Depression will not stop the weight! !
brriittany
Posts: 29 Member
I battle with depression, which if you have experienced it you know it can influence your eating. I'm looking for women who would like to communicate about the emotional struggle as well as the physical challenges.
I started off at 268 my highest weight. .. lost 93 lbs using this app and counting the calories for 18 months. I got sick and then recovered and started indulging myself. I am now back at 230!! I would like to lose 100 lbs within the next 18 months and keep it off
We can do this with support. Also, side note I have NO gym membership. I use household products and it helps that my husband was a drill sergeant in the Army so I will be more then happy to share anything to help anyone. I would be fine with Skype and other forms of communication so that we can really have that someone that understands what we are going through and to make it easier to share exercises and forms. Look forward to hearing from everyone! !
I started off at 268 my highest weight. .. lost 93 lbs using this app and counting the calories for 18 months. I got sick and then recovered and started indulging myself. I am now back at 230!! I would like to lose 100 lbs within the next 18 months and keep it off
We can do this with support. Also, side note I have NO gym membership. I use household products and it helps that my husband was a drill sergeant in the Army so I will be more then happy to share anything to help anyone. I would be fine with Skype and other forms of communication so that we can really have that someone that understands what we are going through and to make it easier to share exercises and forms. Look forward to hearing from everyone! ! 0
Replies
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Hi, I also struggle with depression as well as anxiety. I absolutely know what it is like to emotionally eat and be so tired from the depression to work out. I have had enough though and I need to change for myself and my children. At my heaviest I was 210. I gained all that weight from being on meds and not caring what I ate. I got back down to 155 a couple of years later but these past two years have been a struggle for me. I am now at 185. My goal is to lose 40 lbs in the next 6 months. I don't have a gym membership. I have a treadmill here at home along with work out dvds. I plan on rotating between them 4 days a week. It would be awesome to have others along with me on this journey. 0
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That's an awesome goal and very realistic. Emotional eating for me is not eating all day because I feel disgusted with myself and don't like to eat in front of others, so I used to wait until eveyone went to bed and binged. I am off all meds now and have not binged this week. Unfortunately it is a day to day struggle for me, any thing that triggers a panic attack can set me into a spiraling fall. I'm learning just getting up and walking makes me feel better, even if it's just around my house. If there is anything I can do please let me know I believe in you and know that next summer we will all be in bikinis!! 0
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Definitly can relate to you guys! Walking is so good. It's like a breath of fresh air! Keep going guys!0
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So glad someone started this thread! I also have depression and anxiety. About 2 years ago a doctor prescribed me a medication for sleep which had the side effect of weight gain. I put on 20 pounds and then due to stress eating and lack of consistent exercise I have heaped another 20 on top of that!
I've used this app off and on for years but was never really consistent but now I want to connect more with people who can motivate me. I am currently 221lbs (my heaviest ever
) and I'd like to lose at least 50 pounds. It seems so daunting as I've never had to lose this much weight before. Any tips you have would be so helpful.
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Thank you lilkirs for the support and welcome! !
LBL WELCOME!! I'm currently 229.5 my highest weight was 268... it is very possible to win this battle! ! I'm looking to get to 150 so I have a long road but with each others support we can all do it! I got really upset this morning and started to grab my phone for a game but instead grabbed my shoes, music and walked. .. I ended up walking 1 1/2 miles! !!! I walked until I didn't feel the anger and anxious feelings anymore. I used to fill those feelings with food or other toxins.
I started this thread to find support and to give support. WE CAN DO THIS!!!0 -
I struggle with depression also and a mood disorder. I emotionally eat all the time that's what ballooned me up to 271 so far I've lost 7.3 lbs. I hve 100lbs to loss also. But I've finally made up my mind I'm going to do it this time! I'm hoping once I lose the weight I can go off some of my depression meds!0
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I was recently diagnosed with depression this past summer and I find it hard to motivate myself to start over...again. I started out at 248 lbs at my highest and over the course of a year got down to 193lbs. However I didn't go about it in the healthiest way, I over-exercised and ate way too little calories and I was always exhausted and sore because of it. I couldn't maintain that extreme way of doing things and eventually I stopped working out at all and emotionally ate. I'm not sure how much of the weight I gained back (because I'm avoiding replacing the batteries in my scale lol) but judging by how my clothes fit now I'd say I gained most if not all of it back.
Three days ago I started using this app again but I get discouraged when I think of how much I have to lose yet again. I know that I feel better after I work out but I still find it hard to get myself up and out to do so. My goal weight is 160 lbs and this time I'm trying hard to resist the perfectionist all or nothing mentality that has failed me so many times in the past.0 -
No problem Brriittany. We can do this the only thing stopping us is US. We have to realise this is a long term change and a life long commitment because if we stop we will just go back to our old ways! I can definitely relate to all of you. Depression sucks! And it's a struggle to sometimes even get up in the morning, but focus is key!!! We can do this!0
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So happy to see this thread this morning! I struggle with depression and emotional eating as well. It seems like I get off to a good start and then everything falls apart. I am so tired all the time, and even after iron supplements, B12, etc., nothing seems to help. I know it is depression related, and the is, I WANT to work out, I just don't have the energy. It's an endless cycle. Please feel free to add me--I need the support and will be happy to provide it as well.0
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Depression sucks doesn't it? I can lose weight when i'm happy & positive but once i get down it becomes really difficult to stay on course. December for me is the hardest. I'm trying to stay on track even when i'm down but it's really hard to get over the "what does it matter" blues. However i am down 69 pounds since May 26 & i am very positive over this. This is my umpteenth weight loss journey but this will be the successful one. All the best to you all & feel free to add me if anyone needs some extra help 0
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Shull_rachael wrote: »I struggle with depression also and a mood disorder. I emotionally eat all the time that's what ballooned me up to 271 so far I've lost 7.3 lbs. I hve 100lbs to loss also. But I've finally made up my mind I'm going to do it this time! I'm hoping once I lose the weight I can go off some of my depression meds!
Welcome!! YOU CAN DO THIS!! Congratulations on your 7.3lbs!! Snaps for you! !! I invite you and everyone else to friend me and email me anytime with any questions or vents!! So glad you're here with us 0 -
I was recently diagnosed with depression this past summer and I find it hard to motivate myself to start over...again. I started out at 248 lbs at my highest and over the course of a year got down to 193lbs. However I didn't go about it in the healthiest way, I over-exercised and ate way too little calories and I was always exhausted and sore because of it. I couldn't maintain that extreme way of doing things and eventually I stopped working out at all and emotionally ate. I'm not sure how much of the weight I gained back (because I'm avoiding replacing the batteries in my scale lol) but judging by how my clothes fit now I'd say I gained most if not all of it back.
Three days ago I started using this app again but I get discouraged when I think of how much I have to lose yet again. I know that I feel better after I work out but I still find it hard to get myself up and out to do so. My goal weight is 160 lbs and this time I'm trying hard to resist the perfectionist all or nothing mentality that has failed me so many times in the past.
Welcome! !! First and most important, Thank you for sharing your story with us. I overcame bulimia and binge eating, I still have to fight the urge even though I haven't done it for over 10 years. Together we can all get to the point that we are trying for and Maintain it!!! I offer my email and phone number to anyone in the US that needs that voice or instant response. And the only thing I can say about jump starting your motivation is just get through the first 3 days then it gets to where you look forward to that time. You are worth the investment!!! 0 -
No problem Brriittany. We can do this the only thing stopping us is US. We have to realise this is a long term change and a life long commitment because if we stop we will just go back to our old ways! I can definitely relate to all of you. Depression sucks! And it's a struggle to sometimes even get up in the morning, but focus is key!!! We can do this!
That's right!! We can and we WILL!!
We can motivate each other!! 0 -
findingmyway2fit wrote: »So happy to see this thread this morning! I struggle with depression and emotional eating as well. It seems like I get off to a good start and then everything falls apart. I am so tired all the time, and even after iron supplements, B12, etc., nothing seems to help. I know it is depression related, and the is, I WANT to work out, I just don't have the energy. It's an endless cycle. Please feel free to add me--I need the support and will be happy to provide it as well.
Welcome !!! We have probably all gone on that personal Rollercoaster of weight loss, you are not alone!! First thing I do in the morning to energize myself if take a shot of grapefruit juice and I don't allow myself to leave my room in my jam jams, I put my exercise clothes on and that way it sets the mood. I am a SAHM so I am here 24/7 if you need anything. Weight loss is hard enough with out the added stresses that we all on here are experiencing, you have already taken the biggest step and that is starting the journey. One thing I found is if you want a quick little pick me up, while in the kitchen cooking or waiting on soemthing to warm up I do counter top push ups. It makes me feel less guilty about the cookie or bacon I love!!
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Feel free to add me. I struggle with depression and anxiety. I lost around 140 lbs and have kept it off for over a year.0
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ShashayLee wrote: »Depression sucks doesn't it? I can lose weight when i'm happy & positive but once i get down it becomes really difficult to stay on course. December for me is the hardest. I'm trying to stay on track even when i'm down but it's really hard to get over the "what does it matter" blues. However i am down 69 pounds since May 26 & i am very positive over this. This is my umpteenth weight loss journey but this will be the successful one. All the best to you all & feel free to add me if anyone needs some extra help
Welcome!! Shashay let say first.. you matter and you are worth the work and time. We will succeed with support and helping each other. We will lose the weight and punch the blues away!! Very happy you are in our group. 0 -
There's a pretty long, but really good, thread on depression and weight loss on the General Diet and Weight Loss board. Might be worth a read.
Lots of support, you are so much more than depression and more than a number on a scale. Cheers to getting healthy on many levels!!!
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Depression is an interesting creature, affecting habits - eating, self-care, cooking, energy, motivation, sleep.
One day at a time, one choice at a time.
Sign Me Up!0 -
I am so with this. I don't have quite as much to lose, but I dance so it does matter a lot to me. I am 154 right now, I think, and I want to take off 20, may be 30lbs. Which I know doesn't sound quite as much as a 100, but I still have been struggling to take off any weight. I have build muscle, I have more energy...but the weight is another thing. Every time I lose some, I get right back to bad habits, and reverse. Finally I'm getting back to it again since last week, and I've already seen results, so I am optimistic that perhaps this time I am ready for change. I would like to have lost at least 10lbs, perhaps 15, by mid-february. I would even like to say 20, but let's not push it.
I do get the emotional eating part a lot. That's the only reason I haven't lost all the weight yet, since I do train regularly, a lot.
May be we should start a group actually, where we can put threads?0 -
Ladies, please. We are all depressed sometimes and we do eat to get that endorphins dancing. But eating is just one thing we could do to fight depression. As few here noted exercise is the other.
The best thing however is to focus not on how to get rid of the depression and the extra pounds.
But to focus on smth more positive.
Focus on smth that is really going to stick positively in your mind.
For example. Set a goal to be at a specific target weight with a target bodyfat.
Generally, I would advice to focus on the bodyfat goal. Set a number. Do measurements once a month and keep going until you get there.
Know that it will take a lot of time to get to that goal. And have this goal as a perfection goal, which you can strive the rest of your life.
But set it realistic. For example if you are a housewife dont set a bodyfat goal of 4% which even elite athletes rarely reach.
As we all know a balanced "right" diet and exercise transform as physically and mentally, I think we should all remember why we are doing what we are doung.
Of course getting leaner, sexier and healthier are good reasons.
But isnt a goal that is important also for other people worth more?
Being sexy for you partner.
Being leanier in order to play better sports,
Get healthier to be able to help other people who arent healthy.
Those goals sound way better than I want to loose a certain amount of weight. Isnt that right?
The fact that you are serious about this is great but I would very much recommend to start eating smart and training smart.
Do your own research.
I personally researched this topic so much and found that John Bernardi and especially John Kiefer are providing the best methods to achieve all of your goals.
Before you do anything further. I really strongly recommend you watch this 2 youtube videos by John Kiefer:
That one is a very long video about nutrition for women
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXDEPc38y08
This is quite short, straight to the point why women should do heavy resistance training
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIgVdH7TRsU
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me or send me a request. I will be there for help-2 -
I would like to welcome everyone who is new to this thread!!!
In response to some things on here I would like to say this;
I started this thread not to learn exercises or be told to get on a schedule or this or that. Dealing with depression is more then "just set this goal and do it". I wanted a place for like minded women who need the emotional support that comes with weight loss and depression. Weight loss is important, but being healthy and happy are more important than any routine or goal. I've set goals but, they are milestones and never a "perfection" goal. Let's be real for a minute. There is no such thing as perfection, and someone that is dealing with or has dealt with depression would not recommend that type of goal to another person with depression. It sets you up for failure by setting expectations so high that when you don't reach it things can get worse.
Finally I did not want this to be a thread that would discourage anyone or make someone think that having that 2lb weight loss goal isn't enough. Depression is an entity that we all must respect and acknowledge. It will always be a small part of most of us and once again is the reason for this thread, to support one another on those days that we don't want to get out of bed, or don't want to take that shower that we know we need, or for the days that we need to hear that it's ok that you ate that bacon burger or doughnuts. This is for emotional support and tips on how to balance the emotion and physical sides of weightloss journeys.
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Photograhicsoul wrote: »I am so with this. I don't have quite as much to lose, but I dance so it does matter a lot to me. I am 154 right now, I think, and I want to take off 20, may be 30lbs. Which I know doesn't sound quite as much as a 100, but I still have been struggling to take off any weight. I have build muscle, I have more energy...but the weight is another thing. Every time I lose some, I get right back to bad habits, and reverse. Finally I'm getting back to it again since last week, and I've already seen results, so I am optimistic that perhaps this time I am ready for change. I would like to have lost at least 10lbs, perhaps 15, by mid-february. I would even like to say 20, but let's not push it.
I do get the emotional eating part a lot. That's the only reason I haven't lost all the weight yet, since I do train regularly, a lot.
May be we should start a group actually, where we can put threads?
Welocme!!! Congratulations on your weight loss so far and 100lbs or 10lbs, they are still unwanted. I think that your goal to lose 15 by February is realistic, and you can do it!!! One thing I can say is when I'm upset or mad or have that craving for something I smell it.... and wait 20 minutes and see if the craving passes. It gives me enough time to calm down and also allows me to see if I'm really hungry or if I'm just eating to eat. I am more then willing to share my tricks or just to be an ear to anyone here. I know you will do amazing on this journey.
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@brriittany How do you feel about starting a group on MFP as an offshoot of this thread? It might help for some us newbies and its a good place to share more thoughts about all of this. Just an idea!
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This is my first time using the "Community" option on MFP. I have used MFP in the past and been happy with the results. I have never considered myself a depressed person and have always been very active. However, over the last 4 years I have experienced some extremely difficult trials with the loss of 3 babies, as well as the death of a loved one and almost losing my Mom. I have gained more weight than ever and feel like every day is a struggle to get out of bed. I don't even recognize who I am anymore. This depression is affecting my health, my relationships, and my happiness. I want so badly to feel like myself again. I am ready to make a change for the better and would love to have the support of dedicated, motivated friends to help me toward that goal. I will do my best to be there for you too! As I mentioned, I'm new to this community thing, so hopefully I'll be able to find this thread again so I can keep in touch. Someone mentioned a "group" option... How does that work?0
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doCalisthenics wrote: »Ladies, please. We are all depressed sometimes and we do eat to get that endorphins dancing. But eating is just one thing we could do to fight depression. As few here noted exercise is the other.
The best thing however is to focus not on how to get rid of the depression and the extra pounds.
But to focus on smth more positive.
Focus on smth that is really going to stick positively in your mind.
For example. Set a goal to be at a specific target weight with a target bodyfat.
Generally, I would advice to focus on the bodyfat goal. Set a number. Do measurements once a month and keep going until you get there.
Know that it will take a lot of time to get to that goal. And have this goal as a perfection goal, which you can strive the rest of your life.
But set it realistic. For example if you are a housewife dont set a bodyfat goal of 4% which even elite athletes rarely reach.
As we all know a balanced "right" diet and exercise transform as physically and mentally, I think we should all remember why we are doing what we are doung.
Of course getting leaner, sexier and healthier are good reasons.
But isnt a goal that is important also for other people worth more?
Being sexy for you partner.
Being leanier in order to play better sports,
Get healthier to be able to help other people who arent healthy.
Those goals sound way better than I want to loose a certain amount of weight. Isnt that right?
The fact that you are serious about this is great but I would very much recommend to start eating smart and training smart.
Do your own research.
I personally researched this topic so much and found that John Bernardi and especially John Kiefer are providing the best methods to achieve all of your goals.
Ok, I'm just going to comment that these kinds of posts are annoying to me. Why? Because clinical depression can't be driven away with 'thinking positive'. This is the kind of attitude that prevents people from seeking help when they need it. If you're going through a bad time, that's one thing. Everyone has times they feel down or sad, that's part of life. In that case, focusing on the good things in life is helpful and can make a difference. But for someone with clinical depression, this doesn't work and I don't know about anyone else, but it makes me feel worse because it doesn't work.
I'm not saying everyone that is depressed needs medical help. For some, a very mild depression can be helped with diet and exercise. And you should totally try that and see if it helps. But if it doesn't and you end up in a place where you can't shake bad feelings and thoughts or more serious things like self harm, you do need medical help and there's no shame in doing that. I am on meds and it was the best thing I could do because know I can interact better with people and don't have the fail cycle running through my head. It's not a 'happy pill', it simply helps me balance my emotions, as well as help me cope with crowds for longer before I start to get anxiety.
{/rant}
Sorry, but that's a big issue for me, and if it is for others, I wanted them to know they're not alone in thinking this. Diet and exercise are good, but some of us need some extra help and all the positive thinking in the world is useless if you can't keep it from turning to negative thoughts.0 -
Hello I would not consider myself depressed but I am an emotional eater. Lately I have been down worrying about things I have no control over and it has really taken a toll on my motivation to exercise and to eat right. I know that I am at my heaviest( I refuse to get on a scale) and I hate to look at myself in the mirror. Right now my self esteem is at an all time low. I would love to be a part of this group. Maybe talking about what is bothering me before I overeat will help to lose weight. Anyone feel free to add me and we can battle this thing together.0
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I think starting a group is great idea!
Sorry, but that's a big issue for me, and if it is for others, I wanted them to know they're not alone in thinking this. Diet and exercise are good, but some of us need some extra help and all the positive thinking in the world is useless if you can't keep it from turning to negative thoughts.
I agree 100% dubird! I know people mean well when they say to "think positive" but it's halfhearted and insensitive advice to give someone with clinical depression or even someone going the situational depression. There's a difference between being sad and being depressed. I was one of those people who thought just thinking positive would solve everything and that people who were depressed are simply just negative (myself included). It wasn't until I was diagnosed and tried medication that I truly did realize it's more than just will power over your thoughts.
While I agree that will power and positive thinking can be beneficial for a multitude of conditions, sometimes you need more than that, and that's ok too.0 -
I think starting a group is great idea!
Sorry, but that's a big issue for me, and if it is for others, I wanted them to know they're not alone in thinking this. Diet and exercise are good, but some of us need some extra help and all the positive thinking in the world is useless if you can't keep it from turning to negative thoughts.
I agree 100% dubird! I know people mean well when they say to "think positive" but it's halfhearted and insensitive advice to give someone with clinical depression or even someone going the situational depression. There's a difference between being sad and being depressed. I was one of those people who thought just thinking positive would solve everything and that people who were depressed are simply just negative (myself included). It wasn't until I was diagnosed and tried medication that I truly did realize it's more than just will power over your thoughts.
While I agree that will power and positive thinking can be beneficial for a multitude of conditions, sometimes you need more than that, and that's ok too.
Yeah, I wish I could think of a way to tactfully and nicely tell someone that too. I mean, if someone is being nice and trying to help, I don't want to hurt their feelings either, but I'm not sure how to bring it up without sounding overly sensitive myself, ya know?0 -
I think starting a group is great idea!
Sorry, but that's a big issue for me, and if it is for others, I wanted them to know they're not alone in thinking this. Diet and exercise are good, but some of us need some extra help and all the positive thinking in the world is useless if you can't keep it from turning to negative thoughts.
I agree 100% dubird! I know people mean well when they say to "think positive" but it's halfhearted and insensitive advice to give someone with clinical depression or even someone going the situational depression. There's a difference between being sad and being depressed. I was one of those people who thought just thinking positive would solve everything and that people who were depressed are simply just negative (myself included). It wasn't until I was diagnosed and tried medication that I truly did realize it's more than just will power over your thoughts.
While I agree that will power and positive thinking can be beneficial for a multitude of conditions, sometimes you need more than that, and that's ok too.
Completely agree. I get that from my mom all the time. I think it's mostly a case of "If you haven't been there, you don't know what's it's like". When people say this, it usually just makes me feel worse.
Even though I lost weight and have kept it off doesn't mean I don't still get depressed. I do, and it can be tough. I've stayed on track by finding ways to keep to my schedule and routine and goals despite my depression. For me that meant turning to exercise instead of food to try to feel better or burn off that nervous energy, changing my mindset toward food to think of it as fuel, and pre-planning so when I get really low I can stick to my plan without even thinking much about it.0 -
@brriittany How do you feel about starting a group on MFP as an offshoot of this thread? It might help for some us newbies and its a good place to share more thoughts about all of this. Just an idea!
I Would love to do that and I will look into that right now. I believe it is needed. Thank you for letting me know it can be done. 0
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