Chronic/Recurring Depression Support Group

spatticus
spatticus Posts: 230 Member
edited September 26 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi everybody, I'm looking for others dealing with depression on their weight loss journey. I just made the decision to actually stop taking my medication and focus on excersize as my primary therapy. I have had some significant weight gain due to anti depressant drugs and it is really important for me to get this weight off. Just looking for support from others who may be trying to fight this the natural way - im pretty nervous about being off my meds at least temporarily. But im determined! Add me if you want support!

Replies

  • LynnBirchfield
    LynnBirchfield Posts: 581 Member
    Wow -- I can't imagine being without my meds. I wish you the best of luck in doing it naturally. Hang in there.

    Lynn
  • Sezmo83
    Sezmo83 Posts: 331 Member
    I was diagnosed with depression a few months ago and the doctors don't really want to put me on medication because so far every medication I've tried for other problems has triggered seizures. Inlcluding meds that are supposed to stop the seizures :grumble: Plus I don't really want to be on medication for it if I can help it. So I'm with you on trying to fight depression the natural way.
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    I get depression every once in a while. I tried antidepressants a little, but never found one that worked. It took seperating from my wife to make the severe depression go away, since she was the main cause of my depression. I still get depressed here, and there, but not as bad as I used to. After looking at some info on the internet, I came to the conclusion that I have Avoidance personality disorder. The Psychiatrist I went to was useless, but I think there are some good ones. Exercise can help. For me, I need to stay busy to keep my mind occupied. Good luck
  • spatticus
    spatticus Posts: 230 Member
    Thanks guys! I totally agree about keeping busy and EXCERSIZING! Running especially is my new drug of choice!
  • dreamwellali
    dreamwellali Posts: 42
    I think you've found the key - exercise, exercise, exercise! I can pretty much keep my depression in check if I'm getting enough exercise. I'm one of those people who is much worse in the winter due to lack of sunlight, so if I can get my exercise outdoors in the sunshine, even better! Too bad I don't run.

    My depression is genetic, stemming from at least as far back as my grandmothers - one of them was even institutionalized for it at one point. I've been on/off fluexotine for the last 10 years or so and do notice an initial weight gain whenever I restart it, but it usually evens out. I'm off of it currently for other reasons (hello, lack of libido!) and mostly doing okay. Can't say I've ever tried to actively lose weight while on it tho.
  • ssernst
    ssernst Posts: 69 Member
    I was off medication for about 6 months; accupuncture really helped me. Just be careful when you stop taking your meds, I'm not sure what you are on but stopping suddenly can cause some really rough side effects.

    Best of luck to you!
  • mamato3inca
    mamato3inca Posts: 168 Member
    I agree with pp, be careful! Taper off them, DO NOT just stop. It is very dangerous to just stop them. I am on 100mgs of Zoloft and was advised to go down to 75mgs for a couple weeks, then 50 for a couple weeks, then 25 etc.

    You may even find, depending on the severity of your depression (meaning if you think you do NEED them) that you can go down to a very small dose and maintain the benefit of the meds without the side effects.
  • sassylilmama
    sassylilmama Posts: 1,493 Member
    I just posted a blog about my depression yesterday. Been off my meds since last fall and was doing great until I weaned my son. Now BAM. Trying to focus on my workouts and specific vitamins to help this time. I gain on meds too and that only makes depression worse. Best of luck to you.
  • Sezmo83
    Sezmo83 Posts: 331 Member
    I agree with pp, be careful! Taper off them, DO NOT just stop. It is very dangerous to just stop them. I am on 100mgs of Zoloft and was advised to go down to 75mgs for a couple weeks, then 50 for a couple weeks, then 25 etc.
    Yup, this is exactly how I was weaned off my epilepsy medication when I decided enough was enough. My doctor wasn't happy about me coming off them but said if I had to do it then this was the way to do it. I dropped 250mgs every 2 weeks until I was completely off them. It takes time but you shouldn't just stop medication suddenly.
  • ellenangel
    ellenangel Posts: 106 Member
    I stopped my medication last summer and in hindsight, it's been a gradual descent downwards. Not helped by a long-term injury that left me pretty much housebound, never mind unable to exercise which is my go-to coping strategy (I injured ankle and knee, then fractured both wrists using crutches- I have osteoporosis so my wrists are fragile at the best of times).

    Other things that have helped me though which I recommend; mindfulness, distraction techniques (I spend a lot of time watching light TV like Scrubs, Friends- no concentration for more than 20 mins anymore, music, message boards like this one), structure, planning things you are looking forward to and basic things like ensuring enough sleep, etc can work wonders.

    Also social support- so happy this thread is here because my primary contact with people these days is via the internet!
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