Get depressed a lot lately.

I'm not sure why there's a justification around every suggestion, with the exception of my stating you should find a therapist. I stand by that statement. Episodic depression can be an indicator of manic depression. You do not have to have out of control mania episodes to be experiencing serotonin and dopamine swings.

If all things are the same and your doctor states you should be able to ride for 20 miles or more on your bike, then you have to do something you haven't already done if you are concerned about this issue. Being told to use your arm so it won't freeze is not the same as being told to lift weights. You also stated that you broke your neck riding. Cycling can have a certain amount of stress that it exerts on the cervical column because of the way you hold your head so unless you are sitting recumbent while doing these miles, I'd ask about it specifically.

The only person that can help you evaluate and identify your issue with depression, if it's depression at all, is going to be a mental health professional. If the episodes are increasing in frequency, you are experiencing episodic depression and thus, the best way to understand it is with therapy and journaling. When you experience a depressive episode, record what you've eaten, taken, what has happened that day, what exercise you've done, what sleep, what happened at work, anything you can remember. Tracking these patterns and then discussing with a psychologist will help guide you when finding the reason. If you're not willing to do this, that should tell you a lot about the actual severity of the problem. Unwillingness can mean one of three things, generally... Either the depression is so bad it feels hopeless (this would be self-harm and suicide territory), you are in denial of the problem, or it's not actually depression. Depression is not the same as feeling sad sometimes or feeling low key occasionally.

However, symptoms of anxiety and adrenaline sensitivity issues can mimic depression feelings like sinking chest sensation, feeling tired, headaches, feeling physically overwhelmed.

First of all, congrats on your amazing weight loss. Well done!

As for your depression, you may want to consult a doctor. People can develop clinical depression at any time in their lives. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for it, just body chemistry. To me, this sounds like what you are describing. I'm not a doctor, so I can't say for sure, but I have had clinical depression since my early teens and am now almost 40 and know the symptoms. I have good days and bad days, but it's always a struggle. I don't take medications for it because I don't want to...went down that road in my 20s and teens. Anyway, I have symptoms similar to yours. I will be fine, but then sometimes, and at times rather suddenly, I will have a deep sadness and hopelessness come over me for really no reason. These episodes of depression are not just something I can "snap out of" like some claim. It's not just me feeling a little upset about something or feeling sorry for myself, it's depression which is a whole different ball game. Sometimes the clouds clear within a rather short amount of time, and sometimes they stick with me for days at a time. I lose energy and just want to sleep. Like I said, it's a struggle. But unfortunately, not much advice can be given to you here to help with it. No one person can tell you what to do because what helped them may not help you. I saw someone above say go for a trip and made it sound like they choose not to let it take over their life. That doesn't work for everyone. It's not always about making a choice when it comes to your body chemistry and clinical depression...if only it were that simple. You can try vitamin supplements like D3, that may help. Being as you've lost a lot of weight, I assume you eat a pretty well balanced diet, and it sounds like you exercise regularly. Those are things that have helped with my depression, but haven't completely alleviated it, so I think you are doing the right things. But if you are still having these bouts of sadness after doing all these things. I would see your doctor. Maybe have your blood levels checked to make sure you are not severely deficient in anything and go from there.

Good luck, and if you would like to chat more you can inbox me any time.

ETA: I just saw in your most recent post that you recently had blood work done. Sorry I missed that before I posted.

As someone who has struggled through depression and come out in a better place, I can empathize with what you're feeling. My depression hit hardest when I had the life I want - loving family, children, house, and a career I love. It made no sense. Unfortunately that's the way it works sometimes.

Some of the things I found helpful were already mentioned - carbs, chocolate, magnesium, sleep, B6. I also found that essential fatty acids can be helpful, like amy Omega-3-6-9 supplement. Iron is important as well, but it sounds like you've been taking care of that.

Hormones have the biggest impact on our emotions, and being that you lost so much weight, I would think that your weight loss has impacted how your body produces, distributes and reabsorbs hormones. If it's at all possible, I suggest talking to a doctor about your depression, which may be a symptom of your body recalibrating to it's new normal state. It may be temporary.

But if it isn't temporary, don't be afraid to step into the realm of counceling and/or medications. Personally, both have changed my life for the better. I am thankful everyday that I had the strength to get help and not give in to the hopelessness. You have already shown the strength to change your life by taking charge of your physical health - you have the strength to change your mental health too!

Best of luck :flowerforyou: