Depression = Lack of motivation

I think it's a really individual thing; for me, the control that calorie counting provided actually helped ease my anxiety symptoms, especially when there was little else of my life that I was in control of at the time.

That said, it really depends on what triggers your bad days, and working with that. Are you seeing a therapist? Having an objective professional to check in with and discuss emotional strategy with helps a lot of my friends who struggle with depression (some of which have also lost a lot of weight, so the two are compatible).

And I'd agree with people that point out that exercise is not critical here. I lost most of the weight through the past two years just on calorie restriction; I only started going to the gym in the last few months, to keep myself going as I get closer to my goal.

I completely understand where you are coming from. It is the very same for me, but severe stress coupled with depression contributed to a 25 pound weight gain recently.

Here's some things that have helped me in the past (from recommendations my therapist made):

1. Take 15 minutes every night to put some music on and dance. Nothing makes a person feel better than dancing like no one's watching, and, since it's exercise, it WILL make you feel better. (This was also really helpful when I was going through a bad depression because it was something fun to do with my daughter).
2. Self-care - For some, this means taking a nice, long, bath. For others, it might be meditation. When depression gets really bad, it can be hard to get out of bed or even take a shower. Taking care of yourself is a big step to help!
3. Medication - If your doctor prescribed meds, take them, even after you feel better. Don't just stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
4. Positive affirmations - These really do help, even though it feels weird at first. Loving yourself makes a huge difference in your life!
5. Friendships - Don't isolate yourself! It's the first thing I want to do when I start feeling down. Your friends are there and want to support you.
6. Emotional eating - This is what I do... It's hard to stop, but it only contributes to depression. Try (but don't beat up on yourself if you struggle) to do something, anything, other than eating when you're depressed and not hungry. Now that the weather is warming up, just go outside and sit or take a walk. Getting a bit of sun can also do wonders for your mood!

Feel free to friend me!

zyxst wrote: »

I can't help with getting over depression. Mine is here to stay (23 years since diagnosed), meds and therapy didn't help, so I deal along as best I can.

This is pretty much myself. You deal the best you can.

Hi there. I had actually initially gained about 40lbs in 4 months from a previous depressive episode in which I was prescribed abilify. Everyone reacts to different medications differently, but it is important to check in frequently with your doctor when starting something new (mine waited three months, damage had already been done, current doc checks in weekly when adjusting meds). Since then I had lost about 20lbs but gained it back plus more during another depressive episode a few years later. For the longest time I thought, if I can only lose the weight, I wouldn't be depressed. My doctor correctly told me that once I am no longer depressed, I will more easily be able to lose the weight. My advice is to cut yourself some slack, don't binge or over indulge but don't be so hard on yourself either. Focus on getting your mental health repaired, and then gradually add in the weight loss as you feel better. I have found other medicines and habits that have helped me overcome much of my depression and have lost 15lbs. Hoping to lose more, but not hating myself everyday puts me at a huge advantage over how I felt before.

Feel free to add me as a friend too! I haven't used the forum much but want to start more.

I have dealt with depression since the early 2000's and I still struggle every day. Of course some days are better than others. I am currently in the same boat with motivation. I have all these friends who are working out and doing well and I know I need to get on track but couldn't find the motivation. I finally hung up my size 9 jeans to keep me going. Today was the first day of doing better...I decided to start small with no sweets and only drinking water and just started today. I say start small and find the goal/activity, etc that lights your fire and once you get going the exercise will kick in the natural endorphins which will help with the depression. Feel free to add me as a friend and I will help as best I can with answering any questions and giving support. Good luck!

Long story short - my doctor prescribed Bupropion XL and it was all I needed to kick-start me.