Mental health/weight loss question
kathrynmcgrady
Posts: 12
Hey guys!
I have a question and I'll try to make the background story as short and easy to read as possible. Last spring (2013) I lost 30 pounds using MFP/working out 6x a week and was feeling great. Then, a number of life events lead me to having a sort of "nervous breakdown" that summer. I did seek treatment and am better, for the most part, these days. I didn't realize the lasting effects this would have on my body. I lost a tremendous amount of hair, had/have severe insomnia even on medication (I've tried them all), and experience anxiety through the roof. From September to now I've managed to gain back those 30 pounds plus at least 20. After Christmas I started back with MFP and saw no results. Doing the exact same things I did last spring when I was successful. I tried again before spring break. No results. I tried again in May. No results. Kept getting discouraged and quit. Have discussed all medicines/side effects regarding weight loss with psychiatrist, he says I should be fine. I went to see a nutritionist and explained to her the whole situation and she explained that my body was just out of whack and needed to get back on track and that would take time. I discussed the same thing with my GP about a month ago and he agreed.
I totally understand this, but my question is whether anyone else has experienced something like this. I tried to google but didn't really come up with much because I found it hard to phrase for a google search. I'm just curious of others' experiences and maybe the time frame in which it took their bodies to get back on track. Any stories or encouragement would be appreciated
I have a question and I'll try to make the background story as short and easy to read as possible. Last spring (2013) I lost 30 pounds using MFP/working out 6x a week and was feeling great. Then, a number of life events lead me to having a sort of "nervous breakdown" that summer. I did seek treatment and am better, for the most part, these days. I didn't realize the lasting effects this would have on my body. I lost a tremendous amount of hair, had/have severe insomnia even on medication (I've tried them all), and experience anxiety through the roof. From September to now I've managed to gain back those 30 pounds plus at least 20. After Christmas I started back with MFP and saw no results. Doing the exact same things I did last spring when I was successful. I tried again before spring break. No results. I tried again in May. No results. Kept getting discouraged and quit. Have discussed all medicines/side effects regarding weight loss with psychiatrist, he says I should be fine. I went to see a nutritionist and explained to her the whole situation and she explained that my body was just out of whack and needed to get back on track and that would take time. I discussed the same thing with my GP about a month ago and he agreed.
I totally understand this, but my question is whether anyone else has experienced something like this. I tried to google but didn't really come up with much because I found it hard to phrase for a google search. I'm just curious of others' experiences and maybe the time frame in which it took their bodies to get back on track. Any stories or encouragement would be appreciated
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Replies
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This past year I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks (including some really catastrophic ones that prevented me from getting out of bed/moving/doing anything), and I think that led to me to stress eat, and subsequently I gained about 15-20 pounds. Since then I've been on anti-anxiety meds but I've still struggled and had some bad days where I just can't seem to move or stay on top of my eating. I've lost about 5 pounds since I've started losing weight in May, but it's still hard. I think I just need to stay as active as possible, because I find when working out frequently I feel the best. I used to run all the time but recently haven't been because I've been feeling unwell, but I think I'm going to start doing it again because I really do feel great when I run. I'm sorry you've struggled so much with your mental health dear!0
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Hey guys!
I have a question and I'll try to make the background story as short and easy to read as possible. Last spring (2013) I lost 30 pounds using MFP/working out 6x a week and was feeling great. Then, a number of life events lead me to having a sort of "nervous breakdown" that summer. I did seek treatment and am better, for the most part, these days. I didn't realize the lasting effects this would have on my body. I lost a tremendous amount of hair, had/have severe insomnia even on medication (I've tried them all), and experience anxiety through the roof. From September to now I've managed to gain back those 30 pounds plus at least 20. After Christmas I started back with MFP and saw no results. Doing the exact same things I did last spring when I was successful. I tried again before spring break. No results. I tried again in May. No results. Kept getting discouraged and quit. Have discussed all medicines/side effects regarding weight loss with psychiatrist, he says I should be fine. I went to see a nutritionist and explained to her the whole situation and she explained that my body was just out of whack and needed to get back on track and that would take time. I discussed the same thing with my GP about a month ago and he agreed.
I totally understand this, but my question is whether anyone else has experienced something like this. I tried to google but didn't really come up with much because I found it hard to phrase for a google search. I'm just curious of others' experiences and maybe the time frame in which it took their bodies to get back on track. Any stories or encouragement would be appreciated
Weight loss is still possible, even with medication. It may be a bit more difficult, but it is possible for people. What stood out in your OP was inconsistency in your approach and not sticking to something for a significant period of time. (which is understandable if you were still struggling at times with symptoms)
If your goal is to lose weight, a calorie deficit is all that is needed to achieve it. It may take more work on your part, by laying out a realistic plan and sticking to it for a significant amount of time. I applaud your efforts in seeking treatment when not feeling well and being consistent in the treatment process. That shows you are capable of doing this, even if you don't feel like it some days.0 -
Weight loss is still possible, even with medication. It may be a bit more difficult, but it is possible for people. What stood out in your OP was inconsistency in your approach and not sticking to something for a significant period of time. (which is understandable if you were still struggling at times with symptoms)
If your goal is to lose weight, a calorie deficit is all that is needed to achieve it. It may take more work on your part, by laying out a realistic plan and sticking to it for a significant amount of time. I applaud your efforts in seeking treatment when not feeling well and being consistent in the treatment process. That shows you are capable of doing this, even if you don't feel like it some days.
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My problem with it was that when I have attempted to lose weight before I've been able to drop 3-4 pounds the first week. I know, mostly water, but still some progress. This time I'd stick to it for 3 weekish and see no movement on the scale. It's hard to stick with it when you're used to some kind of results and are getting nothing.
I am definitely eating at a deficit and working out. Most days I am eating the same meals I ate last spring when I was successful.0 -
I think that expecting consistent results in periods as short as three weeks may not be realistic.0
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Don't get discouraged, it may just be that your body needs more time to react. I too am coming off a dose of steroids for a severe allergic reaction to medication that almost landed me in a burn unit. My weight loss is slow because of the lasting side effects. But giving up will only make the process longer and more grueling. Keep at it; send me a friend's request if you'd like.
Are you exercising again? Even if you don't see changes on the scale, you will begin to tone, you'll feel better, and some of the anxiety and worry may disappear on it's own. Try getting outside for a walk or a run, offer to walk a neighbor's dog if you like pets. All things that can reduce anxiety on their own. Is your goal to get off the medication eventually, or to get to a lower dose if possible?
Charlene0 -
My weight loss happened after I had a breakdown, and losing weight was one of the things that I wanted to do to make myself feel good. Which worked, but then I had another breakdown a year later. The weight is off, but my new medication makes me a hungry hungry hippo at night, and if I wasn't paying close attention to it, I'd probably gain weight. I've toyed with the idea of losing a few more pounds, but the medication makes it impossible. I just eat too much to lose weight due to my meds. I eat lightly during the day (about 1200 calories spread over the course of the day) and save the remaining 800-1200 for night. Which seems ridiculous, but hell, I'm maintaining my weight doing that so I'm happy. You might just have to keep a close eye on your hunger throughout the day, see when you are most hungry or most likely to overeat, and adjust your dietary plan accordingly.0
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I am on medication that makes me eat boatloads at night. Like Kate said, I can eat well and in control during the day, but at bedtime, all bets are off. I don't have much weight to lose, but it's very, very slow going. I won't give up, though!0
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Sometimes what helps jump start me is a really hard, sweaty workout session. I prefer power yoga. I sweat buckets, feel great afterwards, and all the sweating usually helps me dump a pound or two of water weight.0
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I think we have a tendency to remember it easier than it was. Plus it does get harder, for a few real reasons. And when you're head is stuck in that "last year I had lost 10 lbs. by now" anger, the 2 lbs. you've lost seems like nothing so you quit and recall it as nothing. But it might've been a pound a week and if you'd viewed it differently, that might've seemed more ok. I do it, too. Sometimes you have to forget all the past diets and just treat each one as a brand new experience. Good luck!My problem with it was that when I have attempted to lose weight before I've been able to drop 3-4 pounds the first week. I know, mostly water, but still some progress. This time I'd stick to it for 3 weekish and see no movement on the scale. It's hard to stick with it when you're used to some kind of results and are getting nothing.0 -
I am bipolar and had a nervous breakdown that disabled me for 7 years. I totally understand how you feel.
I gained 30 pounds extremely quickly when I was on two particular medications. My doctors took me off them. Over time, they found the right constellation of meds (I'm on 5) I have few side effects. But I also told my doctors that due to a past eating disorder, I would not take a medication that cause weight gain, period. Honestly, I would if I had to--I don't feel like dying from my illness--but they did prioritize my concerns.
You have a lot on your shoulders. I feel for you so much. I'm not sure if I have the best advice, but I had a few thoughts. First, it's okay to research your medication to make sure your doctor is right and you don't have to worry. It's important to have agency when struggling with psychiatric problems, and any good doctor won't be threatened by that. I am not suggesting you go off the meds or anything like that. Just a a little research on typical side effects.
I'm not sure if you've already answered this, but have you had your thyroid checked? I have a thyroid condition that caused my hair to fall out, gained a lot of weight, and increased my depression. Just a thought! Best to you.0 -
Thanks for all the replies. Part of the weight gain from September-December was not sleeping and eating at all hours/drinking tons of caffeinated beverages with tons of calories to keep me awake during the day... And being inactive. I don't think any of the medicine I'm on makes me more hungry than normal. I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude toward it and keep up regardless of the scale. My nutritionist suggested ignoring the scale, so I'm avoiding it for now. I'm going to try really hard to stick with it for more than three weeks and hopefully things will get moving in the right direction.0
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I am bipolar and had a nervous breakdown that disabled me for 7 years. I totally understand how you feel.
I gained 30 pounds extremely quickly when I was on two particular medications. My doctors took me off them. Over time, they found the right constellation of meds (I'm on 5) I have few side effects. But I also told my doctors that due to a past eating disorder, I would not take a medication that cause weight gain, period. Honestly, I would if I had to--I don't feel like dying from my illness--but they did prioritize my concerns.
You have a lot on your shoulders. I feel for you so much. I'm not sure if I have the best advice, but I had a few thoughts. First, it's okay to research your medication to make sure your doctor is right and you don't have to worry. It's important to have agency when struggling with psychiatric problems, and any good doctor won't be threatened by that. I am not suggesting you go off the meds or anything like that. Just a a little research on typical side effects.
I'm not sure if you've already answered this, but have you had your thyroid checked? I have a thyroid condition that caused my hair to fall out, gained a lot of weight, and increased my depression. Just a thought! Best to you.
Thank you for your insight! I've googled the side effects and weight gain doesn't seem to be a big one for any of them. I do have hypothyroidism and that has been checked twice since the hair loss started. I have been on medication for it for several years now, so I do know that weight loss is possible while on the synthroid.0 -
Kathryn,
Let me assure you that perseverance and sticking to the goal at hand will make everything worth it in the end. It gets easier both physically and mentally as you go. I went through some super life altering events that shook my world and flipped it upside down in a matter of a couple years. I piled on weight and fell deep into depression. That was on top of my never ending anxiety. I am sure a lot of people may contradict my opinion and that is ok, but there are a ton of "problems" that proper eating and exercise can solve in place of medication. I was told I NEED to take my anxiety meds. Guess what? I haven't taken them in months! I've been running in the scenic trails by my house which I consider a stress reliever. It helps clear my head and sort stuff out. Enjoyable for both physical and mental needs. I have a strong passion for basketball as well and that has kept my mind in the right place also. I promise, if you find some type of physical activity you love and enjoy, in addition to a proper diet filled with nutritious foods your mental and physical health will eventually start taking the "shape" you want it to. The most important thing is to never second guess yourself and realize it isn't where you were in the past but where you are headed. Keep faith. I know as much as anyone else the scale is discouraging. Try to focus less on the numbers and more on the accomplishments you will achieve. It will push you further.
Feel free to add me!
Devon0 -
My body is really negatively affected by stress and anxiety. I also have major issues with inflammation, so when that happens, I end up retaining water like crazy and feeling very puffy overall. When I'm overly stressed for a long period of time, it's almost impossible for me to drop any weight. It's taken me a long time to figure out what works for me (meditation, making sure I'm eating enough fat, bubble baths), but the bottom line is that I have to get the stress and anxiety under control before I can let go of any weight.
This is really specific to me and may not apply to you at all, but when I'm super stressed, dropping my calories too low makes it worse. It's a natural response -- I'm not losing, so I have to eat less -- but that feeds into the stress I'm already putting on myself. I'm not saying to ignore your deficit, but make sure it's reasonable (no 1200 calorie diets!). Strenuous exercise sometimes helps, but also sometimes makes it a lot worse for me.0 -
Kathryn,
Let me assure you that perseverance and sticking to the goal at hand will make everything worth it in the end. It gets easier both physically and mentally as you go. I went through some super life altering events that shook my world and flipped it upside down in a matter of a couple years. I piled on weight and fell deep into depression. That was on top of my never ending anxiety. I am sure a lot of people may contradict my opinion and that is ok, but there are a ton of "problems" that proper eating and exercise can solve in place of medication. I was told I NEED to take my anxiety meds. Guess what? I haven't taken them in months! I've been running in the scenic trails by my house which I consider a stress reliever. It helps clear my head and sort stuff out. Enjoyable for both physical and mental needs. I have a strong passion for basketball as well and that has kept my mind in the right place also. I promise, if you find some type of physical activity you love and enjoy, in addition to a proper diet filled with nutritious foods your mental and physical health will eventually start taking the "shape" you want it to. The most important thing is to never second guess yourself and realize it isn't where you were in the past but where you are headed. Keep faith. I know as much as anyone else the scale is discouraging. Try to focus less on the numbers and more on the accomplishments you will achieve. It will push you further.
Feel free to add me!
Devon
Changes to lifestyle (better nutrition and increased exercise) can help to a certain degree and it may improve symptoms for those with a less severe diagnosis. (such as mild or situational depression) However, there are some people that physically need medication in order to function on a day to day basis…. and that is ok.
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It is also not advised to stop medication without medical guidance.0 -
I agree. I'm not condemning medicated treatment to resolve medical issues by any means. People fail to realize many (not all) medical and physiological conditions can be minimized and even possibly diminished by taking care of their bodies. Preventative treatment per say. Living a healthy lifestyle on or off medication has never led someone to be worse off.0
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I gained a good 30 pounds from my medication as well. Having no trouble getting it off tho...0
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