Depression and Weight IssuesHave you been diagnosed with depression, are possibly on depression medication, and find it affects your weight loss efforts? Post here for support!
So, I've been battling depression for a few years now. It's one of those things that is always in the background. Sometimes it's completely debilitating, which is how I've been feeling the past 6 months, at least. I haven't been on antidepressants for over a year because I gained a ton of weight and felt like an emotional zombie. I was on Wellbutrin before that and it did help a bit with energy, but then I couldn't sleep and I was having serious rage issues. I would just blow up about the most minor thing.
My depression is to the point where I don't want to do anything. I sleep most of the day and I barely want to move. Like I literally won't move for hours, even if I have to pee, I just hold it until I absolutely have to get up. I have to exercise to lose weight, dieting just isn't cutting it for me. I also know exercise will make me feel better and happier, but I have no motivation whatsoever.
I've also tried herbal supplements like St. John's Wort, Maca, and 5-HTP. They didn't do anything except make me have that rage again. I feel like I'm wasting away. I don't feel particularly sad, I just feel kind of empty, like I don't care about anything.
Have you tried therapy? Exercising does make you feel better, there are studies proving that people who exercise regularly benefit with a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression. The lack of motivation you're describing and the fact that you sleep a lot are clear symptom of depression. A therapist would be able to help you because they're professionals specialized in dealing with issues like this.
Make some goals for yourself, even if you start small. "Tomorrow I will get up and weed the garden..." or whatever it is that you want to/need to do.
I have to stay jam packed crazy super busy, or I fall into the rut of doing nothing. Exercise is also a biggie. Endorphins are a huge pick me up. Make sure the food you're eating is quality nutrition, too. I get depressed and sluggish when I eat too many processed carbs.
What do you like? Does anything interest you? Can you pick up a hobby, a class, volunteer? Sometimes we just need a reason to get up and get moving!
No, I haven't tried therapy. I got laid off in late 2010 and I haven't found work since. Then my car got repossessed because I couldn't afford my payments with the small amount I made from unemployment. I've basically given up the hope of finding a job. I have a couple projects I work on to try and make money from home, but it's going extremely slowly.
The only thing I end up doing is housework and playing video games at night. I don't have any friends, because they just stop calling when you're broke, so the only interaction I really have with people is my boyfriend (LDR), my mom, and people online. I find that I even avoid that as much as possible, I just don't ever feel like talking to anybody, I'd rather be in bed.
I used to walk every morning for a cup of coffee, but the activity didn't help. I couldn't wait to get back home so I could just sit around.
Hey Euphy wow...that stinks about your car And so sorry that you havne't been able to find employment. I can see how your days would stretch on and on. Tomorrow, can you *make* yourself maybe do one thing, the morning walk for coffee, maybe just 30 minutes of some kind of exercise? I find that even accomplishing one thing can help me a little bit.
I completely empathize on the wanting to do nothing feeling! I share with my fellow Chat peeps here that I too easily can find myself sleeping away my days off. Or following depressing trains of thought in my head. Last winter, I had ZERO interest in the next day. Couldn't have cared less if my existence ended. And then..I started to feel better. so there is hope
I hope you find that you can come here to talk to us!
Thanks everyone for the advice, I do appreciate it. I've decided to a trade school in the fall that will hopefully get me back in the workforce by January. I'm excited about it, but no idea what I'm going to do until then. I guess I really want to focus on my weight loss this summer.
Euphy I totally feel like you posted my story. I have experienced depression to the point to seeking help both with meds and therapy. Have been without a steady job for a while now and being unemployed is very frustrating. I do try to give myself 3 goals for the day and trust me they can be anything ie taking a walk, laundry, washing my hair. And now one goal will be to post:-)
I really think going to a school of some sorts will help out treamendously. And coming here, finding a good support system.
Have you started therapy yet? I love our therapist and she really helps a ton.
I have been taking Prozac 10mg for 2 years, and am also on Yaz to help level out my hormones. The problem: I feel great mentally, but even though I have cut out carbs, work out 5x per week (weights and cardio), and keep my calories under 12K, I can't lose even one pound!! I am serious, it should be in some sort of record book. I cannot lose one pound. I have gained 10 since starting the meds, at one point that was up to 20, but by watching what I eat and running, I was able to shave off some. But, no matter what I do I literally CANNOT get that last 10 off. I am about to cry....
Yaz is currently being advertised as a bad one, isn't it?
I agree with the therapy suggestions, but it's not always easy to find a good one, but when you do, it can make all the difference. I am veritable cheerleader for cognitive therapy. Good luck!!
Don't know what to do
wow...that stinks about your car 
And so sorry that you havne't been able to find employment. I can see how your days would stretch on and on. Tomorrow, can you *make* yourself maybe do one thing, the morning walk for coffee, maybe just 30 minutes of some kind of exercise? I find that even accomplishing one thing can help me a little bit. 
