Trying To Get Back On Track While Battling Physical and Mental Health Issues

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Hi, everyone. I'm 38 years old, 5'4, and currently 195 lbs. I am trying to get back on track after being noncommittal for the last year. I lost 70 lbs in '14 by using MFP and walking using Runkeeper. In '15 I gained back 30 lbs when I had a relapse of bipolar depression. I've been setting little goals trying to get back into my healthier lifestyle and have logged on MFP for 120 days. Last week I started walking again. This week I finally admitted to myself I can't have sweets in the house because I binge on them all too often, especially at night. I am new to the community and looking for some online support to keep me motivated with realistic goals. I didn't expect a relapse with depression and it causing a flare. I've known I have bipolar and fibromyalgia for 16 years, but 2 years ago I thought I had beaten it because it was the longest healthy streak I had. I spent '15 trying to just survive and not worry about eating healthy and exercising. But, this June my daughter graduates from high school and I'd like to stay on track of healthy living because we will be going on vacation and I want to fit back into my cute clothes. Sorry to ramble on, but I'm hoping to connect with someone who understands the roller coaster of life and we can help each other achieve our goals.

Replies

  • KatrinaGrey
    KatrinaGrey Posts: 101 Member
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    Yup. I completely understand. I have bipolar and am trying to get a diagnose for all over pain issues for a few months now. Having bipolar and a physical disorder just seems like pouring salt into the wound. I'm okay for a while then BAM, depressed or pain or some combo of the two, combine with emotional eating and I feel horrible. I've been managing ok but it's a daily struggle. Feel free to add me!
  • amy_kee
    amy_kee Posts: 694 Member
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    Hey, I'm a 51 yr old and have been living with mental illness for many years. I do understand your roller coaster that you've been on. I can tell you try hard too. But. sometimes, our mental health issues kind of take over. I understand living in pain too, as I have injuries to my spine and see a pain specialist. Congrats on logging on MFP for 120 days! That's a real long time to be consistent. When I was 46 - 47, I had a year and a half of pure hell with my mental illnesses. I was hospitalized over 12 times. I do alright when mentally, I can handle going to the gym. But, lots of the time, I'm at home, trying to get myself together. I would like to be friends with you, if you want. You can send me a friend request if you want to. Amy
  • trina93
    trina93 Posts: 4 Member
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    Thank you for your replies. There is a sense of comfort knowing others understand what it's like. I tried to add both of you, but I could only get Katrina's to work. At least I hope it worked. Lol. Feel free to add me if it didn't work.
  • alainaxo95
    alainaxo95 Posts: 9 Member
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    I also have a history of mental illness (bipolar and anxiety disorder) and drug addiction for which I'm now on methadone so I completely understand what you go through please feel free to add me.
  • beautifulsparkles
    beautifulsparkles Posts: 314 Member
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    I have Bipolar also
  • Jadedlily83
    Jadedlily83 Posts: 19 Member
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    Your story sounds almost EXACTLY LIKE MINE! Add me, please, and we can share war stories. I am bipolar and have PTSD, and I ballooned up to 270lbs at 5'3"
  • LMHG2015
    LMHG2015 Posts: 5 Member
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    Hi, please know you are NOT alone. Have also battled (still) w/ anxiety/post partum depression and OCD. Additionally, have physical issues which keep my exercise options to MINIMUM. Sure can be frustrating. Just joined MFP. Have done WW on past but just got bored with it and even now finding motivation is difficult. Though I understand the reasons I need to lose weight, I recognize what a stronghold it is for me. Love and success to you.
  • trina93
    trina93 Posts: 4 Member
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    I've been diagnosed with so many mental and physical issues I don't even both saying them all anymore. Lol. I've had 5 good days in a row tho so I'm pretty happy about that.
  • paprboy7402
    paprboy7402 Posts: 1 Member
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    Stay strong, after years of battling depression I found that the only treatment that worked for me was repetitively using cognitive therapy to break my depressive cycles. it feels strange at first but it's grows on you. I wish you the best of luck with your issues and keep 'walking' forward,
  • wildrose957498
    wildrose957498 Posts: 24 Member
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    Yr story sounds so much like mine. I have many illnesses like bipolar, ocd, agoraphobia just to say a few. Add my if you like and we'll try helping each other. Good luck on yr journey. April M.
  • erinmayo
    erinmayo Posts: 1 Member
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    Hello! I'm so happy to see that there are other women out there with similar issues to mine. I'm 30 years old with a 12 year old daughter who is the light of my life and my biggest supported. I've got a hectic schedule being a wound care nurse and at 5'5" 230lbs with PTSD and controlled major depressive disorder I need more than just my daughter's support. I'm extremely active but struggle with food and my weight yoyos because of this. I need the support from others like you and would really love to give my support back.