a private message. I hope it helps you. Hang in there....
  • I am not sure I know what all the terminology and acronyms mean, but I hope it is all okay. I understand it is some form of a mental disorder or illness.

    I would say do not worry too much about resisting nature. We are humans, we eat with emotion. It is a fact. If you want to have something, have it if it will make you feel better. But if you insist on eating healthy, then veggies are an awesome thing. I could sit and eat salad all day long (with some mushrooms, carrots, grated parmesan, croutons, and caesar dressing mmm). Potatoes are also another awesome veggie. Slice some up, fry em in a pan with some oil or light margarine, add some ketchup, and you have yourself an awesome munchie for about 300-500 calories!

    Cheer up! everything will be alright!
  • nikilis
    nikilis Posts: 2,305 Member
    I am not sure I know what all the terminology and acronyms mean, but I hope it is all okay. I understand it is some form of a mental disorder or illness.

    I would say do not worry too much about resisting nature. We are humans, we eat with emotion. It is a fact. If you want to have something, have it if it will make you feel better. But if you insist on eating healthy, then veggies are an awesome thing. I could sit and eat salad all day long (with some mushrooms, carrots, grated parmesan, croutons, and caesar dressing mmm). Potatoes are also another awesome veggie. Slice some up, fry em in a pan with some oil or light margarine, add some ketchup, and you have yourself an awesome munchie for about 300-500 calories!

    Cheer up! everything will be alright!

    carrots, strawberries, tomato sliced on whole wheat crackers with pepper, stuff like that will fill you up like crazy. if you have to eat, eat stuff like that. junk food will mess up all your hard work. don't give up!

    I know what these situations are like, I have a similar situation with a person in my life which is not as bad at this point, but puts strain on everyone involved. its hard when things get bad / people go off meds. I've got my fingers crossed for you, maybe the psych can help.

    stay strong and dont fall off the wagon :)
  • truddy6647
    truddy6647 Posts: 519 Member
    so I made it through the night without stress eating. Now I don't feel like eating....go figure
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