Depression and Weight Loss

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  • alizesmom
    alizesmom Posts: 219 Member
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    Hey Tribe
    I have allowed myself to be distracted by another thread and I am not sure why I found myself in the thick of a debate surrounding the science of weight loss and the importance of considering individual differences and respecting the possibility that not all bodies behave the same way. I certainly couldn't keep up with the "scientists" who can point to objective truths about calories in and calories out etc and measurement variables and on and on. I found myself trying to plead for some type of recognition that we ought not to judge people who struggle with weight loss as mathematically "inept" or even worse, self-deceptive. Do I think of myself as one of "those" people who pretend that they are eating less than they are? Am I one of the "fluffy" people who think my body must work differently than the machines described by the scientists who act like there is no ostensible difference between people so we will gain or lose based on caloric factors. That's it. End of story. I feel deflated and disappointed...and more than anything else confused. So...here is a tip. Be careful about discussions that lead one into the deeper waters of our own truths. Sure we have to face ourselves but I would prefer to do it kindly and with intention, rather than by falling over myself with trying to make sense out of something which I am only beginning to understand. I am not saying there are wrong. I just think I didn't look after myself through the process. So.....I am back here.
    Thanks for letting me return.
    S

    Sorry you allowed yourself to get bogged down. It hurts but you can overcome. Welcome back!
  • GeckoSupervisor
    GeckoSupervisor Posts: 12 Member
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    Throwing a thought out there for the "exercise is all you need to cure depression" crowd.
    I have Major Depressive Disorder and General Anxiety Disorder. I struggled for my entire early adult life to manage it on my own, but then came the suicidal thoughts... obviously it wasn't working. Still, everyone around me kept saying "get more exercise, that's all you need!" Really easy for them to say, when for me just getting out of bed may as well have been as easy as suddenly learning how to fly.

    But then, a doctor friend of mine put it in terms that really, really made sense to me. She said, that to use diabetes as an example, of course a doctor would recommend that a diabetic get plenty of exercise and make dietary changes. But, a doctor would also recommend insulin. Taking medication to help manage a disease is not shameful, and is sometimes the thing that needs to be done in order to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
  • 68myra
    68myra Posts: 975 Member
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    Hey everyone,
    I am sorry I have not submitted a post in the past few days. I have noticed a bit of a lull in our thread and imagine that we are all busy with the minutia of our lives. For me, I have found myself working hard to stay present and focused on the tasks in my life. This has been an interesting experience as I have really been confronted with my moods as I have noticed lots of fluctuations in my depression and anxiety. The good news is that I am much more aware of my triggers and what impacts my emotions. I started to read up on another psychological model called Dialytic Behavioural Therapy. have you read about it? The therapy, from what I have read, is designed to help people who have what is loosely called Borderline Personality Disorder which I do not really understand and the criteria doesn't seem to reflect my issues. Different than the criteria for BPD, I would like to think I have insight and some degree of understanding regarding the choices I can make. Yet, I find it so hard to look at the bright side of life and to see hope. I guess this is the impact of Depression and I get that. The DBT approach is useful in that I am learning how to notice my feelings rather than become tortured by them. Meditation and mindfulness has been a great addition to my life and I would recommend both to you as the benefits are great. I have noticed that I can handle more stress and ups and downs. It is not perfect but it is better. MY weight.....well, I think I am worrying about it less.I wonder how you are working on your moods in your lives? Also, how do you decide to let go of your stress and frustration? Do you think it is something that you can manage with effort? I would love to know what positive strategies you have been using lately to manage your moods.
    Shel
    I have considered joining a DBT group.... the approach helped my first child tremendously. most of the groups are for teenagers around here ;) I enjoy reading about it online. I believe the meditation at the end of every yoga class is helping me with mindfulness. Since i have always used vigorous exercise as an antidote to stress and frustration, and now i cannot do so, i'm struggling. yoga helps. listening to music helps. gardening helps. eating whole foods helps. riding my motorcycle also helps, but i'm a fair weather rider :) (and i don't ride unless i'm feeling stable, if you know what i mean) to answer another question, i whole-heartedly think it is something i can manage and change.
    i'm glad to hear you are worrying about weight less. i think our society is far too concerned with weight. consider focusing on your health instead. we want you to be around for a long long time :)
  • robertw486
    robertw486 Posts: 2,388 Member
    edited December 2015
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    Hey Tribe
    I have allowed myself to be distracted by another thread and I am not sure why I found myself in the thick of a debate surrounding the science of weight loss and the importance of considering individual differences and respecting the possibility that not all bodies behave the same way. I certainly couldn't keep up with the "scientists" who can point to objective truths about calories in and calories out etc and measurement variables and on and on. I found myself trying to plead for some type of recognition that we ought not to judge people who struggle with weight loss as mathematically "inept" or even worse, self-deceptive. Do I think of myself as one of "those" people who pretend that they are eating less than they are? Am I one of the "fluffy" people who think my body must work differently than the machines described by the scientists who act like there is no ostensible difference between people so we will gain or lose based on caloric factors. That's it. End of story. I feel deflated and disappointed...and more than anything else confused. So...here is a tip. Be careful about discussions that lead one into the deeper waters of our own truths. Sure we have to face ourselves but I would prefer to do it kindly and with intention, rather than by falling over myself with trying to make sense out of something which I am only beginning to understand. I am not saying there are wrong. I just think I didn't look after myself through the process. So.....I am back here.
    Thanks for letting me return.
    S

    Shel,

    As one that often ventures into the thick of the science based discussions (using the term loosely here) I have to state that I see flaw in your feeling deflated and disappointed at the experience you had in that thread. As from my viewpoint, those threads are often about imposing what one person thinks is right on another. In reality weight loss can be as simple or difficult as people wish to make it. Having seen your consistently respectful, mindful, and polite means of communicating to others on this thread, the real disappointment in my opinion was that of others who abide by no such reasonable standards.

    In your self reflection you find what many find, which is a struggle with weight control. But as someone I've watched reflect on deeper waters with other subjects, as with those other subjects you will find your path. And if you should desire any input that might help, I'd me more than willing to do so, as simple or as complex as you wish to make it. However, I would not want to do so in this public thread and risk intrusion into the sanctuary of peaceful and mindful discussion that you have created.

    As for anyone here allowing you to return, the way I see it you have created this "tribe" and your mindful and thoughtful reflections have allowed a space free of judgement for all who are brave enough to share and learn from each other. As such, I don't think anyone could attempt to deny you as the true leader of this tribe.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
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    robertw486 wrote: »
    Hey Tribe
    I have allowed myself to be distracted by another thread and I am not sure why I found myself in the thick of a debate surrounding the science of weight loss and the importance of considering individual differences and respecting the possibility that not all bodies behave the same way. I certainly couldn't keep up with the "scientists" who can point to objective truths about calories in and calories out etc and measurement variables and on and on. I found myself trying to plead for some type of recognition that we ought not to judge people who struggle with weight loss as mathematically "inept" or even worse, self-deceptive. Do I think of myself as one of "those" people who pretend that they are eating less than they are? Am I one of the "fluffy" people who think my body must work differently than the machines described by the scientists who act like there is no ostensible difference between people so we will gain or lose based on caloric factors. That's it. End of story. I feel deflated and disappointed...and more than anything else confused. So...here is a tip. Be careful about discussions that lead one into the deeper waters of our own truths. Sure we have to face ourselves but I would prefer to do it kindly and with intention, rather than by falling over myself with trying to make sense out of something which I am only beginning to understand. I am not saying there are wrong. I just think I didn't look after myself through the process. So.....I am back here.
    Thanks for letting me return.
    S

    Shel,

    As one that often ventures into the thick of the science based discussions (using the term loosely here) I have to state that I see flaw in your feeling deflated and disappointed at the experience you had in that thread. As from my viewpoint, those threads are often about imposing what one person thinks is right on another. In reality weight loss can be as simple or difficult as people wish to make it. Having seen your consistently respectful, mindful, and polite means of communicating to others on this thread, the real disappointment in my opinion was that of others who abide by no such reasonable standards.

    In your self reflection you find what many find, which is a struggle with weight control. But as someone I've watched reflect on deeper waters with other subjects, as with those other subjects you will find your path. And if you should desire any input that might help, I'd me more than willing to do so, as simple or as complex as you wish to make it. However, I would not want to do so in this public thread and risk intrusion into the sanctuary of peaceful and mindful discussion that you have created.

    As for anyone here allowing you to return, the way I see it you have created this "tribe" and your mindful and thoughtful reflections have allowed a space free of judgement for all who are brave enough to share and learn from each other. As such, I don't think anyone could attempt to deny you as the true leader of this tribe.

    Really?

    S/He accused me and another poster of having OCD - a diagnostically significant mental disorder?

    I didn't find that respectful - I pointed that out - I didn't receive an apology or an amendment

    Now I am sorry if someone is in the thalls of a mental illness and I seriously hope that s/he receives suitable medical treatment and is soon on the road to recovery but to imagine that because of that illness your words and actions to others don't matter is not appropriate

    Apologies - I just happened to notice this and had to speak up.
  • 68myra
    68myra Posts: 975 Member
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    rabbitjb wrote: »

    Really?

    S/He accused me and another poster of having OCD - a diagnostically significant mental disorder?

    I didn't find that respectful - I pointed that out - I didn't receive an apology or an amendment

    Now I am sorry if someone is in the thalls of a mental illness and I seriously hope that s/he receives suitable medical treatment and is soon on the road to recovery but to imagine that because of that illness your words and actions to others don't matter is not appropriate

    Apologies - I just happened to notice this and had to speak up.
    rabbitjb,
    I'm sorry you felt accused by Shellygold. I surely missed it. When i have more time, i will reread old posts and try to see your viewpoint. I've never known Shellygold to believe his words/actions towards others don't matter (quite the opposite, from MY viewpoint)

    My first thought was..... i wonder why you felt disrespected..... if you were "accused" of having diabetes, would that be insulting to you? how about parkinson's?
    I have "symptoms" of OCD, never diagnosed with it
    i have "symptoms" of ADD, never diagnosed with it
    i have "symptoms" of major depressive disorder. diagnosed with it.
    it is what it is, and i don't feel insulted when another person points out my symptoms or tendencies.

    If someone would accuse me of being an abusive mother.... THAT would offend me.
    If someone accused me of being a bad driver..... well, that big fat truck IS hard to parallel park ;)

    I am NOT trying to start trouble. if you feel you are owed an apology, that is your feeling and you are certainly entitled to it. I'm just sharing another perspective, and you can tell me to stick my perspective where the "sun don't shine" (i won't be insulted)

    cheers, Myra
  • 68myra
    68myra Posts: 975 Member
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    Throwing a thought out there for the "exercise is all you need to cure depression" crowd.
    I have Major Depressive Disorder and General Anxiety Disorder. I struggled for my entire early adult life to manage it on my own, but then came the suicidal thoughts... obviously it wasn't working. Still, everyone around me kept saying "get more exercise, that's all you need!" Really easy for them to say, when for me just getting out of bed may as well have been as easy as suddenly learning how to fly.

    But then, a doctor friend of mine put it in terms that really, really made sense to me. She said, that to use diabetes as an example, of course a doctor would recommend that a diabetic get plenty of exercise and make dietary changes. But, a doctor would also recommend insulin. Taking medication to help manage a disease is not shameful, and is sometimes the thing that needs to be done in order to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

    I completely agree with you. I'm one of the lucky ones..... exercise does help me tremendously (when i can do it) BUT it's not a cure-all. I also use meds, diet, mindfulness (i try), supplements..... etc
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
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    68myra wrote: »
    rabbitjb wrote: »

    Really?

    S/He accused me and another poster of having OCD - a diagnostically significant mental disorder?

    I didn't find that respectful - I pointed that out - I didn't receive an apology or an amendment

    Now I am sorry if someone is in the thalls of a mental illness and I seriously hope that s/he receives suitable medical treatment and is soon on the road to recovery but to imagine that because of that illness your words and actions to others don't matter is not appropriate

    Apologies - I just happened to notice this and had to speak up.
    rabbitjb,
    I'm sorry you felt accused by Shellygold. I surely missed it. When i have more time, i will reread old posts and try to see your viewpoint. I've never known Shellygold to believe his words/actions towards others don't matter (quite the opposite, from MY viewpoint)

    My first thought was..... i wonder why you felt disrespected..... if you were "accused" of having diabetes, would that be insulting to you? how about parkinson's?
    I have "symptoms" of OCD, never diagnosed with it
    i have "symptoms" of ADD, never diagnosed with it
    i have "symptoms" of major depressive disorder. diagnosed with it.
    it is what it is, and i don't feel insulted when another person points out my symptoms or tendencies.

    If someone would accuse me of being an abusive mother.... THAT would offend me.
    If someone accused me of being a bad driver..... well, that big fat truck IS hard to parallel park ;)

    I am NOT trying to start trouble. if you feel you are owed an apology, that is your feeling and you are certainly entitled to it. I'm just sharing another perspective, and you can tell me to stick my perspective where the "sun don't shine" (i won't be insulted)

    cheers, Myra

    He lashed out because he was out of his depth. I hold no ill will towards him and wish him nothing but the best in his health and recovery. He equated calorie logging and enjoying data with a potentially crippling mental disorder with significant diagnostic criteria .. because he was out of his depth.

    My comments were directed to @robertw486 for misplaced 'white knighting' I believe they call it - he made a comment that I believe to be untrue so I corrected him.

    Anyway I'm going to leave it there - this is not the place - this is clearly a supportive and useful environment and I wish you all well.
  • 68myra
    68myra Posts: 975 Member
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    Hey Tribe
    I have allowed myself to be distracted by another thread and I am not sure why I found myself in the thick of a debate surrounding the science of weight loss and the importance of considering individual differences and respecting the possibility that not all bodies behave the same way. I certainly couldn't keep up with the "scientists" who can point to objective truths about calories in and calories out etc and measurement variables and on and on. I found myself trying to plead for some type of recognition that we ought not to judge people who struggle with weight loss as mathematically "inept" or even worse, self-deceptive. Do I think of myself as one of "those" people who pretend that they are eating less than they are? Am I one of the "fluffy" people who think my body must work differently than the machines described by the scientists who act like there is no ostensible difference between people so we will gain or lose based on caloric factors. That's it. End of story. I feel deflated and disappointed...and more than anything else confused. So...here is a tip. Be careful about discussions that lead one into the deeper waters of our own truths. Sure we have to face ourselves but I would prefer to do it kindly and with intention, rather than by falling over myself with trying to make sense out of something which I am only beginning to understand. I am not saying there are wrong. I just think I didn't look after myself through the process. So.....I am back here.
    Thanks for letting me return.
    S

    Hiya Shel,
    I had some thoughts, but i like Robert's better, LOL :) personally, I like it when people are open-minded enough to fully consider someone else's perspective, even when believing their own perspective to be "truth"

    CICO works for me, personally, but i don't think the human body is that "cut and dry" MAN, we are complex! the CICO model doesn't account for hormones. here's two anecdotal observations:
    my exercise buddy is my age, my build, my weight. she doesn't have a thyroid and takes a synthetic pill everyday.
    i can take in more net calories than she can while maintaining weight. (SO not fair to her ;) )

    my husband can lose weight on "atkins" (i don't think atkins is a healthy diet whatsoever) the atkins folks assert that if you eat NO carbs, your body won't release insulin and therefore won't store fat. this man i love can eat nothing but protein and fat..... and the pounds come off. he will never count calories, so i have no idea about his CICO.

    anyhow, i like following CICO because it works for me, but i also follow other dietary restrictions for the sake of my mental health, so i'm sure that plays into it as well. I just don't think we can discount the role of hormones concerning weight loss. that's my story, i'm sticking to it, without the science to back it up ;)
    i agree that this is your "tribe", and you can come and go as you please :)
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
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    "Science" people here can be rather awful here. I have a science-ish college background and I even avoid those "conversations" :neutral:

    exercise is just a tool for depression. I cannot use it alone to manage my symptoms. I've been dealing with this since i was 11. I've been on and off medication and find i do better overall with medication. I've got a group that i speak with about how to deal with some outside issues that affect my depression too. and i have a person i can talk to about whatever but medication is still necessary.

    The internet can be a very fun and supportive place but at the same time, it can be rather horrible place. look at youtube comments.
  • soulofgrace
    soulofgrace Posts: 175 Member
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    I enjoy this thread because it is usually free of the back and forth that goes on in other threads. I've often thought that this should be a distinct group away from the main boards to protect that atmosphere. On the other hand, that would keep a lot of people from finding the support it has provided. So, I suggest we refrain from bringing frustration we've felt in other threads to this one. It is the internet, after all, and many of us have experienced and participated in that kind of exchange. We should remind ourselves that this isn't the "real world," so to speak, and we can let that feeling of frustration pass...more easily, IMO than our real, every day difficulties. "This too shall pass" is a mantra I use to help me when I allow myself to get overwhelmed with negative thoughts. If we don't let it pass, the truth gets lost in our need to express what we think is right.

    I'd also like to add, if I may, that CICO is merely shorthand for an equation that is made up of all our personal variables. Hormones, age, depression, etc just change our personal equation. Discovering our personal CICO equation is why were here. To find help from others who have similar variables. There should be no argument, but the back and forth will continue because typed text on an open forum leaves out a lot of tonal cues important for human interaction. My choice is usually to not engage...other than my attempt at humor...which is mostly lost because its sort of dark and dry. LOL. So, I get what I need from reading the many science based theories here, and it is working...even with my age, hormones, autoimmune disease and depression...my equation is working...for now. When my equation changes I will know it and make adjustments.

    Thank you to Shel for starting this thread. It really is a helpful resource for many of us who have similar difficulties. It's nice to feel comfortable discussing such a sensitive variable in this journey we are on together.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,898 Member
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    Throwing a thought out there for the "exercise is all you need to cure depression" crowd.
    I have Major Depressive Disorder and General Anxiety Disorder. I struggled for my entire early adult life to manage it on my own, but then came the suicidal thoughts... obviously it wasn't working. Still, everyone around me kept saying "get more exercise, that's all you need!" Really easy for them to say, when for me just getting out of bed may as well have been as easy as suddenly learning how to fly.

    But then, a doctor friend of mine put it in terms that really, really made sense to me. She said, that to use diabetes as an example, of course a doctor would recommend that a diabetic get plenty of exercise and make dietary changes. But, a doctor would also recommend insulin. Taking medication to help manage a disease is not shameful, and is sometimes the thing that needs to be done in order to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

    I apologize if I've come across as part of the "exercise is all you need to cure depression" crowd. My position is actually "exercise is a great place to start for depression." I'm not commenting on specific cases like yours, but in general, I think meds are over-prescribed and exercise is under-prescribed.

    Also, my brother is on the schizophrenic spectrum and what meds have done for him are truly miraculous.
  • mommarnurse
    mommarnurse Posts: 515 Member
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    I have been diagnosed with major depression and anxiety disorder. I have been on several antidepressants. Theyr served their purpose at the time and probably prevented me from going into some psychiatric crisis or self harm. At one point, I decided to come off of meds and work out my life. I concentrated on diet and exercise, and every pound that came off helped me feel in control of my life and see my purpose and self-worth. Every fitness gain did the same. I definitely still feel the depression wheels turning on a daily basis and sometimes my anxiety gets me going. I've developed into a runner, though, and that seriously is powerful for clearing my mind, getting out frustration among other things. I hope it's going to stay in my life for a VERY long time.
  • shelleygold
    shelleygold Posts: 178 Member
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    Dear Rabbit and others.
    Welcome to our thread where you will find open mindedness, compassion and a surprising degree of tolerance for human individuality. Rather than see mental health challenges as weakness, here, we discuss and compare our unique experiences both honestly and respectfuly and create a learning space where information is disseminated and discussed in a fair and balanced way.
    I have been so impressed with the degree of sophistication in contributors and I wonder if it is less about people trying to sound like experts and specialists and more about regular people sharing their subjective and personal experiences. I have been aware of an unprecedented sense of acceptance and care in this room and Rabbit, you are welcome here and who knows, you may pick up some tips on an alternative way people communicate.
    In terms of an apology, I agree completely. When you wrote that you were not a "special snowflake", I recall feeling a bit wounded and retaliated by offering an alternative label (OCD). I agree that no labels ought to be part of banter and I apologise. It was meant in fun. Again my apologies .
    I learned a lot participating in that thread and have no regrets. But I am glad to be back in this environment where being right is not nearly as important as being treated with respect and openness in a nonthreatening way.
    Thanks
    Shel
  • shelleygold
    shelleygold Posts: 178 Member
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    Hi again,
    I wonder how moods such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar etc impact our judgements when we are confronted with problems to solve in relation to interpersonal or social exchanges? I reflect on Rabbit's sense that I offended him with the reference to OCD which triggered in him a significant response rather than a light hearted reaction. I know that when I am feeling down, have gained weight, or experience anxiety, my processing of information and my ability to see things in different ways reduces to a very limited level and I am left (stuck) with an interpretation or conclusion which is often unhelpful. Taking this further, the impact(s) we may have on others may also be "collateral" damage when they are interacting with us and not aware or even prepared for how we are perceiving and processing. I feel sad that I may have caused someone a degree of upset and will evaluate my "standard operating procedures" both when I am calm and level handed and when I get triggered and become changed somehow in my cognitive functioning. I would appreciate hearing from people who have also reflected on they react to stressful interactions and emotionally charged exchanges both when calmness and emotional regulation is occurring and when the reverse is true. Perhaps this discussion will tease out strategies that one can use to manage not just the moods themselves but the accompanying choices we make when interacting with others. For example, should we let people know when we are struggling so that our responses can be seen against the backdrop of where we are at emotionally? Do we need to go that far? I do not think we should have to apologize for who we are and at the same time I think I have a responsibility to ensure that those people in my world are not negatively impacted by me. I struggle with this. I would love to hear your views.

    Shel
  • shelleygold
    shelleygold Posts: 178 Member
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    Dear mammarnurse and everyone
    What an amazing story of courage and discipline. A great example of the benefits of medical science and a person's sheer tenacity to manage a persistent and debilitating state of mind. I think quite often that the key to unlocking our unconscious potential is forged by our commitment to have a better life and do whatever it takes. Well done
    Shel
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,898 Member
    Options
    Hi again,
    I wonder how moods such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar etc impact our judgements when we are confronted with problems to solve in relation to interpersonal or social exchanges? I reflect on Rabbit's sense that I offended him with the reference to OCD which triggered in him a significant response rather than a light hearted reaction. I know that when I am feeling down, have gained weight, or experience anxiety, my processing of information and my ability to see things in different ways reduces to a very limited level and I am left (stuck) with an interpretation or conclusion which is often unhelpful. Taking this further, the impact(s) we may have on others may also be "collateral" damage when they are interacting with us and not aware or even prepared for how we are perceiving and processing. I feel sad that I may have caused someone a degree of upset and will evaluate my "standard operating procedures" both when I am calm and level handed and when I get triggered and become changed somehow in my cognitive functioning. I would appreciate hearing from people who have also reflected on they react to stressful interactions and emotionally charged exchanges both when calmness and emotional regulation is occurring and when the reverse is true. Perhaps this discussion will tease out strategies that one can use to manage not just the moods themselves but the accompanying choices we make when interacting with others. For example, should we let people know when we are struggling so that our responses can be seen against the backdrop of where we are at emotionally? Do we need to go that far? I do not think we should have to apologize for who we are and at the same time I think I have a responsibility to ensure that those people in my world are not negatively impacted by me. I struggle with this. I would love to hear your views.

    Shel

    Hi Shel,

    When I'm triggered I might employ a variety of strategies - walk away, write a draft but not respond til later, rewrite something a number of times.

    In real life I will let people know when I am struggling. For example, I will say "I'm frazzled; please be gentle" to my fiance whose acerbic wit I find funny except when I am frazzled. I haven't done it online. I've seen people do it on a discussion board I used to be on.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,898 Member
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    I think we were talking about weather and mood earlier? I'm really unmotivated on gloomy days, but today planted spring bulbs for an hour then went for a 40 minute walk, despite the drizzle. First time I've walked in the rain. I "borrowed" a hat from Mom for this purpose.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    Options
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    Hi again,
    I wonder how moods such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar etc impact our judgements when we are confronted with problems to solve in relation to interpersonal or social exchanges? I reflect on Rabbit's sense that I offended him with the reference to OCD which triggered in him a significant response rather than a light hearted reaction. I know that when I am feeling down, have gained weight, or experience anxiety, my processing of information and my ability to see things in different ways reduces to a very limited level and I am left (stuck) with an interpretation or conclusion which is often unhelpful. Taking this further, the impact(s) we may have on others may also be "collateral" damage when they are interacting with us and not aware or even prepared for how we are perceiving and processing. I feel sad that I may have caused someone a degree of upset and will evaluate my "standard operating procedures" both when I am calm and level handed and when I get triggered and become changed somehow in my cognitive functioning. I would appreciate hearing from people who have also reflected on they react to stressful interactions and emotionally charged exchanges both when calmness and emotional regulation is occurring and when the reverse is true. Perhaps this discussion will tease out strategies that one can use to manage not just the moods themselves but the accompanying choices we make when interacting with others. For example, should we let people know when we are struggling so that our responses can be seen against the backdrop of where we are at emotionally? Do we need to go that far? I do not think we should have to apologize for who we are and at the same time I think I have a responsibility to ensure that those people in my world are not negatively impacted by me. I struggle with this. I would love to hear your views.

    Shel

    Hi Shel,

    When I'm triggered I might employ a variety of strategies - walk away, write a draft but not respond til later, rewrite something a number of times.

    In real life I will let people know when I am struggling. For example, I will say "I'm frazzled; please be gentle" to my fiance whose acerbic wit I find funny except when I am frazzled. I haven't done it online. I've seen people do it on a discussion board I used to be on.

    I do the same thing with people i know well. at work, i can put in my headphones and work on nonsocial projects
  • kiela64
    kiela64 Posts: 1,447 Member
    edited December 2015
    Options
    Hi, it's been a while since I've checked in with this thread. I'll go back and read more later, but I'm very glad to be back on MFP. I stopped logging and started "eating my feelings" again. I got really low on myself, and had to drop into part-time at school, and just constantly felt tired and sad. I didn't sleep much at all for a good month.

    I lost most of the progress I made in the summer, and gained most of the weight all back, but I still have what I learned from that experience. While my eating is still touch and go, I've been logging more and exercising. Now the semester is over I feel miles better and I'm able to work out and log, but I worry about how things will go when I go back in January. I find it so hard to hold multiple tasks in my head, so many days I can only do one thing.

    I hope the holidays are good for everyone here <3