Dealing with depression

I was diagnosed with depression last year, and better diet and exercise actually brought me out of it! I had to remind myself that NO MEDICATION ON THE MARKET is better at treating depression than exercise. Even 30 minutes a day can improve symptoms (and maybe even clear your head) better than any pill. Now, I exercise 30-60 minutes per day, even when I don't want to do it. I always come out of it feeling better than when I went in to it, which I can't say about too many activities.

I can understand totally the not being motivated with depression. Exercise and healthy eating is hard, but when your mind is telling you it's pointless, it is so easy to believe. There is a school of thought out there that exercise can release happy chemicals for the brain, which would help with motivation, the buggar is though you only get the benefit after getting off the sofa, which doesn't help,with the making a start.

Make yourself a promise to always log your foods what ever they are, if your trying to stick to a diet then you know you can stick to it on an 'up' day, and tell yourself if you don't manage on a 'down' day then it's not a disaster but the compromise is you must record everything you do eat. It doesn't need to be done at the second you eat anything, but if your not motivated to do it throughout the day try setting 5 mins at the end of the day for logging.

And the same with exercise set out what you want to do, 45 mins every day then aim to achieve that on an 'up' day, but compromise with yourself on a down day. Say 15 minutes of exercise, and if you don't want to go for a run, that's fine, there are some arm stretches and reps you can do while watching tv on the sofa. Maybe during a commercial break try to just do basic arm movements throughout it. Also reward yourself for the unintentional exercise, preparing and cooking food, washing up/housework, it will help you with motivation, and show you that you are trying, ok so there may be an exaggeration of calories burned, waving your arms in the air for 5 mins isn't the same as a workout, but it's that feel good factor, which will boost you for the next day.

Feel free to add me for support and motivation if you need it.

Patricia

I have Major Deppresive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder...along with a binging problem. I take Lexapro, but there are still 1 or 2 days a week that are like drowning for me. We just have to keep on keeping on and recognizing it for what it is and not be ashamed.

I always feel better when I exercise, but it's all I can do to get up and do it. Do you have someone that can be an exercise partner with you? I find it easier when my friends or kids exercise with me.

Just remember you are not alone and we are here for you!

I can understand totally the not being motivated with depression. Exercise and healthy eating is hard, but when your mind is telling you it's pointless, it is so easy to believe.

I, too, struggle with this a LOT. In fact, last week/weekend I fell off the wagon again and went on a binge. (I am an emotional eater also.) I cried a lot, ate a lot, didn't log in...and when I did, I half-assed it and rarely completed it. I argued with my family and slept a lot.

I think sometimes we just get burned out on life, and those of us who suffer from anxiety and clinical depression, have a harder time with it.

My only advice is to "fake it until you make it". Granted, it doesn't always work, but some days it does at least get me out of bed, or help me make better choices to eat.

Good luck, and if you need someone that knows EXACTLY how it is, friend me.

Sara :flowerforyou:

I have been diagonsed with depression and anxiety. I am on medication and need to start seeing a therapist. But I feel like working out really helps. It really clears my mind and gives me something that I can control to focus on when my mind wants to do the crazy stuff it just loves to do. My husband and I have had a really hard time because of my depression and anxiety, it makes me really petty and insecure. I am working my hardest to overcome these obstacles but it is very difficult and people that don't deal with it really don't seem to understand. Just keep working and I recommend for everyone that deals with it to either see a therpsit or try medication. I have been dealing with anxiety my whole life and just started taking the medication 3 months ago, I feel the best I have in my entire life.

I am right with you. I KNOW that exercise and taking care of myself makes me feel better. I have a year on MFP that proves it... but four weeks ago my live-in boyfriend lost his job and I've just been in a tail spin ever since. The only thing I feel like I'm truly acheiving right now is getting up and getting to work. I KNOW that exercise will help but it feels impossible right now. I take a low dosage of Celexa but it doesn't even seem like that is helping. I'm definitely at the lowest I've been in a decade. It's just nice to know I'm not alone.