Depression and motivation

gonnadoityeah
gonnadoityeah Posts: 22 Member
edited December 20 in Motivation and Support
Hello everyone~☆
Ok a little backstory. I have depression (duh) and really want to be healthy but am stuck at my start line and am intending to keep going.
Sw- 240
Cw- 236
Gw- 140 (I will see when my body feels best, scale isn't everything)
I've been battling depression for years, but have gotten myself to being able to 95% overcome it when it really homes in. My weight gain happened when my depression hit after I found my (obviously ex-) fiance was cheating on me, and from the beginning (left him immediately).

I stopped eating and was only drinking for I don't even know how long but I know it was about 2-4 months.

I've attempted to work out and eat right on and off (when on I am super successful) but something in me triggers and I fail and start over (sometimes at a worse starting point).

I want to make a place for anyone that feels like their mental illnesses could be blocking them. Not just depression. It could be as simple as
"I am having a hard time and need some encouragement"
To
"I'm sad and this donut looks perfect"
It could be about picking each other up, encouraging to be strong, or confirming a small hiccup doesn't mean you have to just give up.

Because we are all deserving to be healthy and happy and no chemicals in our brain deserve to rule us.
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Replies

  • magnusthenerd
    magnusthenerd Posts: 1,207 Member
    Odd how it depression can go either way on eating and appetite. I started losing weight during a divorce - I've been dysthemic and obese pretty much my whole life, but the divorce made for a depressive episode where I had no appetite.
  • lleeann2001
    lleeann2001 Posts: 410 Member
    Dont let it. Make a plan. Set out what your goals are and take baby steps to attain them. Dont try to accomplish too much at one time. Having someone you can talk to is important to get you through the bad episodes. Keep them on speed dial. And keep your eyes on the prize. One day you will look around and find that you have accomplished something you didn't know you could.🌹
  • Cahgetsfit
    Cahgetsfit Posts: 1,912 Member
    when I'm depressed or anxious I eat all the foods too. All of them. One after the other. Healthy and not healthy. All goes down my pie-hole.

  • leighannpollard
    leighannpollard Posts: 5 Member
    Hey thanks for starting this discussion.
    I've had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember with a lot of PTSD mixed in. I've tried every medication possible with horrible side effects and weight gain no matter how healthy I ate and worked out. I have been unmedicated for 2 years now when I discovered CBD oil.
    I have found that enjoy working out- that adrenaline high I guess. I'm in a better mood all day at work also and I can let out all my stress on the punching bag
    Sw 235
    CW 230
    GW 160
  • lleeann2001
    lleeann2001 Posts: 410 Member
    leighannpollard wrote: »
    Hey thanks for starting this discussion.
    I've had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember with a lot of PTSD mixed in. I've tried every medication possible with horrible side effects and weight gain no matter how healthy I ate and worked out. I have been unmedicated for 2 years now when I discovered CBD oil.
    I have found that enjoy working out- that adrenaline high I guess. I'm in a better mood all day at work also and I can let out all my stress on the punching bag
    Sw 235
    CW 230
    GW 160

    Yes, You get the release of those endorphins when wor!ing out. One of the best feelings. When I weighed 140 pounds I used to speed walk and strength train JUST for those endorphins. I didn't need to lose weight but I just loved working out. I guess I am an addict for the endorphins! lol
  • Momcantrain
    Momcantrain Posts: 6 Member
    I'm trying really hard to kick this really bad comfort eating habit I have developed. I have gained 15kg in just over a year. I feel like I am exploding out of everything I try to wear but I feel even worse when I'm naked. Trying really hard to love this body but it's hard. I keep spiralling down the guilt cycle. Trying so hard to break free from it.
  • HBF29
    HBF29 Posts: 8 Member
    It's a vicious feedback loop for me. I'm depressed and hate my body, but my depression also has me in zombie mode with no motivation. I remember the endorphin high and how good it felt when I exercised regularly, but that seems like a different person from who I am today. Finally brought myself to a therapist a couple of months ago which is new for me.
  • mnbell2013
    mnbell2013 Posts: 45 Member
    I recently was dumped by a guy I was head-over-heels in love with. It's been very, very difficult for me because this was the first time I felt this way for anyone and I wanted to have a future with him. I've had chronic low-level depression since I was a teenager (I'm 24 now) but this breakup really dragged me down to a much darker place than I've been in years. When I'm at my absolute lowest I don't feel like eating anything, but when I'm in my typical "everyday" mindset I tend to disregard healthy eating in favor of large amounts of carbs and greasy takeout. I started with a new therapist on Monday after months of making half-assed efforts of finding someone I connected with, so it's still very early in the process. I guess I'll see what happens in the coming weeks.
  • gonnadoityeah
    gonnadoityeah Posts: 22 Member
    You all are so amazing. Sometimes just talking about our pain and shame and everything that comes with depression, anxiety or any mental health issue can be the hardest part. We are all warriors. We may fall down. We may stay down for the longest time. But the fact we even try to get up again is inspiring. We may fall a million times, feeling like our very minds and bodies are wrecked, but even a small change, thoughts of change, planning or even acknowledging the issues and what we can and want to do.... it gives me hope. It can be bad. Like a million shards of tiny glass, cutting until nothing is left. But regardless we try. And I know we will win.
  • mstarks01
    mstarks01 Posts: 109 Member
    mnbell2013 wrote: »
    I started with a new therapist on Monday after months of making half-assed efforts of finding someone I connected with, so it's still very early in the process. I guess I'll see what happens in the coming weeks.

    What happened is that you took a positive step. Good for you. The first step is the hardest.

  • mstarks01
    mstarks01 Posts: 109 Member
    zillah73 wrote: »
    Unfortunately, my mom passed away in February and I have been on an emotional roller coaster ever since. Some days I do better than others but I have been dealing with my sadness, my regret, my guilt and all the other unpleasant emotions this has brought forward by reverting to binge eating and skipping my workouts. I feel so lost and hopeless, especially when I see friends having weight loss success. I am hoping that journaling and talking to my support group will help me to sort of purge all these feelings so that I don't feel the need to stuff them down with food. I am back on my healthy meal plan this week and I went to the gym for the first time this month last night.

    You have been going through something very, very difficult. Be gentle on yourself. This will take time. There will be good days and bad days. After some time, you'll be able to look back with fondness. In the meantime, if you fall, just remind yourself that you're going through a lot. Get back up before too long passes and continue on.

  • Erikalynne18
    Erikalynne18 Posts: 558 Member
    The past 8 months especially have been hard for me as I've struggled to deal with everything (and everyone). If I'm honest with myself I have probably dealt with anxiety and depression for years but I was that one everyone depended on so I just found ways to coop, but this year it's just been too much. When I'm stressed I overeat but when I'm depressed I don't eat, as I just don't have the energy or appetite to get up and prepare food... So my goal for right now is to log my food. I've also downloaded an app called streaks to get notifications to do those simple everyday tasks (as somedays even showering seems like a big task).
  • mstarks01
    mstarks01 Posts: 109 Member
    Erikalynne18 wrote: »
    So my goal for right now is to log my food. I've also downloaded an app called streaks to get notifications to do those simple everyday tasks (as somedays even showering seems like a big task).

    You're taking positive steps and that's the right thing to do. Don't forget to get some sunshine when you can and engage in social activities. I know it can be a real effort, but it can also help.

  • acuvic
    acuvic Posts: 1 Member
    Thank you for starting this group. I have struggled with depression for a long time and since I increased my meds I seemed to gain a lot of weight. I can’t blame it on the meds because I am an emotional eater where either food is what I use to deal with things or food is a punishment of sorts. I am not a part of any community and I am hoping to support and be encouraged as well with others who have experienced something similar. I am very excited to be here.
  • Tera8966
    Tera8966 Posts: 3 Member
    I've been struggling with anxiety and depression too. It seems to have gotten worse over the past few years I feel like life has been a bumpy ride and I struggle to focus on the good I tend to hyper focus on the bad and feel like everyday is painful weather I'm really stressed and anxious or come down from my hyper stress into a bad place of depression (I'm considering trying medicine but I am going to try tharapy first.) anyways I have been really heavy for the past 4 years and everytime I lose 10 or 20 or even 30 pounds I seem to gain it right back. This last year has been extremely hard and I haven't been able to lose any weight for over a year now I've actually gained 14lb. I've been in such a rut but want so badly to get back to a place of physical and mental health. Im hoping that writing in this page will help.
  • DeeLovers
    DeeLovers Posts: 9 Member
    I have found myself struggling with down days and crying spells lately too. Losing my ex to cancer, dad being diagnosed with cancer, mom being diagnosed with dementia, and becoming a sole caregiver all around the same time led to me gaining an extra 100 pounds. Now I am just starting to step back and realize that not being in the best health leaves me with less strength to look after the ones I love, and I need to do something about it. Even though there are many days where I just want to lay in bed and feel defeated, I am trying to push through to being a healthier me and I know that will help me to feel better mentally, emotionally, and physically. I believe we all can do it if we don't beat ourselves up, but continue to push forward. I have already found some encouragement in this board.
  • gonnadoityeah
    gonnadoityeah Posts: 22 Member
    acuvic wrote: »
    Thank you for starting this group. I have struggled with depression for a long time and since I increased my meds I seemed to gain a lot of weight. I can’t blame it on the meds because I am an emotional eater where either food is what I use to deal with things or food is a punishment of sorts. I am not a part of any community and I am hoping to support and be encouraged as well with others who have experienced something similar. I am very excited to be here.

    You are already working hard with overcoming this, and we are both happy and lucky to have you join our group!
    I think we can all agree we've used food for our own form of therapy or even punishment as you said and I'm really hoping we can all work together and change how we treat food and ourselves
  • gonnadoityeah
    gonnadoityeah Posts: 22 Member
    Daily reminder that a single donut won't make you fat, just like one salad wont make you skinny.

    If you fall, work on getting back on track, and don't hate our resent yourself for your fumbles.

    We are so much more than our mistakes.
  • Je55ica_79
    Je55ica_79 Posts: 278 Member
    I definitely suffer from depression and anxiety and have most of my life. I'm turning 40 this year and I finally decided I needed to talk to my doctor. I too either starve or binge eat when I can't get my emotions under control! Not eating is just as frustrating as over eating for me!

    I've also been working very hard on improving my mental health. Working on loving myself forgiving myself and trying to focus on positive talking and fight the negatives.

    Anyone here that relates to me please feel free to add me. So we can support, motivate and be there for eachother. I have an open diary and I'm very open with my struggles and successes. I try to be uplifting, supportive and as real as possible!

    Start weight 250 November 2018
    Currently weight 212
    Goal weight 140


    Wishing all of you lots of sucess!
  • therealklane
    therealklane Posts: 2,172 Member
    I have EXTREME anxiety (I used to deal with depression/anxiety, but at the moment I feel I have overcome the depression for the most part and am dealing with anxiety) and am pretty open about it on my page. I started here in March 2014, lost 145 lbs, had two separate major surgeries in 2015-2016 (appendix and back) and gained it all back except maybe 1lb. I've been so hard on myself and definitely think my anxiety is (at least partly) correlated with my weight because before when I lost so much, I was on anti-anxiety meds and ended up off of all of them.

    I started using CBD oil about a month ago and love it.
    Add me if you'd like!
    SW (2014): 336.8
    CW: 315.0
    GW: ~165 -- I'll know it when I get there.
  • ami_s
    ami_s Posts: 3 Member
    Anyone notice how much worse their depression is after high sugar/carb binge/overindulging? This weekend my eating was not on point and today I just feel so.... sad, anxious, overwhelmed, blah. Ugh! I know this will get better once I get back on track, but if feels so overpowering in the moment. Probably TMI, but who else would understand...
  • Avand17
    Avand17 Posts: 31 Member
    My depression comes and goes, but for the last few weeks, it's been sticking. I can't stop eating (mostly anything with sugar) and can't bring myself to get a workout in, even when I have the time. I'm having a difficult time breaking out of this cycle, and it's taking it's toll.
  • PhoenixWithoutAshes1
    PhoenixWithoutAshes1 Posts: 99 Member
    I've been on anti-depressants for 10 years now. They have made life much better, but also make it more difficult to lose weight. Lately I have been very dedicated about going to the gym. It was tough at first, but once I started seeing results it got easier. It's a journey, not a race and you complete the journey, even if you stumble occasionally! Feel free to add me as a friend on here.
  • flolatina
    flolatina Posts: 1 Member
    I have struggled with depression/anxiety for a very long time. Finally, I understand & accept that it is genetic & I will have to actively treat it for the rest of my life. I have mainly used traditional antidepressants but found that it doesn't quite do the job. I recently started taking CBD oil & have reduced my dosage by 5mg. Anybody here try it yet? What are your results? It doesn't hurt that I have started to exercise too. So, I'm back on the wagon, logging everything I eat, exercising, even seeing a personal trainer once a week. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in this battle!
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