Looking for support while trying to get healthy dealing with depression

Happens with me every autumn and winter. I do wish it would lift a little sometimes .

Stellarstell wrote: »

I have anxiety and depression. I had a follow up with my Dr today and we talked about my weight. I need to start losing or I'm going to have a heart attack. It's still sinking in.

@Stellarstell losing weight / becoming a healthier you will not only help your cardiovascular system but also your depression. Yes exercise releases dopamine/endorphins post work-out because you put your body through "stress" a healthy amount of stress therefore as a self-defense our bodies release these hormones.

Trust me. I'm on the same boat as everyone. Maybe a bit more severe (I have a whole lotta other mental illnesses aside from Dep/Anx) that I have to deal with & everyday is a struggle. HOWEVER ITS ALL A STATE OF MIND. yes I get sad and depressed & don't want to get out & go but I know I can't just sit there & dwell. I have to move and do something. I know I have an illness I know I have a choice to just let my illness get the best of me or fight. We're all little warriors. We're all fighting this horrible battle however trust me we got this! Exercising & eating healthy will only get us better.


I'm off all of my meds & feeling better then ever.

WickAndArtoo wrote: »

My dogs help, before we got them I would sleep the entire day and not leave the bed or even eat if it meant getting out of bed. After we got our first dog it gave me a reason that I had to get out of bed no matter what, to take him out to potty. He had so much energy that if I didn't walk him he would cause trouble. Now even on the worst of days I just force myself to do a few laps with the pups, and usually it leads to a full walk... sometimes it doesn't, but at least I get out for a little bit.

I find it much easier to eat healthy with my anxiety and depression because it doesn't involve any motivation. I only buy unprocessed foods and since I don't like to leave the house, or even talk to a delivery man, those are my only options.

I have found that if I turn on loud upbeat music it can boost my energy enough to do a work out or get the chores done.

It makes me sad to see how many of us are battling this painful mental illness, my heart goes out to you all. I do agree with others, the exercise makes me feel better, though it's very temporary. I read somewhere that the research shows the "euphoria" comes after 20 minutes of physical activity, so that's what I try to aim for.

Okay I really enjoyed your post until you gave out false I formation regarding exercise is only a "temporary" fix for mental health. Yeah your endorphins may have a fixed schedule but the effect of fitness are far more than just endorphins. Healthy body healthy mind. Just to jot down some effects (which I can provide sources for)
1 improved confidence
2 reducing immune system chemical
3 taking your mind off worries
4 more social interaction
5 coping in a healthy way (food vs weights)

There are far more. Sorry I just had to correct that.

BUT YES DOGS & PETS ARE WONDERFUL. I'm going to have to agree with you on that one. Dogs do give you an excuse to go outside & feel/see the beautiful world/air outside. So yes go get a doggy guys. Plus give la you a fro get some extra steps.

sandiikat wrote: »

WickAndArtoo wrote: »

My dogs help, before we got them I would sleep the entire day and not leave the bed or even eat if it meant getting out of bed. After we got our first dog it gave me a reason that I had to get out of bed no matter what, to take him out to potty. He had so much energy that if I didn't walk him he would cause trouble. Now even on the worst of days I just force myself to do a few laps with the pups, and usually it leads to a full walk... sometimes it doesn't, but at least I get out for a little bit.

I find it much easier to eat healthy with my anxiety and depression because it doesn't involve any motivation. I only buy unprocessed foods and since I don't like to leave the house, or even talk to a delivery man, those are my only options.

I have found that if I turn on loud upbeat music it can boost my energy enough to do a work out or get the chores done.

It makes me sad to see how many of us are battling this painful mental illness, my heart goes out to you all. I do agree with others, the exercise makes me feel better, though it's very temporary. I read somewhere that the research shows the "euphoria" comes after 20 minutes of physical activity, so that's what I try to aim for.

Okay I really enjoyed your post until you gave out false I formation regarding exercise is only a "temporary" fix for mental health. Yeah your endorphins may have a fixed schedule but the effect of fitness are far more than just endorphins. Healthy body healthy mind. Just to jot down some effects (which I can provide sources for)
1 improved confidence
2 reducing immune system chemical
3 taking your mind off worries
4 more social interaction
5 coping in a healthy way (food vs weights)

There are far more. Sorry I just had to correct that.

BUT YES DOGS & PETS ARE WONDERFUL. I'm going to have to agree with you on that one. Dogs do give you an excuse to go outside & feel/see the beautiful world/air outside. So yes go get a doggy guys. Plus give la you a fro get some extra steps.

Sorry for the confusion, I wasn't saying that the exercise is only a temporary fix, I'm saying that I personally from the amount I am doing at the moment I only feel better temporarily.

I am very aware of the long term benefits of consistent physical activity for mental health. I can see how that was confusing, I wasn't trying to say that over all it's temporary or that it doesn't do more for depression and anxiety.

I was not in any way trying to state that these were the only benefits scientifically for depression and anxiety... only talking about how I am feeling.

I am sorry for the confusion.

Mental illness is not as big a beast as the world paints it. It's important to recognize it and really spend time to deal with the root issues (which are often painful or bring a lot of hurt and anger), but with some willpower and discipline, and a thankful heart, you will slowly realize that you're a lot bigger and stronger than you think! You're bigger than this "beast". I highly encourage everyone to get out for a walk or just do some healthy activity that you enjoy (even if it's knitting, go for a walk, sit on a bench at the park and knit away!).

claireariela wrote: »

rebruce449 wrote: »

I love reading the posts, I'm not alone. I have been trying to eat healthy and the exercise thing is still an issue, although my house is clean! I consider that a win. Today my goal is a walk, I know that exercise helps I have no idea why I don't do it, I have no excuses.

Eliminating meds is just not an option, for those that have done it I wonder how biologically it is possible?

I suppose I was only subclinical-hypothyroid (which could have caused the little depression) so it was probably an easier target for my body to rebalance.

I'm a firm believer in the power of the mind (I'm sure we've all heard testimonies of people who were given X months to live and ended up living for years simply because they thought positively and fought ahead). It's biblical too as it says in the Bible that "a cheerful heart brings good healing, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones". And depression (a form of a "crushed spirit") can really wreck havoc. So CHOOSE to be joyful. Even if it's in the simplest of things, get a book and write just ONE thing you're thankful for. Even if it's something that seems "lame" like "that my toothbrush is in my favorite colour". Make it a discipline and soon you'll see how many things you are actually blessed with!

In my get-off-meds (note that these were indirect meds) journey I basically focused on 1) choosing happier thoughts (and engaging in healthy activities that help with it), 2) changing my diet, 3) regulating my sleep and ensuring I get enough of it, 4) exercise.

GUYS YES! THIS IS THE MENTALITY TO HAVE!

yoga yoga yoga my obgyn had suggested this to me for my exersie but only when i feel down i have depression to alot of things moving in my life things taken away so quickly and also the being a teenager part lol but she ssays that if you do yoga when you feel depressed down lazy weak tired do a begginers yoga for 10 to 15 min and it should give you wake up get moving mood i love it so much i dont feel down all the time its easy

rebruce449 wrote: »

I love reading the posts, I'm not alone. I have been trying to eat healthy and the exercise thing is still an issue, although my house is clean! I consider that a win. Today my goal is a walk, I know that exercise helps I have no idea why I don't do it, I have no excuses.

Eliminating meds is just not an option, for those that have done it I wonder how biologically it is possible?

Did you get your walk in today? You are definitely not alone, and I completely relate to this entire post. Including the house being clean part!

LauraFranklin1 wrote: »

I know it sounds silly, but exercise releases dopamine, which is a feel good chemical. If you can make yourself do it, as your dopamine levels rise, your depression will lessen

This ^^. Don't overthink it, don't think at all. Just get up and get out. Walking is one of the best things you can do and one of the simplest. Do it. For yourself

angelelee000 wrote: »

yoga yoga yoga my obgyn had suggested this to me for my exersie but only when i feel down i have depression to alot of things moving in my life things taken away so quickly and also the being a teenager part lol but she ssays that if you do yoga when you feel depressed down lazy weak tired do a begginers yoga for 10 to 15 min and it should give you wake up get moving mood i love it so much i dont feel down all the time its easy

YES GUYS LISTEN TO THIS GREAT ADVICE!

sandiikat wrote: »

rebruce449 wrote: »

meds is just not an option, for those that have done it I wonder how biologically it is possible?

HONESTLY, I quit on my own. (obviously not cold turkey, weaned off) I WAS DONE I MEAN DONE with feeling like *kitten* even AFTER MY MEDS. I've been on everything & all types of dosages. My depression/anxiety was so unreal that doctor's have to prescribe me meds that weren't even for depression because they were running out of options. I felt terrible I mean terrible that not even meds were working... I felt like a freak a nature. Like I had no more options.

I've just recently got baker acted (in Fl, if your a potential harm to yourself you get locked up in the looney bin for 48-72 hours or until you get the lucky chance of seeing a doctor). I also recently jumped off of my balcony cause I couldn't anymore (survived obviously but now I have many injuries lol) ALL OF THIS WHILE ON ANTI-Depressants & mood stabilizers. (by the way this was all recent )

IMO: I think depression can be fought without medications. I'm living walking proof of it. I got off my Lexapro (& Wellbutrin XL) & woopdy-doo-da I know longer cut myself, contemplate suicide, jump off balconies, or my favorite wanting to jump out of a car. I know longer have this uncontrollable rage.

BUT YES THIS IS JUST ME.... I am glad I got off all of my meds because honestly, they were making me crazier. I don't think meds are the way (for me). I have scars along my lower legs, arms, thighs, neck, etc. Trust me, I was in a dark dark dark dark place while on meds and now I feel so much better thanks to MEDITATION YOGA TRAINING AND CARDIO.

I mean if you think of it, how many millions of people suffer depression & can't see a doctor due to x, y, & z and yet they are forced to live their lives, grow out of it, or hurt themselves.

I know my case is different because thankfully I have a wonderful support system. I hope you guys find a fix to your problem but remember always try to: meditate, relax, laugh, workout, or just get out of the house.

Xoxox to all!

Hey Hun. Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your personal story. Depression can be a really terrible thing. It's terrible how big and negative it can feel sometimes.

Glad to hear you're off your meds and doing much better. I majored in psychology and was always very skeptical of the use of drugs to control "psychological issues". I wasn't comfortable because it seemed like someone was just coming up with concepts to make people feel worse about themselves, and especially with all the adverse effects they can have.... it was very debatable. I'm glad you found a way out and have found hope!

I've also found myself in a much better place from a month ago where I didn't even want to get off the bed and didn't even have any motivation to open the blinds. And being a competitive person by nature that believes in purposeful living, it made me feel worse! But thanks to my best friend's advice to just do "the easiest thing in my list of considerations/things that were bothering me" of which "my weight" was one of the worst, but interestingly - as she pointed out - was one of the easiest to tackle. So she made me just single that out and do whatever it takes to focus on my fitness and weight. It has helped a ton. Simply getting out and finishing a walk, or forcing myself to just get a little run done, has me actually getting out of bed to shower and I think the sore muscles from the exercise helps one not think of other negative things.

However, for everyone who is still on meds and on the journey, remember that you were created for a HOPE and FUTURE! You were created for great things - even though you may not feel like it now. Start small if you must, and focus on healing your body. Get out for a walk, find a supportive positive community of people who love you (if you don't have one, I hope you can find one here!), and try to use exercise as a way of strengthening your mind and body and perhaps eventually being able to reduce and get off meds! It's possible!

claireariela wrote: »

sandiikat wrote: »

rebruce449 wrote: »

meds is just not an option, for those that have done it I wonder how biologically it is possible?

HONESTLY, I quit on my own. (obviously not cold turkey, weaned off) I WAS DONE I MEAN DONE with feeling like *kitten* even AFTER MY MEDS. I've been on everything & all types of dosages. My depression/anxiety was so unreal that doctor's have to prescribe me meds that weren't even for depression because they were running out of options. I felt terrible I mean terrible that not even meds were working... I felt like a freak a nature. Like I had no more options.

I've just recently got baker acted (in Fl, if your a potential harm to yourself you get locked up in the looney bin for 48-72 hours or until you get the lucky chance of seeing a doctor). I also recently jumped off of my balcony cause I couldn't anymore (survived obviously but now I have many injuries lol) ALL OF THIS WHILE ON ANTI-Depressants & mood stabilizers. (by the way this was all recent )

IMO: I think depression can be fought without medications. I'm living walking proof of it. I got off my Lexapro (& Wellbutrin XL) & woopdy-doo-da I know longer cut myself, contemplate suicide, jump off balconies, or my favorite wanting to jump out of a car. I know longer have this uncontrollable rage.

BUT YES THIS IS JUST ME.... I am glad I got off all of my meds because honestly, they were making me crazier. I don't think meds are the way (for me). I have scars along my lower legs, arms, thighs, neck, etc. Trust me, I was in a dark dark dark dark place while on meds and now I feel so much better thanks to MEDITATION YOGA TRAINING AND CARDIO.

I mean if you think of it, how many millions of people suffer depression & can't see a doctor due to x, y, & z and yet they are forced to live their lives, grow out of it, or hurt themselves.

I know my case is different because thankfully I have a wonderful support system. I hope you guys find a fix to your problem but remember always try to: meditate, relax, laugh, workout, or just get out of the house.

Xoxox to all!

Hey Hun. Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your personal story. Depression can be a really terrible thing. It's terrible how big and negative it can feel sometimes.

Glad to hear you're off your meds and doing much better. I majored in psychology and was always very skeptical of the use of drugs to control "psychological issues". I wasn't comfortable because it seemed like someone was just coming up with concepts to make people feel worse about themselves, and especially with all the adverse effects they can have.... it was very debatable. I'm glad you found a way out and have found hope!

I've also found myself in a much better place from a month ago where I didn't even want to get off the bed and didn't even have any motivation to open the blinds. And being a competitive person by nature that believes in purposeful living, it made me feel worse! But thanks to my best friend's advice to just do "the easiest thing in my list of considerations/things that were bothering me" of which "my weight" was one of the worst, but interestingly - as she pointed out - was one of the easiest to tackle. So she made me just single that out and do whatever it takes to focus on my fitness and weight. It has helped a ton. Simply getting out and finishing a walk, or forcing myself to just get a little run done, has me actually getting out of bed to shower and I think the sore muscles from the exercise helps one not think of other negative things.

However, for everyone who is still on meds and on the journey, remember that you were created for a HOPE and FUTURE! You were created for great things - even though you may not feel like it now. Start small if you must, and focus on healing your body. Get out for a walk, find a supportive positive community of people who love you (if you don't have one, I hope you can find one here!), and try to use exercise as a way of strengthening your mind and body and perhaps eventually being able to reduce and get off meds! It's possible!