3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community (https://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/)

- Depression and Weight Issues (https://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/depression-weight-issues-76/)

- - bipolar anyone? (https://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/depression-weight-issues/103578-bipolar-anyone.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickylittleminx (Post 1639831)

Hi Gayl,

Have you seen a professional about this? The only reason I ask is because it's easy to look at those self-report measures and think you have bipolar disorder. I think everyone definitely could check some of the items on the list, but it would take a psychiatrist or clinician to interpret such a list and make a diagnosis. You should do this especially if you're pregnant and believed to be bipolar. I am pretty sure that Lamictal has a very low record of birth complications and is highly recommended for women of child-bearing age.

Again, it might be worth looking into this if you're concerned because only a professional can really make a diagnosis. I think your highs and lows are normal for anyone dealing with weight loss problems. I'm on medication now and my mood still fluctuates when it comes to being under-motivated or over-motivated about getting in shape, so I think that's normal. I know from experience that anti-depressants made me manic, to the point of temporary hospitalization. I don't know if others have had similar experiences with such drugs if they weren't used in conjunction with another medication.

Unfortunately, there isn't a natural way to totally get rid of the sometimes devastating effects of bipolar disorder and if left untreated, it gets worse. I'm sure there are things out there that help (there is a huge study on omega-3s at Harvard), but medication is essential. I hate the stuff and once said that I'd rather be crazy and thin than heavy and medicated, but I can tell you that from the mistakes I've made in my past, I can't imagine living without something helping me.

Good luck to you!

Erin

Hi and thanks! Yeah, I've seen a therapist. My husband and I have been going together. The only difference is I've been doing the natural techniques she gave me (he hasn't), plus the Health Cards from the ebook, and since I'm pregnant I've changed my eating habits and have been doing well. He's not doing anything but taking meds and he suffers from frequent cycles that drive me nuts(er)!!

I still suffer from the 'voices' trying to talk me into doing things I don't want to do, or I know aren't right, making excuses to make it alright to cheat on my diet, or want to leave my husband because of some stupid little thing. I've had two really bad anger fits but I've gotten control of them better and quicker than ever before. I think it's because I know what is happening, so I can address the issue instead of going off on a tangent of guilt because 'something must be wrong with me' to act that way. Now I know it's just the bipolar, not me, so I can talk myself down off the ledge.

The pregnancy hormones have added to the problems but actively managing it has made all the difference. Plus, the doctor said to keep taking Prozac at the low dosage I'm on for now but I always felt it didn't help enough, but I guess it's better than nothing.

Rachel, I'm so sorry that you've had to go through that! We lost my niece several years ago and none of us have been the same, especially my sister-in-law. It's hard enough to deal with something like that but to have bipolar as well would be the hardest thing ever. Good job for working your way through it and carying on! Keep trying! Don't give up!

It's always so fascinating to read other people's experiences with bipolar disorder. I first was diagnosed at 14 and was put on anti-depressants instead of being properly treated. Now I am on abilify and lexapro, we are weaning me down off of the lexapro though. I have been on tons of meds... paxil, effexor, zoloft, lexapro, seroquel, topamax and abilify. I gained tons of weight on all of them except for the Abilify so far. It's very frustrating to know that I have all of these drugs working against me sometimes. I seem to lose weight SO very slowly, even when I am OP 100%.

I tend to be a rapid cycler. There are times where my mania will not even last a full 24 hours. Unfortunately most of the time it does and I do always seem to follow up mania with depression or depression with a bout of mania. It isn't fun and I am glad that none of us have to deal with this alone. I am fortunate in that I have a great doctor (ran a bipolar study for 20 years) and that all of my friends and family are very supportive.

Rachel - I am sorry to hear about your daughter. That must be devastating.

Bi-Polar and New to site

:o Hi all I am new to the site and was so excited when I saw this section, being bi-polar for me is so isolating, I don't know what I would do without my husband who makes me leave the house once in awhile when I am able. I have been on all different types of meds over the last few years, while they do help some nothing works that well for me. I also deal with a severe anxiety disorder called Social Anxiety Disorder which isolates me further.
I have been on a real low part in my life, my four daughters have all moved out and I feel it is because they can't deal with my situation and I don't blame them but miss them terribly. :( I worked for Ford Motor Company and been on medical restrictions that have left me laid off mostly for the last year and now due to downsizing have lost my job. I got a good buyout package and decided that I need to use some of this money to make improvements in myself and hopefully try to regain some of the old me. Due to the all drugs and lack of exercise have taken me from 120 pounds up to 190 which makes me feel even worse. I am unable to work anymore due to my illnesses so at 43 years old I am going on disablility benefits.
Enough of the depressing stuff this is my new life plan, I decided that my first step was to make a plan to get this weight off and my energy level built up, (hopefully some self-esteem with it). Therefore I have began an exercise program, spending some money on some home exercise equiptment and made myself go grocery shopping with my husband to buy more sensible food choices. I don't want to try any diet plans, I get to discouraged at the smallest failure. So have worked out my own plan that I can live with. On top of losing weight I have also decided to go for manicures and salon tanning again, those were always self esteem boosting for me before I became so house bound so I have made a pact with a good friend to help me stick to it (tanning sessions are also very relaxing).
I would really appreciate any support I can get from all the great people on site that I have been reading posts from, I feel like I have found a great site and thank you all for being here when I need the most help I can get.[/B]

Quote:

Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, today is the present, thats what is a true gift!!

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar013...6/130/189/.png

hi there well done you at least you have faced some demons and found the power inside you to make the first step to a new part of your life:carrot:
You ave made the decision and you can do it ! I suffer from depression and at times just want to die but I to just want my life back so I can move on and put it behind me. My first step to this is too lose weight after all the meds I have been on I have gained too much weight so once I loose more weight I will get more confidence to do the things I love like go horse riding again. I want to get to the point I feel confident enough to walk into a hair salon and get my hair done with out freaking out lol so stupid I know but I just cant do it!

good luck to you and I am sure you are going to get there real soon :dust: :dust: