weight loss vs depression

miracle
miracle Posts: 12 Member
edited September 19 in Motivation and Support
I know that obesity can cause depression and depression can cause obesity. I was diagnosed as clinically depressed several years ago after some very traumatic events in my life. I have tried to go off the medication but it seems that i am one of those people that needs to be on medication. Is there anyone else out there that has the weight loss/depression combo? I do feel better when i excercise and the days that i eat healthy gives me a sense of power but there are days that i have a hard time getting out if bed.....those are the days i need help with...how to stay motivated and on the right track when all u want to do is sleep and eat.
Any advice would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • jesp1216
    jesp1216 Posts: 100
    i was diagnosed as deppresed awhile ago as well as my sister, the medicine made me suicidal however so i stopped taking all and now refuse to take them. I have my on and off days, today is an off day where i just wanted to sleep n eat, however instead of working out intensly i walked with my dog a couple times (at least i did something) excersise really does help, each and every time i walked today it made me feel a whole lot better. If you want to add me go ahead im always here to support anyone that needs it :D
  • BrendaLee
    BrendaLee Posts: 4,463 Member
    I wish I had an answer for you...and for myself. Life has me down right now, and I'm having a harder time with the food and exercise than I did even a week ago.
  • bwilton77
    bwilton77 Posts: 93 Member
    i have suffered from depression for years I refuse to take medication because it seems like when I take the medications I don't feel anything and I always gain weight. I just take it day by day. When I wake up and fee like I don't want to get out of bed I push myself up and make myself do work around the house or call a friend it usually seems to help to push me a little further and get me motivated to do the things I need to do. I know you can work through this just keep your head up and remember you do have people to help motivate you and that will listen. :smooched:
  • lzhoehl
    lzhoehl Posts: 4
    That's a tough double-whammy to deal with. It makes sense that we use food to ease our moods. I'm not a doctor or scientist, but I've read in more than one reputable source that those simple carbohydrates (that we all know and love) encourage our brains to synthesize seratonin, a neurotransmitter for which depressed folks are commonly deficient. Ai Carumba! I think the most helpful thing I did to overcome depression and overeating was seek support (which you are presently doing -- Bravo! Good for you!). I also forced myself to do some reading on natural remedies for depression. I say "forced" because I am not particularly fond of reading. Among other things, I learned that simply spending time outdoors and exposing myself to full-spectrum sunlight -- which is actually present even on cloudy days, walking regularly, and engaging in some so-so cardio workouts helped. I had to "force" myself to adopt new habits like this, but over time they get easier, less onorous, and even enjoyable. I'm slowly easing the fast-acting carbo's out of my life and beginning to see some welcome results.
    Hang in there girl. Keep reaching out for support wherever you can find it.
    :heart:
  • bethrs
    bethrs Posts: 664 Member
    Like others have said, you are doing alot of things right!!
    You are seeking support which is awesome, and it sounds like you are self-aware and that is very very helpful. If meds help, there is no reason to be ashamed of taking them.

    Hang in there, and don't hesitate to seek help from a professional if you feel like it might be beneficial.

    Other than that, maybe posting on here would be a good way to turn those tough days around.

    Good luck, and I'm sorry that you're struggling. :heart:
  • twilight1542
    twilight1542 Posts: 403
    [quote I do feel better when i excercise
    [/quote]

    This is in part due to the fact that exercise releases endorphins, which like serotonin, make you feel happy. Now, I do not suffer from depression but have several very good friends who do. Perhaps, on days when you feel down, you could make your goal for the day to go outside for a 5 minute walk. As I said, I can't claim to understand what depression feels like, but I do know that when I have a daunting task ahead of me, setting mini goals makes getting started easier.
  • mskellyw
    mskellyw Posts: 111
    I used to have serious issues with depression until I found out that I have a gluten allergy. I know several other people who have also resolved their depression issues by cutting out gluten. It may be something for you to do some research on.

    Also, there is a really great book called "Depression-Free Naturally" by Joan Matthews Larson that includes a really great supplement protocol to help get your brain chemistry back in balance. Acupuncture can also work well for depression.
  • miracle
    miracle Posts: 12 Member
    wow....I never expected to hear from so many kind people with great advice. Thank you so much for the help and I will keep posting here and seeking your support. I did go for a good walk yesterday. I wass home alone, my husband is a long haul truck driver and gone for extended periods of time and my son was spending the day at a friends house. These are my tough days...I miss my husband and my son. The walk did wonders. I felt much better afterwards. It is very hot today...90 degress sunny and humid but i did go out in the back yeard and sit in the sun for 15 minutes. It felt good to soak up the sun and i am planning on walking this evening when it cools off a bit. Thank you all so much for the kind words and support.
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