Depression for no reason?

peachfigs
peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
edited January 16 in Chit-Chat
Anyone get that? I do. I know it's probably not for NO reason, but there are no triggers that I know of, it just sort of comes out of nowhere and then it's difficult to shake.

What do you do to improve your mood? Not including reaching for the cookies... :laugh:

Replies

  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    So it is intermittent? There are many things that could cause it. You should probably just go ahead and talk to your doctor to get it figured out.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Actually, I just checked out your diet. You seem to be eating too little and this can VASTLY affect your mood. For instance, the past couple of days I hadn't eaten much while working all day and I'd go from a great mood during the day to an absolutely horrible mood by evening. Then after being grumpy I'd finally eat something and I'd almost instantly get into a better mood.

    Being that you are already pretty thin, you may want to consider upping your caloric intake to something closer to your maintenance level and I bet you would see a HUGE change in your mood on average. A good indication is that reaching for the cookies would make you feel better.


    Just a thought.
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    So it is intermittent? There are many things that could cause it. You should probably just go ahead and talk to your doctor to get it figured out.

    Hmm. Yes, but a doctor would put me on medication, so I prefer to take my mind off it in different ways. But with being on a diet and all, I know I can't just eat cake :laugh:
  • zrmac804
    zrmac804 Posts: 369 Member
    So it is intermittent? There are many things that could cause it. You should probably just go ahead and talk to your doctor to get it figured out.

    I agree with whierd. If it's lasting for several says or you're having disturbing thoughts (violent, bizarre or unreal), get medical attention.

    If it's just feeling blue every once in a while for a short time, I find the following things help:
    walking outside, in the woods, on a sunny day
    watching a funny movie (or watching funny clips on Youtube for a mini-vacation)
    singing or playing a musical instrument
    playing with pets

    Hope you feel better soon :flowerforyou:
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    So it is intermittent? There are many things that could cause it. You should probably just go ahead and talk to your doctor to get it figured out.

    Hmm. Yes, but a doctor would put me on medication, so I prefer to take my mind off it in different ways. But with being on a diet and all, I know I can't just eat cake :laugh:

    Your diet may very well be the culprit in this case. You are eating too little and your macros are all over the board. Some days you're eating almost no protein, other days almost no carbs or fats, it is really inconsistent. Typically the first things to look at for depression are dietary and sleep issues.
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    So it is intermittent? There are many things that could cause it. You should probably just go ahead and talk to your doctor to get it figured out.

    Hmm. Yes, but a doctor would put me on medication, so I prefer to take my mind off it in different ways. But with being on a diet and all, I know I can't just eat cake :laugh:

    Your diet may very well be the culprit in this case. You are eating too little and your macros are all over the board. Some days you're eating almost no protein, other days almost no carbs or fats, it is really inconsistent. Typically the first things to look at for depression are dietary and sleep issues.

    Lol, you are totally right, my diet is quite erratic right now. I have had depression for 4 years though, before I joined MFP :smile: On the diet front though... I would definitely like to eat more protein. Carbs make me feel like a slug.
  • fara180
    fara180 Posts: 1,260 Member
    hey doll.

    i've battled depression on and off since i was 14. i will say that while your hormonal balance does contribute to your mood, there are a lot of other factors as well. anything going on in your life that you may not see as "trigger," but you find upsetting for some reason? for example, i get really depressed when it rains for more than 1 day in a row, and i can't figure out why.

    either way, i would highly recommend seeking a doctors advice. be wary of medication though, most of my depression and anti anxiety prescriptions made me highly irritable and suicidal on a few occasions.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Yeah, you should adjust your MFP macros to around 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fats. This is a good general macro spread.
  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    My doctor told me eating TOO LITTLE will affect mood.
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    hey doll.

    i've battled depression on and off since i was 14. i will say that while your hormonal balance does contribute to your mood, there are a lot of other factors as well. anything going on in your life that you may not see as "trigger," but you find upsetting for some reason? for example, i get really depressed when it rains for more than 1 day in a row, and i can't figure out why.

    either way, i would highly recommend seeking a doctors advice. be wary of medication though, most of my depression and anti anxiety prescriptions made me highly irritable and suicidal on a few occasions.

    Definitely no medication for me, I'm really afraid of it... :smile: but as for triggers, I really don't know! I can be happy one minute then feel foul the next.
  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    Here is a link so you can eat how you should be eating. You will feel better for it.

    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    Here is a link so you can eat how you should be eating. You will feel better for it.

    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    thank you! :flowerforyou:
  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    Hope you feel much better soon peachy :)
  • clydethecat
    clydethecat Posts: 1,087 Member
    how is your exercise? i know for me, exercise is key to keeping myself from getting too depressed. diet also has a lot to do with it, meaning, that you should be eating enough calories to keep your body going. dont restrict your food too much.

    but really, exercise does wonders. even if its just a brisk walk outside, it will make you feel better.

    also, keeping a journal may help you pin point what the triggers are, if you arent seeing them.

    good luck, i do hope you feel better soon :)
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    I get down when i skip meals or snacks. the end.
  • SarasMommy13
    SarasMommy13 Posts: 10
    Zoloft works wonders for me, lol.

    Exercising and eating hearty meals with plenty of protein and fiber.

    Getting OUTSIDE does the trick, too....when its warm out, that is.
  • RainHoward
    RainHoward Posts: 1,599 Member
    Curious as to why you're afraid of medication. If you have truly been living with depression so long, believe me, it's well worth it. I was close to suicide before I finally found ones that work for me but they've changed my life.

    If you are totally against medication exercise helps a lot. Sex is always a great option. Meditation works for me, as does acupuncture. And you know, a slice of cake every so often isn't going to kill you. I would strongly suggest talking to a therapist or councillor about what is causing the depression.
  • EvilDollee
    EvilDollee Posts: 386 Member
    Happens to me too, I would go to the local pet shop and play with their puppies.
  • erickita89
    erickita89 Posts: 422 Member
    Anyone get that? I do. I know it's probably not for NO reason, but there are no triggers that I know of, it just sort of comes out of nowhere and then it's difficult to shake.

    What do you do to improve your mood? Not including reaching for the cookies... :laugh:

    I turn my fone off for an hour and watch TV. I concentrate on the show and forget about myself completely. after that i usually realize it wasn't that serious to start out with.
    Also try a Hot shower, a cup of hot cocoa, and a nap. remember its the little things that can change everything.

    in fact do more things for yourself. go treat yourself to a pedicure. a nice hour long walk in the sun helps alot as well. I've been trying to use working out more as a relief i focus on elliptical or dancing or lifting or whatever it is i'm doing and after an hour i feel amazing.


    Try to think about the smallest possible things that u do that make you happy. I'm wierd but if i eat a clementime just the smell of it (a scent i really love) makes me cheer up and feel alive. When you are eating something u love chew on it slowly enjoy that taste for as long as possible. If you really like a particular color.... surround yourself with it, so u feel cozy and safe. and when you see that color outside of your normal setting you appreciate it more and it will make u smile. if you have a dog, spend some more time with it, they love you to death 24/7 it always shows and it will always warm a sad heart.


    I saw a documentary about vitamins about a month ago and learned that there is a vitamin called Niacin that is said to help stabalize and elevate your moods. I take one everyday since seeing that and I've found that im usually in better spirits now. (im usually a debbie downer)

    I felt like i was depressed for the longest time in all honesty, and i refuse to accept precription medicines. I'm scared of them.
    but since i changed my diet, began focusing more on my self (fixing my weight, cooking my own foods, exercising), taking the niacin, making more ME time to stop and smell the roses(or clementines lol) and all that jazz i've felt loads better.

    Best of luck to you.
  • Starla_
    Starla_ Posts: 349
    Curious as to why you're afraid of medication. If you have truly been living with depression so long, believe me, it's well worth it. I was close to suicide before I finally found ones that work for me but they've changed my life.

    If you are totally against medication exercise helps a lot. Sex is always a great option. Meditation works for me, as does acupuncture. And you know, a slice of cake every so often isn't going to kill you. I would strongly suggest talking to a therapist or councillor about what is causing the depression.

    Agree ^ if you don't want to be medicated there are other options such as therapy which will help for chronic depression. Chronic depression needs to be treated because it doesn't go away but there are many non medicated ways to treat it :)
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    Curious as to why you're afraid of medication. If you have truly been living with depression so long, believe me, it's well worth it. I was close to suicide before I finally found ones that work for me but they've changed my life.

    If you are totally against medication exercise helps a lot. Sex is always a great option. Meditation works for me, as does acupuncture. And you know, a slice of cake every so often isn't going to kill you. I would strongly suggest talking to a therapist or councillor about what is causing the depression.

    Agree ^ if you don't want to be medicated there are other options such as therapy which will help for chronic depression. Chronic depression needs to be treated because it doesn't go away but there are many non medicated ways to treat it :)

    I keep it under check with cognitive therapy and reading, but it's not easy :heart:
  • ijavagypsy
    ijavagypsy Posts: 109 Member
    Anyone get that? I do. I know it's probably not for NO reason, but there are no triggers that I know of, it just sort of comes out of nowhere and then it's difficult to shake.

    What do you do to improve your mood? Not including reaching for the cookies... :laugh:

    Sometimes, a depression is endogenous, which means that it arises from within our neurochemistry, not from external circumstances. Sometimes, you're just fatigued. Maybe an expert should evaluate you if it lasts too long for comfort.
  • SlickFootAnna
    SlickFootAnna Posts: 611 Member
    Close my eyes, clear my mind from all distractions and smile for a minute or two. I make an effort in raising my spirits. Works all the time.
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