Weight loss with mental illness?

shmelzy · February 2015

It's hard for anyone to lose weight - I totally get that. But so many mental health drugs cause weight gain & not to mention those depressive episodes when it kicks my *kitten* just to get out of bed. Anyone else having trouble with this? Depression, bipolar, possible ED history? I'm just curious if there's any one similar!

joyfii · February 2015

There are likely many people similar, since such pharmaceuticals are in widespread use. Start where you are. Even if you're getting up late in the day, perhaps you could get a few minutes of stretching or walking in place in - whatever is not daunting. Even though it seems to be not so much exercise in the beginning, you will naturally build on that, without pressuring yourself. It will take time. Be patient with yourself.

cheshirecatastrophe · February 2015

I struggle with a few mental health issues. Oddly, though, the ONE thing that survives my depressive episodes--even when I have trouble with Adulting 101 basics like paying my bills on time*--is exercise. There have been days when I get myself to the gym, get in a fantastic workout, and crawl right back home to bed.

I struggle, a LOT, with the weight gain aspect of medications. Before my problems started ramping up in my mid-20s, I always kind of scoffed when I read about people who quit taking psychotropic drugs because of the weight gain side effect. Why would you ever do that when the drugs help? I then got to discover that the ways in which drugs help do not seem to be--to me--good enough to outweigh the costs. I have *horrible* problems with compliance.

I wish I had advice or a success story. I don't consider being unmedicated when I *should* be on drugs, to be a success.

(nb: I realize there are people who will swoop in with "depression/bp drugs are murrrderrrr" "Big Pharma just wants your money" "taking drugs means you want to be a victim, not a fighter." Although I am not taking anything right now, I am not one of those people. Do what helps YOU.)

* never been late with Internet! priorities.

shmelzy · February 2015

Thank you both for the feed back. I'm trying to get into exercising, but i think i'll try with a more open mind now. it's difficult to get in the swing of things, so maybe working out will help after all (right now it's just a chore, really). Thanks guys.

serasmommy · February 2015

I was realizing today that logging everything is really making me more obsessive about food and I am angry! I am angry at my family for being able to eat. I am angry at myself for being so weak and compulsive and needing food emotionally. It's only going to be harder and harder apparently. And this is only four days. ugh.

nightglo · February 2015

I have over 100 lbs to use and persistent mental health problems. Medications have certainly taken their toll on my metabolism and health, but that's another story. What I've found is that when I start counting calories and feeling like I am doing something healthy for myself, other things that help with my health start to naturally follow. It's definitely not easy taking the first step (I've only been at this attempt a month, and I have a lot to lose because of how often I binged on multiple pizzas to drown my feelings), but you and your body deserve it. I've also found that cardio helps no matter how I feel - depressed, angry, anxious - it's a great way to use up the negative energy. I'm trying to get out of a deep depression (mixed with grieving a loss and tremendous anxiety) and at first I just took a walk to the end of the block and came back.. now I am running on the treadmill. It's still a battle not to eat my feelings every single day because I'm not doing great, but I'm proud of myself for choosing health instead.
I hope you find what works for you!

cheshirecatastrophe · February 2015

A thought--OP, have you tried cardio kickboxing workouts? There are some free(!) ones online at fitnessblender.com that you can even do in your bedroom. It can be cathartic to punch and kick out your feelings.

I'm a pretty hardcore endurance athlete, but I get a special high from cardio kickbox.

Also, dogs are great depression-fighters. If you're not up for adopting one, perhaps you could volunteer as a dog walker at your local Human Society. That gives you motivation for cardio AND furtime.

aglassmn36 · February 2015

Hi
I am bipolar and have severe anxiety. It toke me 15 years to get the meds that made me feel normal. Unfortunately 3 of the meds cause weight gain. With the right meds I was able to stay upbeat and determined to lose the weight. It took a lot of work 5 days a week at the gym an hour a visit. And cutting my calories down to 1500 a day with only one cheat day. I also started drinking the apple cider vinegar and water detox. By the way made my feel like a million bucks after I got past the taste lol. I don't know if that will help you or not. But if you need help with it were here for you

shannonbun · February 2015

I've got PTSD, anxiety, and depression, so I totally get the difficulty in losing weight while battling so many other demons. While I'm not on medication, so I can't speak on that, I find that the best way to fight it is to just use the good days you have. If you can get up and have a bit of motivation, go to the gym. Take care of things. That way, when the bad days come, you've done a bit of work against them.

It's important to also NOT beat yourself up. Your mental health is the primary concern and is far more important than your weight. It's also probably better if you don't weigh yourself every day, because that can just contribute stress. Go for once or twice a week. Just take some baby steps, and once it becomes a habit, keep on it.

Weight loss with mental illness?

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