depression and trying to lose weight

I used to have the same problem. Have you tried visiting your doctor? I know you may not want to go the medicine route, but it has helped me tremendously. If you're not willing to go that direction, my suggestion is try to get that first workout over with. Once you start working out it becomes easier. Good Luck to you.

I love the visiting the doctor idea! I would also suggest finding workout that you enjoy doing, (we have a ton out there to chose from!) and just enjoy doing something fun. If I'm in a bad mood (I know not the same as depression) I find that if I workout, I feel better. Start by doing something you enjoy and then focus on the weight loss later! Good luck!

Exercise is my mood lifter. Particularly the sweat-producing kind like aerobics and biking. But only after it's over... I find it's a great antidepressant, best if I do it in the morning. If that doesn't work, I agree the doctor might be a good choice.

go to the doctor for depression....stay logged into MFP for motivation and support....just reading the message board sometimes, bring a laughter to me from some of these posts...i forget im depressed and remember there is other people going thru the same thing as i am.

I have had the same issue. I found I could cope better after I narrowed my depression down to the cause: I hated myself and how I looked. I recommend doing that first, if you feel like your depression is triggered by something else, beyond your control, then definitely see a counselor or doctor.

It's been hard, but like the other girl said, definitely do the first workout. I find I feel much better and more motivated after a workout (I only do Jillian Michael workouts out home, the gym intimidates me too much) and I only compare my results to myself. I try not to be like "well that girl lost 50lbs in 6 months, why haven't I???" because all that does is make me feel worse about my progress, when I shouldn't.

Once you workout a few times you start to feel really good about yourself afterwards and it gives you something to look forward to...I keep this in mind the days I try to talk myself out of a workout because I'm feeling down about myself.

I hope that makes a little bit of sense :flowerforyou:

I too have depression, and for years didn't feel like doing anything for me. I can do anything for anyone else, but when it came to myself, bleh.. I didn't feel like it, and didn't care to be honest..
It was the point that I decided, I am tired of not caring, and tired of being tired of everything, time for me.

The first week I had to make myself (literally arguing with myself in my mind) to get up and move. After that week, guess what I realized?! Where did my depression go?!?! I wasn't numb, I wasn't sad. I actually felt Great!

Now I find that I can start to feel the depression like a weighted jacket coming down on me. I get on my stationary bike, and it's gone! My energy level is so much higher. I just feel so much better all around.

That first week, just force yourself to get on with it, do a little something and slowly add to it. I think you too will find that your depression sneaks away before you know it! Good Luck, I know you can do it!

Definitely go to your doctor. It really helped me. And do what you can manage. Sometimes I get intimidated on this site or feel like you have to keep up because members are running marathons and doing "shreds" (whatever the heck that is hahaha). Honestly, when I was feeling very depressed, I started doing a VERY gentle, slow yoga called pranayama. That helped me a lot. I also take a lot of walks which I find helps. And it counts as exercise too don't forget! Just believe that people care about you and want you to succeed.

I have been there. I was diagnosed with Major Depression at about 15. I started losing weight last year and let me tell you, it was hard. I literally had to force myself to just do it. It was a rough start, but I will tell you, as soon as progress starts you will start to feel better. The better your diet and the more you exercise, the better you will feel. Now, that's not to say that your depression will go away, but it will get better. If you need support or a weight loss buddy, I am here.

First I want to say I am not an expert or anything and agree with others to talk to your doctor, but I have studied psych pretty extensively; in particular neuropsychology and cognition and I just wanted to give my 2 cents:

I feel for you. Depression can be very crippling. If you fear the drug route (as I did) then I think exercise can actually play a big role in helping cope with depression if approached properly. Like others have mentioned exercise can be a major mood booster but goal fulfillment plays a major role in depression. Since many times depression is characterized by a feeling of helplessness then the way you approach the exercise could either be beneficial or harmful. Try not to focus on the end game or weightloss at first, make very simple goals, such as completing 3 workouts a week, or something that you is workable for you. Focusing on long term goals could actually make you spiral and just give up imo. When achieving a goal (no matter how minor) you brain releases rewarding chemicals which lift your mood as well as the endorphins released from exercise. It is all in the way you look at things, start small and view your goals as important (even if you have to force yourself to believe it at first). I hope everything works out for you.