Anxiety & Depression

plumgardenia
plumgardenia Posts: 12 Member
edited September 29 in Introduce Yourself
I have been struggling with anxiety and depression for over 10 years. Up until recently it has taken over my life, causing me to withdraw from college and move back in with my mother and step-dad. The last year has been exceedingly stressful due to the fact that I still have not found a medication that works for me and therapy has only had a short-term affect on me. I'm slowly starting to realize that my self-esteem has been the underlying issue all this time. This month marks my one year battle with trying to find relief from my disorder. So my question is this: Do you think weight loss could actually be the right "prescription" or do I continue driving myself crazy by switching medications every couple of months?

Replies

  • runningfromzombies
    runningfromzombies Posts: 386 Member
    Weight loss has worked for me. In combination with therapy, and so far. Three months ago I was suffering from PTSD (result of sexual abuse) and life-long depression; today I feel better, mentally and physically, than I have in my entire life. Happier and healthier on all fronts. The battle is by no means over, but I think it says something that I've stayed in a more-or-less positive mood even without the weekly therapy appointments for the last month and a half. (:

    Feel free to add me--I would love to support you!
  • verilla
    verilla Posts: 13
    Losing weight means changing your eating habits and exercise habits. Those two things are huge parts of everyone's life. Reaching each small goal - first 5 pounds - first week that you exercised 3 times - 10 pounds lost - the month you walked every evening for 1/2 an hour - are positive feedback to the mind. That can't hurt. Getting out into the world - joining a dance class - a walking club - meeting folks at the dog off leash park - all things that assist in weight loss/healthy lifestyle, but also positive interactions with the human race on a simple level. That can't hurt either. You wouldn't be the first person that finds themselves depressed and overwhelmed by the state of their body and the knowledge of the struggle to get things back in check. Don't feel alone - you aren't. I suggest continuing with therapy and add the lifestyle change as part of the therapy - your part. Be good to yourself. Cheers.
  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    Working on your self-esteem can really help you with the depression.

    I understand. I suffered from PTSD and depression for a number of years. Medication was not very effective for me, either. Therapy was essential. I learned the mental tools to cope with things in a healthy way.

    Exercising and losing weight is a great way to take care of yourself and your needs. It will help you overcome depression. Exercise is a great mood booster. The better you feel about yourself, the more you'll do to stay and be healthy.

    If I may suggest a book, you might want to check out "Self-Esteem" by McKay and Fanning. It'll teach you ways to improve your self-esteem.

    Feel free to add me.
  • taem
    taem Posts: 495 Member
    Hi,

    I am a big believer of changing your eating habits and getting out to get some sun (vitamin D) and exercise. Not only does food change the chemical balance and how you feel, but so does moving around in the sun. Make sure you get a few different diet sources before settling on the one you think will work for you. Remember to change your eating habits and then exercise (after doctor's approval).
  • LauraMarie37
    LauraMarie37 Posts: 283 Member
    I agree with people who say continue therapy while making the diet/exercise changes suggested by MFP - it could be a powerful combination! Once you see that you CAN make positive changes in physical areas, it will help give you the boost and the courage to make positive changes in mental/emotional areas.

    Best of luck! You can do this!
  • chic_mama_25
    chic_mama_25 Posts: 90
    Hey, I have been on meds for a year now and for the best part they have worked

    (although at one point after increasing dosage they made me suicidal haha not even funny but ironic because I have never been suicidal and I was on them more for anxiety than depression!)

    It is SO SO bad to change meds all the time I really feel for you! better not to be on any, I would be so scared of my brain :o

    But now I am trying to come off them (already reduced quite a bit) and exercise and eating healthy with the help of MFP definitely helps :)

    Also when you feel good about yourself, you feel good about life :)

    Add me if you like x
  • lindainlv
    lindainlv Posts: 11 Member
    I have a friend who has struggled with depression all her adult life. She has tried different Dr. prescribed meds. She says that even when she is taking the meds, she is so much better when she a) exercises every day & b) does not drink alcohol. If you are under a doctor's care, you might ask him about this. Of course a healthy diet & a good self image is also important. It would certainly be a good idea to consult with your physician, so he can monitor this if you are struggling with depression. Have you had your hormone levels checked? Hormones regulate all kinds of things in our body.
  • bex879165
    bex879165 Posts: 121 Member
    I suffered with Post Natal Depression after the birth of my daughter in October 09 for which I was on medication. After being on this nearly 12 months I weaned myself off as I felt ready. I didn't feel completely better or right but I felt completely different to how I'd felt before the meds. Looking back now I put it down to a mix of the PND and me feeling down about the weight I had put on. It was time for a change! Feeling so down it was hard kick starting doing anything about it but I pushed and pushed myself and I feel like a new woman now. It's soooo not easy but really worth the effort. I began my diet at the end of Feb and have lost nearly 2 stone. I walk 6 days a week (about 3miles) and eat healthily now. Doesn't really feel like a diet! I've just kicked out the take aways and junk food I used to eat! I think it's the exercise that's done it though. It's really lifted my mood. When I feel a bit down, I go for a walk. I sympathise with anyone who has any form of depression though, I think it is misunderstood by a lot of people. It's a horrible thing and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

    You'll get plenty of help and support on here though. Feel free to add me. Good luck. xx
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