[Queenofspanishharlem]

Hi, Im new to 3fc and my first time posting ever. Im getting so upset and frustrated with myself and I dont know how to force myself out of it anymore. I used to be really heavy about 2 years ago and I lost a ton if weight and then got pregnant with my now son. So since hes been born..a year and a half ago I lost most the weight again but Im struggling with the last 10 pounds. In November my husband had a massive stroke and we have 4 kids and needless to say I didnt work out when he was in the hospital even though I lost like 10 pounds just from stress...not how I wanted to lise it though. And since he came home I am the only one taking care of him and all the kids and Im dying. Im so depressed and now Im so exhausted I have no energy. But because of the depression all I want to do is eat stuff that makes me happy even though after I feel horrible. Ive come so far and I cant keep it together enough to lose the last 10 pounds. That depresses me even more because I know what to do! I feel hopeless fat and worthless. I hate being heavy, Im so sick of it and Im just ruining myself.

[mysticalsunshine]

Hey, you are definitely not worthless, I know it is hard when you are depressed to have even one positive thought. It is hard to also look at the positive side of things when you are so exhausted and have no energy to do anything let alone think. But what I find helps me the most when I am depressed is talking to my friends. You have lost the weight before so you can definitely do it again. I know it is hard when you want to eat comfort food, but you can do this!

[patns]

Sounds like it is just as much exhaustion as depression. My BIL had a severe stroke at age 47 and my sister had a rough time with two kids. His personality changed for awhile after it too and it was not easy. Recovery was a very slow process but now 6 years later he is pretty well back to what he was before the stroke.

At the best of times the last 10 pounds is so difficult to lose and extreme stress slows that down too.

I would put the scale away for now as it is an additional cause of stress. Consentrate on eating basic foods with protein and veggies and cut out flours and sugar. You will stay healthy and won't gain and show continue to lose.

[Earthling]

Maybe getting your kids involved with cooking and trying out recipes would help. It would be a good way to have fun, relieve stress, educate them about food, pass the time, and more importantly, eat healthy. Now you won't have an excuse to eat poorly.

I know life is rough for you right now but it WILL get better. You just have to keep believing it. And it is possible to makes Life's Downs turn into Ups. Is there anything that going through all of this has taught you? Reminded you of? I can tell you right off the bat that it is affirming what a strong person you are to handle everything and handle it well. A little eating aside. No biggie.

I agree with patns. Put the scale away for now and focus on non-food ways of either passing the time or enjoying your children. The eating will fall into place after this. And don't be afraid to ask for help from any supportive people in your life! Perhaps you need more decompression time to yourself per day. I know I would.

It might not feel like it but you are doing great! Remember to love the person who you are NO MATTER WHAT. Feeling hopeless, fat, and worthless never helped anyone. Furthermore, it's a complete lie.

[kelly27597]

Oh Honey I feel your pain. I was a caregiver with kids and it is not easy. Sounds like you are being really hard on yourself, with all that you have on your plate its amazing you have the ability to get out of bed. Remember somewhere on the food chain you are important too, take care of yourself whether its a 15 minute soak in the tub, or putting on your favorite cd blasting with earbuds after the kids go to bed. You have done a great job with all of this, but remember you are important, you go down the ship goes down. Take care of yourself too. Hugs

[seaurchin]

I am so sorry for what you are going through. Everyone who has posted before me has said it, and i'll say it again. Take care of yourself! Sending hugs your way!