[EasySpirit]

Hello!

Kathleen,you sound stronger and more positive every time you post.

Holly, how is the mean, miserable boss?

Lisa, I hope Jennifer is feeling better soon. I had my first bout of anxiety right after I graduated from college. Looking back, I think the idea of being in the real world, with a job and responsibilities scared me into it.

TehShort1, you might want to break your weight loss down into sets of 5 or 10 pounds - that doesn't sound as overwhelming, AND you reach your mini goals much quicker.

I am totally off meds and using meditation classes as well as gentle yoga and restorative yoga to help. I am not getting on the scale - I had NO trick-or-treaters, so spent the night eating candy. I gave the rest to the college students who work the front desk at the YMCA, but not until I had eaten every Mounds bar and every Butterfingers.

Take care everyone.

[Lisaluvshearts]

EasySpirit, how lovely to see you again. We missed you round these parts. It sounds like you are doing wonderfully!!! You fell off the wagon on Halloween but I am sure you will climb back on. Could you send me the link again for sitting down yoga poses? I think you are the one who sent me a link for those. Jennifer is improving, I think. I can see a small change in her. She goes back to her Dr in 3 weeks and sees her therapist this week. She is on sick leave from work, she just needed time away from there until she could get stronger.


Tonight is my first night of STNA classes. I am nervous but excited. I am taking a notebook and pen. My classes last late.

Have a great Monday and I will check back in tomorrow.


Much love to all.

[dcapulet]

Hi everyone! Hope there's light thoughts and good feelings abound today!

[Lisaluvshearts]

Hello all,


I went to my first STNA class tonight. I have 5 chapters to read, 5 quizzes to take and 25 vocab. words to learn before 5 pm tomorrow. *sigh* I knew this was going to be hard. I will just do the best I can.


Jennifer is coming home on Wednesday, she is in West Virginia.

[SocialWorkMama]

Hello! Hope it is okay if I join! My name is Liz and I am 32. Writing about my history of weight loss/weight gain and anxiety/depression would take me a long time because all of the above has been a life long struggle! I first went on anti depressants when I was 17 and have been on and off ever since. I have found that being on an antidepressant does help me but I see the most benefit when I am also exercising, eating well and making good choices. My weight and activity level seem to have a high correlation to my feelings of anxiety and depression. Currently I am having a bit of a rough time. We are heading into winter and that has always been a tough season on my mood and mental wellness. I am also just stressed and exhausted. I have been in school full time for the past 6 years and am 6 months away from graduating with my masters degree. My oldest daughter just broke her arm last week from falling off her scooter, money is tight and I am feeling somewhat disconnected from my husband. I feel better getting all of that out there. Hope that isn't tmi for my first post! I look forward to getting to know you all!

[Lisaluvshearts]

Welcome SocialWorkMama, we are thrilled to have you here!!!! That was not too much information, you can vent all you want. That is partially, what we are here for. I, myself, am bi-polar II. I also, have a bad problem with anxiety. I feel pretty good right now. My meds are working so well. I can't ask for more.
I understand about winter being a hard-time of year but you are here now. You and VermontMom will get along famously, she has the same problem. Me, I understand about money being tight. I really do. Right now, I am broke and won't get paid until Friday.
There are people here who understand and again, welcome.


I am all studied out for the day, my head even hurts from reading so much and I didn't even get all my reading done. *sigh* I did the best I could do.

[SocialWorkMama]

Lisaluvshearts- thank you for the warm welcome! Are you in school?! I think that money being tight is tough during the holiday season when it seems that there is always something coming up to spend money on! We have been living on one income for so long and although we have made it work, it can definitely be stressful. I am looking forward to working and not having money be as tight! That being said there is definitely a lot that I have to be grateful for! Although we are broke after all our bills are paid, I am very thankful that we have the money each month to pay our mortgage and all of our utilities, internet, phone bills etc. We try to have fun as a family doing things on the cheap that don't involve spending money, although I find that somewhat easier to do in the summer when the weather is nice!

[Lisaluvshearts]

SocialWorkMama,

Yes, I am taking STNA classes. The class is very rigorous. Tonight, I have another 25 vocab. words, another 5 chapters to read, plus 4 skills tests to take all before 5 pm tomorrow.

Well, friends, I will post again tomorrow. Tonight, I am worn out.


Sweet dreams.

[Digging Deep]

Hi Liz, I'm a social worker too! Welcome! One year out of grad school with my MSW, working toward getting licensed. Grad school was a tough time for me but you're almost done! You can do it! *cheering section over here*

Hi Lisa, Glad Jennifer is getting better. Good luck with your studies! I am grateful for the consistency of your posts since I've been MIA lately. You are the glue for this thread! <3

Hi All,

Had a good weekend with my bf and started my new position within my job (lateral move to another team) on Monday. So far the stress level is less and I have more autonomy so I'm feeling very thankful for that.

I'm doing a 5k on Thanksgiving morning with my boyfriend's family and have all kinds of anxiety and negative self-talk about it but I know I will be fine. Trying to stay on the wagon and keep up my running even though I hate treadmills. **** you, winter!!!

Proud of making a pot of homemade beef stew on Sunday night for lunches this week. It's almost gone and I've eating no fast food so far (my weakness when stressed at work)!

Also, I was just reflecting on the fact that I know I'm in a bad mental space (and having lots of external stressors with no end in sight) when I gain weight. It's like my weight is a red flag that I'm not doing well mentally and need something in my life to change. It was an interesting insight.

Much love to all. Good night! DD

[Digging Deep]

Dcapulet, I just saw your response. So sorry I missed you in my update! Thanks for the feedback. Low carb has worked well for me in the past too. Definitely considering getting back on a meal plan when I feel more in-control of my life. Getting my metabolism measured at the doc later this month. Got blood work done earlier this year and everything checked out okay. Anti-anxiety/depression meds are pretty solid too. Hoping to get on a meal plan after I know what's going on with my metabolism.

[Lisaluvshearts]

Hi DiggingDeep,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I just need a place to vent and this one is perfect. You all listen so well. lol You girls are so good to me.

Hello everyone,
I have a lot of work to do this afternoon. I have 4 quizzes to write out and take, plus reading to do, before 5 pm. I am always going to take time to come on here though. It is good for me to come visit you all.

Jennifer will be coming home tomorrow from her vacation to W. Virginia.

Not much else going on here, just wanted to check in.

[IBelieveInMe2]

Hello Everyone and a big to the new people!!! We are so happy to have you join us!

Lisa: So relieved and happy to hear that you have seen at least SOME improvement in Jennifer's condition. Hope that trend toward happier days continues! Wow, your classes sound intense and like you have TONS of work to do each day. I applaud you for going for that license! And I love the confidence you have in yourself that YOU CAN DO IT!!! Sometimes, half of doing it is believing you can! Thank you, once again, for keeping the group going! I truly appreciate it.

EasySpirit: Thank you for noticing that I sound stronger and more positive each time I post. I think I am finally digging myself out of the tunnel I was in over the summer. Thank God!!! I know I will still have my "normal" ups & downs, so I am focusing on a trend toward progress and not perfection. This group helps me a lot. When I take the time to post, it helps me to reflect on my state of mind in that moment, which supports my journey toward better mental health. Hope you have forgiven yourself for eating candy at Halloween and have long since moved on. We all have our slips. It is just part of being human. You are doing so well. Keep up the great work!

tehshort1: I was going to say the same thing EasySpirit said about breaking your weight loss down into smaller goals. The entire amount sounds so overwhelming and daunting, but if you aim for just 5 pounds at a time, you can allow yourself to feel some sense of accomplishment along the way. Celebrate each of those mini goals with a non-food reward! You deserve it! Focus on being in the moment and enjoying the PROCESS of weight loss and not just the end result. I really believe that we need to get to a place of acceptance and happiness where we are right now before we feel deserving enough to treat ourselves and our bodies better and actually shed the weight. It all begins with our mindset. At least that's the way it works for me. Best of luck to you!

SocialWorkMama (Liz): to the group! No way is that TMI for your first post! Share away! It really helps to get your thoughts and feelings "out there" sometimes. We are here to support you while you reach toward your weight loss and mental health goals. You have also come so far in school. Hang in there! The end is in sight! All of your hard work will pay off! So sorry about your daughter's broken arm, money being tight, and feeling disconnected from your husband. Those things make the journey more difficult, but you can still do it! Remember ~ on those days when you are tempted to make poor food choices or not exercise ~ how much better you will feel if you stay on board with your goals. Focusing on how good you will feel afterward might just give you the boost of motivation you need on the more difficult days. Best of luck to you with everything!

Digging Deep: Happy to hear that you like your new position at your job! That can make a huge difference in your overall satisfaction with life. I admire you for taking on the challenge of a 5K! Is this your first one? I always think I "should" do one, but I don't have the guts or the stamina for it right now. Stay strong in combating your anxiety and negative self-talk about the 5k. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! We will be cheering you on in spirit! Good job making the beef stew and staying away from fast food! Take the time to pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Interesting insight about equating weight gain to being in a bad mental space. I need to ponder that for myself as well. Thanks for sharing!

dcapulet: Thanks for popping in and wishing us positive and light thoughts and feelings! I can always use a reminder!

Holly: How have you been? Hope you are hanging in there with winter coming and your job! Thinking of you and hoping you're well.

I am slowly pulling out of my rut. I have been walking my dogs often and walking on the treadmill when the weather is lousy. I tried out our new piece of equipment (seated elliptical) and it was way harder for me than I thought it would be. I only lasted 10 minutes the first time and then finished with a treadmill workout. It will provide a challenging workout for me. I am just going to try to be patient with myself and gradually increase my time on it. I think the more frequent and consistent movement is really helping my mental state. I also finally took the time to write out my first weight gain story, as suggested by my emotional eating coaches from the program I did back in January-June of this year. Since my program was interrupted by breast cancer and reconstructive surgeries and a psychiatric hospitalization, I had put off writing out my story. Now, my challenge is to read the story OUT LOUD several times..... until it loses its power over me. I am actually afraid to do it, but at least I got started by taking the time (7 full pages) to write out my story. The head coach said that if we are resistant to doing it, which I am, then it REALLY needs to be done. The whole idea is to release the story from inside of me and to have weight gain ~ the whole story ~ lose its power over me. I know I'll probably bawl my eyes out in the process..... but I guess that's the idea. Nothing much else to report here. Thank you ~ each of you ~ for your input in the group! We can really help one another by sharing insights and tips and just by sharing our thoughts and feelings ~ both the good and the bad; our ups & our downs! This group is AWESOME!!!

[VermontMom]

Hello friends!! I need to read and catch up to all of you, so kewl to have so many new friends here!!

Hi to 2gabsxo :welcome: to our group! It's so good that you have supportive family and boyfriend, but you're right, if they don't suffer themselves from mental health issues, they just can't understand completely. I hope you visit here and that it helps you

Hi to blkcatlvr
and : to our group! I saw that was your first post ever at 3FC. We understand about struggling and feeling like we can't do anything about it...but we can! I hope you are feeling better about the process.

Hello Digging Deep, and I'm glad that you are already posting alot to us! first congrats on completing grad school, I am in awe of those who had (have) the courage to further their education, it takes such work and dedication. I'm sorry you are cold in 52 degrees but if it is cold for you then that sux. Oh I think we have ALL eaten to stuff our emotions down! angry, sad, happy, oh yeah. And WELL DONE for going to the gym

Hi dcapulet good to hear from you! that is exciting that you are planning a pregnancy during the next year!! will this be your first? I HOPE you can find a med that is compatible to your wants. Was your doctor's appt this week?

Hi to tehshort1 and ! wow you are a mom to a toddler and a newborn, WHEW exhausting! I hope you can find a plan that works for you, tracking with myfitnesspal sounds great, and I hope you can then have more energy to run after those babies.

Hi EasySpirit!! It is SO kewl to see that 150 in your stats, that is so great. and even more great is that you have been able to get yourself totally off meds by using your mind and body. boo to Halloween candy yay to you for giving most of it away afterwards.

Hello to SocialWorkMama (Liz) Congrats on being so close to your Masters Degree, that is awesome. I am sorry to hear of your daughter breaking her arm and that you are worried about money, booo to money troubles!! and sad about feeling disconnected from your husband. I hope that situation improves!! I definitely also feel so much better when I am working out consistently and eating right. Oh and Lisa was right when she said I would understand COMPLETELY about the dread of winter...I have used a personal therapy light, I fill our home with white twinkly lights, I have lights on timers..I am a winter and darkness hater And you did not give us TMI at all!! please feel free to speak of whatever you want.

HI LISA So is Jennifer home now? we are all worried for her, with you!! and congrats to you for starting the STNA class, I had to Google it to see what it was, I know you can keep up with the assignments and crush the quizzes, being the strong and smart chick you are and again so many thanks to you for keeping this group going ! I am sorry that you had to have the surgery on your ear but OMG you made me laugh about looking like Princess Leia

Hi Kathleen! You DO sound more positive! that is so great for us to "hear" wow to writing out 7 pages of your weight gain story, that must have been hard, but to try to challenge it by making it have no more power over you is a brilliant idea! I applaud you for taking the exercise in the way of thinking of progress, not perfection, because you are right, that is the way to think of it. YOu have had so much to deal with in the past year, we hope that 2016 will be The Year of Kathleen

thanks for the inquiries of my crabby weird cheap winter boss he actually hasn't done anything yet to really irritate me, except for trying to report 38 hours to Payroll instead of 40 "Oh Holly, it was an honest mistake"

Well today was my second day off of the week (my 'weekend') and it was so thickly overcast and chilly and then rainy, bleh. I am just so overly affected by cloudy gloomy weather but I did try to fight it, I did work out (for the third day in a row!) and tried to clean up the kitchen a bit. And I did really clean the living room yesterday, dusted and got rid of cobwebs and it looks bright and clean in here, if just for a day or so.

I sometimes can pull myself out of a possible down day, by making sure at least do an exercise session, and then force myself NOT to go back to bed, and then do a bunch of cleaning. But it doesn't always work.

[Digging Deep]

Hi ladies! So grateful for all of you today, and everyday so far!

New job is definitely going better. NO FAST FOOD ALL WEEK!!!

A little disheartened by my inability to make it the 3.2 miles on the treadmill after 30 minutes but PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION.

This is my first 5k so all I care about is doing my best (I will definitely finish the race if I do that). Thinking about getting a new tattoo as a reward for the 5k. I'll be in San Diego with my bf and his wonderful family. If I get tattooed the day after, I'll have 3 days of vacation to rest and heal before coming home and hitting the gym again.

PS I should have never complained about 52 degrees. We had a low of 38 over night recently. I've added my winter robe as an extra "blanket". Thank god for space heaters. The bf got me to the gym once this week when I was unmotivated by saying "Well, the gym will probably be warmer."

[Lisaluvshearts]

I totally bombed in class tonight and left crying.


Please don't tell me not to give up because I know myself and I thought I could do this. I had to take some clonazapam and gabapentin tonight. I feel so defeated.