Anyone else dealing with depression while trying to lose weight?

I was never clinically diagnosed (but I also never went to the doctor) so I don’t want to say that I was depressed, BUT I totally understand what you’re going through and the cycle. With me it always ended up with me crying in my boyfriends lap while he helplessly hugging me.

He would then start his upbeat speech on how consistency is the key for everything in life, and how giving up is not an option because then nothing would change for me.
He pushed me to the gym and taught me to lift heavy weights. He also insisted in taking “before” pictures (which I hated because I was so fat and round, but had no say in the matter). I can say that in 2 weeks of clean eating only and exercise there was a huge difference in my back (fat rolls disappeared). The number in the scale wasn’t going down still (maybe even going up) despite all the effort, that’s when I started to count calories and macros again and being strict with food.

I’m like you, I’m obsessed with food and math, but I’m a routines kind of person and I like structure. I can understand that for some people it might be harder, but it helps to have a routine and a structure because then, when you feel like you need a “cheat meal” or a “treat” (for mind health) then you know that the structure is still there and it’s easy to go back to it again (drink tons of water to de-bloat, then go back to the old system).

Life isn’t perfect still. I have my moments. Yesterday I even had an argument with the boyfriend because I ate a Quest bar that wasn’t in the plan. I felt frustrated because I felt like I failed. Saying this now kind of sounds ridiculous.

The thing is, it’s hard. Don’t expect losing weight and getting back in shape to be easy without a structure and a plan (in my opinion). You shouldn’t heavily restrict as you say, but there will be some restrictions.
There are 2 thoughts that usually help me: 1 - I love the feeling I get when I finish my daily food log and I’m on track; 2 - time will pass either way, wether you do something for yourself of not, so if you think 3 months ahead, you might have some results if you keep consistency or you’ll still feel miserable because you let the bad thoughts of depression take over.

I’m halfway there, lost almost 6Kg so far. It’s been 3 months. I have to admit that I’m a bit disappointed with myself, I hoped it was more, but I also know that 3 months ago I was way more unhappy with myself. I also know for sure that if I keep it up, in 3 months my body will thank me.

I hope my words were a bit helpful and that I didnt come up woo harsh. Sorry for my bad english (second language). Good luck!

I know exactly what you mean. I had that problem last time I tried to get rid of my weight. Sadly, I gave up. Now I have found so many different explanations for non-budging weight on here that it seems more part of the process rather than failure. There seem to be quite a few people in the same boat of not losing for the first few weeks, and I am sure they will be giving you good advice soon enough on here. The one that I can pass on immediately, try measuring your body, as you may be building muscle and changing shape. That weight might not all remain fat already. Good luck to you. Don't give up. Look at the success stories. And know you are not alone with the depression or the desire to lose weight. You are doing your body good at the moment, whether it shows or not.

Feel free to add me if you would like some more support on your journey.

Not sure if this has been suggested or not, but I found that having a therapist/counselor REALLY helped. Mostly because they can help you feel better about yourself and be your support. Most have experience with emotional eating and can offer guidance around that. My negative thinking rules some days, but I'm much better at shutting it up

Recovering (finally) after a year and a half long depressive period - one of the darkest I've ever had and one in which I gained 80 or so lbs after starting medication. On another med now that has not affected my weight as strongly and am now clawing back against both the depressive thoughts and the weight gain. Hoping to return to work soon. Not out of the woods yet but at least I can find my way back to civilization Feel free to add me to friends if you need someone to talk with and for support ❤️

((hugs)) I've been there and still am with my bi-polar disorder. It was easy to put on so much weight until I got help.

Your doctor will put you on a good antidepressant (make sure you get the weight neutral kind). Don't give up! Baby steps and one day at a time. I have been able to lose some weight by joining T.O.P.S. just over a month ago. Lots of help there, lots of encouragement and the nicest bunch of ladies I've ever met.

((Hugs again))

kcongel90 wrote: »

Thanks you guys for commenting and letting me know that I'm not alone. I'll definitely think about this thread when I'm having weak moments.

are you being treated at all? meds, and/or counselling/therapy of some sort? it sounds like your depression is pretty severe, that's how much I would be struggling without help. for me the right meds help a lot with the basic day in/day out stuff.

I'm dealing with the same problem. Eating was always the only thing that made me feel better and kept me from cutting, but it isn't the way to live. If you need anyone to talk to, I'm here and I understand. I myself am trying to lose the twenty pounds I gained due to stress, and my one piece of advice would just be try to find someone to work for. Doing it for someone else really motivates me to do better

Oh man it's very hard depression is..

Hey mate I have Tourette's syndrome aswell as depression ocd and anxiety. I'm on heaps of meds and it all really gets me down. I feel like the meds are restricting weight loss and always feel that I can't do anything about my weight. The past three weeks after communicating with people on this form I have finally found motivation to stick with a diet and I have been successful. Stick with it I wish you the best of luck

Been in depressed state for quite some time this past year; weight's up; feeling frustrated and angry with myself. Trying to get back on track with respect to diet, walking, feeling good about me, etc. It's a long haul back to a weight where I'm comfortable but I'm willing to put in the effort. I know that the depression will recede if I can get out there and look after myself and meet my goals. Wishing everyone success in their attempts and looking forward to my success as well.

I've been there. I had success few years ago with MFP but then fell into bad bout of depression. I am just getting back at it now but was telling myself I will start tomorrow for the last six months. I took a sick leave from work 8 months ago which meant I had no reason to get up, sat around in stretchy pants so now that it's time to get back at it none of my previous professional clothes fit. It can be tough cause it's so easy to fall into a pattern of blah. I would always say ok in an hour I'm going to do something motivating or I would eat something really bad amd think oh well today is already blown so might as well eat like crap for the rest of the day. Yes depression sucks , set little itty bitty goals if you need to to start. Eventually as you start meeting those goals, increase them and soon you will feel better and will help keep the depression at bay. When you feel yourself slipping into depression remind yourself how much you don't want to go back there. During my last bout of depression I wrote a letter my not depressed self and visa versa when your up write a letter to your down self.