Depression and motivation?
SoulOfRusalka
Posts: 1,201 Member
So I've been dealing with depression lately, and I have to struggle to motivate myself to get out of bed and go to class, never mind exercising. (Anyone who says that exercise helps depression, I am aware that that is *technically* true sometimes, but I am currently too tired to do it thanks to... depression.) I'm not really binging or anything, but I also haven't been very concerned with calories. Anyone have a similar experience or tips for how to deal with it? Thanks!
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Replies
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Not a doctor, but good luck with everything. I hope you can find the willpower to get out of your slump. Stay strong.3
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Thank you
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I am well experienced with depression and everything that goes with it. It's extra hard whilst trying to lose weight if you are dealing with comfort eating, tiredness, no motivation etc.
Here is how I handled things... WARNING - these aren't recommendations, as some of the ways I "dealt" with things are highly controversial... But this is what got me though... so
1) I didn't exercise - can easily lose weight with dieting alone
2) I would drink alot.. I would calorie count it and drink it with diet soda.. I have never been one of those people who is starving after drinking, complete opposite so it worked for me.
3) I took up smoking.. (yes, I know...) but it decreased my appetite and gave me something to "do" and I found the stress relief welcome.
4) I would sleep most of the time. When I was sleeping, I couldn't eat. Period.
5) I lived on a lot of sweets (candy) and not much else.
Now none of these are going to be particularly helpful to you I know.. and the drastic measures I took above were put of pure desperation and because I didn't really care about anything in the slightest, even my health.
I guess the only 2 things you could take away from that is sleeping more could help you not eat so much.. and the losing weight without exercise can happen (however this will only work if you do care enough to count calories)
Sorry I couldn't be of more help - just wanted to post and say I know how it feels!1 -
I am currently in the same boat. I am having major difficulty just trying to be a semi functional human being, however, I recently started drinking a lot more water and I have noticed I haven't felt like I was starving. I get full faster and still maintain at least 1200 calories a day. I down loaded a water tracker & it reminds me when to drink it & the intake is calculated off your BMI so you are getting the right amount without causing fluid overload. It also helps two of my aunts are trying to lose weight also which gives me a little more motivation to keep going. Wish you all the best!0
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Mirabelle1983 wrote: »I am well experienced with depression and everything that goes with it. It's extra hard whilst trying to lose weight if you are dealing with comfort eating, tiredness, no motivation etc.
Here is how I handled things... WARNING - these aren't recommendations, as some of the ways I "dealt" with things are highly controversial... But this is what got me though... so
1) I didn't exercise - can easily lose weight with dieting alone
2) I would drink alot.. I would calorie count it and drink it with diet soda.. I have never been one of those people who is starving after drinking, complete opposite so it worked for me.
3) I took up smoking.. (yes, I know...) but it decreased my appetite and gave me something to "do" and I found the stress relief welcome.
4) I would sleep most of the time. When I was sleeping, I couldn't eat. Period.
5) I lived on a lot of sweets (candy) and not much else.
Now none of these are going to be particularly helpful to you I know.. and the drastic measures I took above were put of pure desperation and because I didn't really care about anything in the slightest, even my health.
I guess the only 2 things you could take away from that is sleeping more could help you not eat so much.. and the losing weight without exercise can happen (however this will only work if you do care enough to count calories)
Sorry I couldn't be of more help - just wanted to post and say I know how it feels!
Thank you. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this too. And if those were your most controversial coping methods I think you did pretty well! Smoking and drinking are out for me because of various health problems, but I have been living off sweets more than I should. And definitely sleeping more than I should. Nice to know that it is possible to lose even if you can't find the energy to exercise.
I hope you're doing better now!0 -
SoulOfRusalka wrote: »Mirabelle1983 wrote: »I am well experienced with depression and everything that goes with it. It's extra hard whilst trying to lose weight if you are dealing with comfort eating, tiredness, no motivation etc.
Here is how I handled things... WARNING - these aren't recommendations, as some of the ways I "dealt" with things are highly controversial... But this is what got me though... so
1) I didn't exercise - can easily lose weight with dieting alone
2) I would drink alot.. I would calorie count it and drink it with diet soda.. I have never been one of those people who is starving after drinking, complete opposite so it worked for me.
3) I took up smoking.. (yes, I know...) but it decreased my appetite and gave me something to "do" and I found the stress relief welcome.
4) I would sleep most of the time. When I was sleeping, I couldn't eat. Period.
5) I lived on a lot of sweets (candy) and not much else.
Now none of these are going to be particularly helpful to you I know.. and the drastic measures I took above were put of pure desperation and because I didn't really care about anything in the slightest, even my health.
I guess the only 2 things you could take away from that is sleeping more could help you not eat so much.. and the losing weight without exercise can happen (however this will only work if you do care enough to count calories)
Sorry I couldn't be of more help - just wanted to post and say I know how it feels!
Thank you. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this too. And if those were your most controversial coping methods I think you did pretty well! Smoking and drinking are out for me because of various health problems, but I have been living off sweets more than I should. And definitely sleeping more than I should. Nice to know that it is possible to lose even if you can't find the energy to exercise.
I hope you're doing better now!
I am a lifetime sufferer of darkness and depression, lol so still very much in the middle of it, but not where I used to be at all. I am doing a different way of eating now, which feels better for me and is a lot healthier (maybe it's because i'm in a better place myself)
Thanks for saying I did pretty well - I can see me getting slated for my comments above, but I'm past the point of caring. Whatever you are doing... if you still want to lose weight whilst being in this dark hole.. carry on with the sweets if that's what makes you feel good - just don't go over your calorie allowance 0 -
i am very familiar with depression. i believe in medical treatment. i am on medication and have had a lot of psychotherapy which has been a life saver. research indicates that the most effective outcome for depression is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. the psychotherapy is educational about what depression is all about. it is complicated: a combination of genetics, environment, social resources, family and friend relationships, economic resources, etc. it is helpful to have a referral from someone you know. most general practitioners' knowledge of depression is limited tho they prescribe the most antidepressants, partly because people can't afford a psychiatrist. but a psychiatrist knows about the range of medications and options and is the best resource for medication. a psychotherapist can be an LPC, LCSW, psychologist-they all do the same talk therapy altho some specialize with certain populations: adults, children, or certain illnesses such as depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder . i also have Attention Deficit Disorder and have discovered that it also is best managed with medication and "strategies"! don't pass go...go directly to a doctor. Attention Deficit Disorder is a lifelong challenge so if you have it, start now to learn about it and get treatment.0
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Not a doctor, but good luck with everything. I hope you can find the willpower to get out of your slump. Stay strong.
Slump in mood and depression are entirely different phenomenon. Nice way to minimize mental illness.
My best advice is get yourself help. To even think about losing weight you should be bringing your A game to the table and be as healthy as possible on the mental side first. Whatever recovery is for you, find it.
I found myself far too depressed to begin my weight loss journey. Ended up pushing myself to an edge I never needed approach. Taking a month off to self examine and heal was all I needed, but may not be the case for everyone. See a doctor if you need!2 -
I have bi-polar and without someone telling me get up take a shower take your medication etc I would just sleep my life away thankfully I have my wonderful parents and dogs to keep me going with every day life but need motivation to eat healthy and exercise0
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Okay lady. Re-read my first statement. I'm giving the guy encouragement.
I hope you get out of your slump! You can lose the weight. Prove these hater trolls wrong.
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Not a doctor, but good luck with everything. I hope you can find the willpower to get out of your slump. Stay strong.
Slump in mood and depression are entirely different phenomenon. Nice way to minimize mental illness.
My best advice is get yourself help. To even think about losing weight you should be bringing your A game to the table and be as healthy as possible on the mental side first. Whatever recovery is for you, find it.
I found myself far too depressed to begin my weight loss journey. Ended up pushing myself to an edge I never needed approach. Taking a month off to self examine and heal was all I needed, but may not be the case for everyone. See a doctor if you need!
Nice way to poop on someone who was trying to be nice.2 -
Okay lady. Re-read my first statement. I'm giving the guy encouragement.
I hope you get out of your slump! You can lose the weight. Prove these hater trolls wrong.
No one's a hater troll. Depression's not a slump (bit like the difference between mono and fibromyalgia) but I appreciate that you were being nice. Thank you both.1 -
crankykissFp wrote: »i am very familiar with depression. i believe in medical treatment. i am on medication and have had a lot of psychotherapy which has been a life saver. research indicates that the most effective outcome for depression is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. the psychotherapy is educational about what depression is all about. it is complicated: a combination of genetics, environment, social resources, family and friend relationships, economic resources, etc. it is helpful to have a referral from someone you know. most general practitioners' knowledge of depression is limited tho they prescribe the most antidepressants, partly because people can't afford a psychiatrist. but a psychiatrist knows about the range of medications and options and is the best resource for medication. a psychotherapist can be an LPC, LCSW, psychologist-they all do the same talk therapy altho some specialize with certain populations: adults, children, or certain illnesses such as depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder . i also have Attention Deficit Disorder and have discovered that it also is best managed with medication and "strategies"! don't pass go...go directly to a doctor. Attention Deficit Disorder is a lifelong challenge so if you have it, start now to learn about it and get treatment.
Yeah, I've got a therapist but I can't start seeing a psychiatrist for a month or so, so I'm just trying to deal with it in the meantime.0 -
I've suffered from depression for about 18 years now. (At 28, that's almost 2/3 of my life!) So I'm VERY familiar with what you're going through. As it is, my weight has fluctuated a lot. Currently, I'm at my heaviest ever! What I've found works for me is:
1) Don't hide your illness. Enlist the help of people you love. I know this can be extremely scary, but if they are truly people who love you, they will support you in ANY way they can and that you need. Ask them to take walks with you! That is exercise, it gets you out into fresh air, AND it keeps the isolation at bay.
2) In moments like the one that prompted you to ask for our help and advice, get up and move. Do a few stretches. Take a 5 minute stroll around the house or block. Turn on the radio and dance to a song (or 2 or 10!). Usually a few minutes of motion is all it takes to start those endorphins flowing....and if you start to feel even a smidge better, BRAVO! You may even find that the 5 minute walk turns into 30.
3) Try making a schedule! Plan out your day in 30-60 minute blocks. I don't know about you, but I feel like that gives me manageable tasks to do. I didn't always COMPLETELY stick to it, but having a plan like that gave me SOMETHING to look forward to and kept my brain from wandering too far away and into the depression.
4) Lastly, take it one day and activity at a time! Every small step you take to overcome a moment of a depression is a huge win! You start to find out more and more what works for you, and it helps you on the way to successfully living with it or completely getting past it.3 -
For me, I was not able to begin my weight-loss journey until my meds were in order. I spent a lot of years trying different meds and not getting it quite right, and the depression and anxiety would keep me from doing the things I know I should. At the beginning of this year, I finally felt like I was in a good enough place to start trying to lose weight. I find that exercise helps me immensely, even if it's just going and taking a short walk around the block, whatever you can muster.
It also took a major shift in attitude for me to get on track with weight loss. I had to stop thinking, "I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT NOW!!" because that wasn't helping me, only making me feel worse. Instead, I had to start thinking, "I want to take better care of my health." And I found that taking steps to manage my physical health (eating healthy, exercising) caused an improvement in my mental health.2 -
I have bi-polar and without someone telling me get up take a shower take your medication etc I would just sleep my life away thankfully I have my wonderful parents and dogs to keep me going with every day life but need motivation to eat healthy and exercise
When I'm in a depression my dog is my lifesaver. I have great family but it's the connection with my dog that really helps, he doesn't judge me. I cherish him so. I find it impossible to be around other people during this time, some people still believe you can talk yourself out of it! Someone said to me the other day, 'life is a vacation if you want it to be' and she is aware of my depression. I was furious with her. My life is NOT a vacation! It does help to read all these posts and know that others get it. THANK YOU ALL!0 -
imamomwifedaughter wrote: »I have bi-polar and without someone telling me get up take a shower take your medication etc I would just sleep my life away thankfully I have my wonderful parents and dogs to keep me going with every day life but need motivation to eat healthy and exercise
When I'm in a depression my dog is my lifesaver. I have great family but it's the connection with my dog that really helps, he doesn't judge me. I cherish him so. I find it impossible to be around other people during this time, some people still believe you can talk yourself out of it! Someone said to me the other day, 'life is a vacation if you want it to be' and she is aware of my depression. I was furious with her. My life is NOT a vacation! It does help to read all these posts and know that others get it. THANK YOU ALL!
That has to be up there with "just think positive!" I understand that these people are trying to help, but would you tell someone with a broken leg to "just heal the bone and start walking around!"?
Dogs are the best. I miss mine
but I'll get to see her in a month!
RespectTheKitty wrote: »For me, I was not able to begin my weight-loss journey until my meds were in order. I spent a lot of years trying different meds and not getting it quite right, and the depression and anxiety would keep me from doing the things I know I should. At the beginning of this year, I finally felt like I was in a good enough place to start trying to lose weight. I find that exercise helps me immensely, even if it's just going and taking a short walk around the block, whatever you can muster.
It also took a major shift in attitude for me to get on track with weight loss. I had to stop thinking, "I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT NOW!!" because that wasn't helping me, only making me feel worse. Instead, I had to start thinking, "I want to take better care of my health." And I found that taking steps to manage my physical health (eating healthy, exercising) caused an improvement in my mental health.
Yeah, I have a feeling meds will really help. I'm starting as soon as I can. And I'm definitely going to try to just take better care of myself in general. Thank you 0 -
AnchoredInLove87 wrote: »I've suffered from depression for about 18 years now. (At 28, that's almost 2/3 of my life!) So I'm VERY familiar with what you're going through. As it is, my weight has fluctuated a lot. Currently, I'm at my heaviest ever! What I've found works for me is:
1) Don't hide your illness. Enlist the help of people you love. I know this can be extremely scary, but if they are truly people who love you, they will support you in ANY way they can and that you need. Ask them to take walks with you! That is exercise, it gets you out into fresh air, AND it keeps the isolation at bay.
2) In moments like the one that prompted you to ask for our help and advice, get up and move. Do a few stretches. Take a 5 minute stroll around the house or block. Turn on the radio and dance to a song (or 2 or 10!). Usually a few minutes of motion is all it takes to start those endorphins flowing....and if you start to feel even a smidge better, BRAVO! You may even find that the 5 minute walk turns into 30.
3) Try making a schedule! Plan out your day in 30-60 minute blocks. I don't know about you, but I feel like that gives me manageable tasks to do. I didn't always COMPLETELY stick to it, but having a plan like that gave me SOMETHING to look forward to and kept my brain from wandering too far away and into the depression.
4) Lastly, take it one day and activity at a time! Every small step you take to overcome a moment of a depression is a huge win! You start to find out more and more what works for you, and it helps you on the way to successfully living with it or completely getting past it.
Thank you so much! This is really good advice and encouragement
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Depression is really tough, my wife has battled it for years. It looks like you are seeking treatment as your situation allows (insurance?). Finding the right medication for you can do wonders but it's not a simple exercise. Look for a really good psychiatrist (another tall order) that can work with you on finding the right combination of meds that helps you without too many bad side effects. Keep an open mind on nutrition and exercise too--there are solutions sometimes found in diet adjustments. I'm glad you are reaching out--everyone needs help from time to time.1
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I'm really sorry that you're struggling. I understand that black hole that seems impossible to claw your way out of.
I was there, not very long ago. You need to speak to your doctor. My doctor has helped me tremendously without anti-depressants.1 -
I suffer from depression as well but I still get my butt up and out the door the gym out of discipline/habit. You have to exercise that pre-frontal cortex. Once you make up your mind (just like going to the bathroom, you just do it) your body will follow. Period. There are no excuses. Depression is a crutch that will wane off the more you deny it; you just have to want it bad enough. (ETA: This is my opinion which is working for me, please take no offense)
And you're right, exercise doesn't 'cure' depression in all of us as sometimes I still find myself lazying around in bed but again, my mood changes once I finish working out and finish my stretches. I then want to be more productive and I won't see my bed until midnight.
Dedicate to working out in the A.M. Get your 6-8 hours in, and get up and go straight to the gym/fitness of choice. Once you wake your body up by dragging yourself out of bed your mood will shift. If that doesn't work, deal with what's keeping you down. People aren't depressed just because. There's always a reason why. Fix/work on that reason no matter how big it is and you'll see the bed less and less.0 -
rachellosesitall85 wrote: »I suffer from depression as well but I still get my butt up and out the door the gym out of discipline/habit. You have to exercise that pre-frontal cortex. Once you make up your mind (just like going to the bathroom, you just do it) your body will follow. Period. There are no excuses. Depression is a crutch that will wane off the more you deny it; you just have to want it bad enough. (ETA: This is my opinion which is working for me, please take no offense)
And you're right, exercise doesn't 'cure' depression in all of us as sometimes I still find myself lazying around in bed but again, my mood changes once I finish working out and finish my stretches. I then want to be more productive and I won't see my bed until midnight.
Dedicate to working out in the A.M. Get your 6-8 hours in, and get up and go straight to the gym/fitness of choice. Once you wake your body up by dragging yourself out of bed your mood will shift. If that doesn't work, deal with what's keeping you down. People aren't depressed just because. There's always a reason why. Fix/work on that reason no matter how big it is and you'll see the bed less and less.
I'm not depressed "just because", I'm depressed because something in my brain chemistry is faulty. I'm working on that as much as I can. I'm glad exercising works for you, but if I go walk on a treadmill for an hour, I don't feel better, I feel like sleeping for a year.1 -
@SoulOfRusalka I'm going to start by saying talk to your doctor. If you're having issues with fatigue, it could be depression or it could be something else. Rule out what you can so you know which direction you need to go.
In the meantime, remember it's ok to start slow and build. Start with one or two things you can do now, and work on making those a habit. Then, change something else. It worked well for me, so it's something you might consider trying. And remember, exercise is NOT necessary for weight loss. It's good for other things, but if you're having trouble starting, focus on your calories in for now. All of my weight loss was without factoring in regular exercise.
Sometimes, if things seem overwhelming, you have to step back and focus on one day at a time. You still need to plan for the future, but I understand how that can make one feel like giving up because it's too much, so taking small steps and focusing on short-term goals will help you keep on track. Plus, celebrating a victory, no matter how small, helps you feel better about yourself and what you're doing. ^_^
Okay lady. Re-read my first statement. I'm giving the guy encouragement.
I hope you get out of your slump! You can lose the weight. Prove these hater trolls wrong.
I think the point was more along the lines of the fact that telling someone to cheer up when they are suffering from clinical depression is a bit insensitive. Clinical depression is not a switch, we can't just cheer up and it's not a 'slump'. I do appreciate that you're being supportive, but that mentality is why so many people don't take clinical depression seriously.rachellosesitall85 wrote: »I suffer from depression as well but I still get my butt up and out the door the gym out of discipline/habit. You have to exercise that pre-frontal cortex. Once you make up your mind (just like going to the bathroom, you just do it) your body will follow. Period. There are no excuses. Depression is a crutch that will wane off the more you deny it; you just have to want it bad enough. (ETA: This is my opinion which is working for me, please take no offense)
And you're right, exercise doesn't 'cure' depression in all of us as sometimes I still find myself lazying around in bed but again, my mood changes once I finish working out and finish my stretches. I then want to be more productive and I won't see my bed until midnight.
Dedicate to working out in the A.M. Get your 6-8 hours in, and get up and go straight to the gym/fitness of choice. Once you wake your body up by dragging yourself out of bed your mood will shift. If that doesn't work, deal with what's keeping you down. People aren't depressed just because. There's always a reason why. Fix/work on that reason no matter how big it is and you'll see the bed less and less.
Depression doesn't wear off over time. Mild depression can sometimes be helped with things like exercise, and it's a good idea to try other methods first, but clinical depression really is a physical issue with the brain chemistry. That doesn't go away. It can be mitigated and helped, but it will never go away. If I stop taking my meds, I will end up right back in the fail cycle again. I know this because just going down to a lower dose made it much harder for me to interact with people, and much harder for me to balance my emotions when I hit those bad days.
I'm happy you're able to moderate yours with exercise, that really is a better choice than meds if it works. Just keep in mind that it's not going to work for most people with clinical depression. Everyone experiences depression differently, so what worked for you isn't necessarily going to work for others.1 -
I believe people have very different degrees of depression from mild to suicidal. In my line of work and from personal experience I've seen it all. I also think that some things work for some but not others(and for some poor souls nothing works not even meds). And you have to find out what works best for you. Personally I am naturally introverted and sensitive so I find quiet soothing things help, hikes with my dog, yoga, watching light dramas, and solitude(I'm around people alot with work and I have kids/husband). BUT I wouldn't even be able to do those things without my meds, both for depression and hypothyroidism. I have been active for 30 years, I used to teach fitness classes. It's just always been a part of my life, But when the depression flares up (if that's the proper term) my fitness routine just shifts a bit to the above activities, the above post about getting up and working out early just wouldn't do it for me (I have never in 30 years been a morning worker outer!) But if that works for someone else who am I to judge??0
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I have dealt with minor depression and anxiety for many years. It certainly runs in my family. I have always been fortunate to have more good days than bad but sometimes it just gets more bad that I can handle on my own. I have see therapists at various times, usually for what I would refer to as a 'tune up', and about 16 months ago I made the decision that I was ready for medication. Asking for help was the best thing I could have done for myself. I was finally truly honest with my fiance (now hubby) and with my family and it has gotten so much better. I'm not going to say that every day is rainbows and fairy tales, but it's much better. I still have days when I just want to stay in bed and sleep and be left alone, and I take them if I really need them.
Do what you have to do to take care of yourself, I know it's hard when you have no interest in doing anything but sleeping. Try to eat healthy foods and get enough water. Sleep and rest if that's what you need. Ask for help from your family and friends, it may be tough for them to hear if you've been keeping this to yourself but they need to know that you need help.2 -
Okay lady. Re-read my first statement. I'm giving the guy encouragement.
I hope you get out of your slump! You can lose the weight. Prove these hater trolls wrong.
I totally did not take your comment in no way negative. And for her to jump on you is totally uncalled for.
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You're not alone! I've tried SO many antidepressants & none of them worked. I'm on 150mg of Wellburtin & so far so good! I'm motivated & I have energy. Since it's been nice I've been walking to get my kids from school & some days I force myself to walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes. Once you get in to see the physiatrist you will definitely feel better!
Hang in there! You're not alone in this illness. ❤️0
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