[Ophelia31]

Hello everyone...I'm new here so I thought I should probably let you guys know a little more about me.

I was diagnosed as Bipolar when I was 17. And through the years..they've also added Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality.

The last 15 years have been ****. I've gained 150 pounds from my depression..lost all my friends..tried and failed to go to college three times. My self-esteem is non-existent. My self-hatred nearly overwhelming.

I haven't had a boyfriend in thirteen years. I've been alone (aside from my parents) for so long... I don't even remember what it's like to have friends or a boyfriend. But I am so ashamed of my weight that I hate to go out in public because I will be surrounded by reminders and evidence of everything I don't have. I see women my age with friends... boyfriends... husbands... children.

I have tried so many times to lose weight over the years. I've joined gyms...used work out videos...Weight Watchers...swimming...walking...but my emotional problems have always ruined every attempt I've ever made. I've almost come to look at my mental illness as a physical thing...completely separate from me that I am forced to live with...that is constantly working against me. Making it impossible for me to do anything. So after so many years of trying my hardest... giving it every thing I had... and still failing...I lost all hope. I reached rock bottom. And tried to force myself to accept that this will be my life... That I will die alone and never have anything remotely close to a "normal" life. I will never get to experience romance...dating... falling in love... marriage... sex.

That was about 6-8 months ago. I don’t really know what’s changed. Maybe I just needed an emotional break from beating myself up over failing all the time. I was emotionally exhausted. Hating yourself takes a lot out of you.

I am in the process now of trying to find a counselor that I can work with on a weekly basis.

I would like to have the Lap-band done but it seems I am too emotionally unstable for them to approve me right now. So that will be another one of my goals…to get stable enough to have the surgery.

Right now I am just taking it one day at a time. I tend to get discouraged easily because of my lack of self-esteem so I am trying not to set myself up for failure this time. My goal concerning exercise right now is to walk for at least 20-30 minutes every day. I also need to get control over my eating habits. I have terrible self-control when it comes to food, especially sweets. I’ve been a compulsive, emotional overeater for years so that is going to be difficult for me.

I am starting out by taking baby-steps. I replaced half my Diet Coke consumption with flavored water, stopped keeping sweets in the house, and replaced my snacks with fruits I enjoy. I will be paying attention to calories, but right now my biggest concern is portion control. Learning to eat like a normal person.

I just want to be able to get through the days without hating myself so much. I haven’t been living. I’m simply existing. And if things continue on the path they have been…I will end up completely hopeless, despondent, hospitalized, or worse.

For a pic of me check out my ABOUT page on my 3FC diet blog.
:-)

[sun]

Good luck...I know how hard it is with depression as that is how I gained a lot of my weight. My daughter has CP and its hard. I was so out of shape I could only walk for 10 minutes! Now I can power walk 2.5. Miles plus half an hour of bodyweight training! Just keep at it everyday. The more you work at it the easier it gets.
Good luck again!

[Ophelia31]

Originally Posted by sun

Good luck...I know how hard it is with depression as that is how I gained a lot of my weight. My daughter has CP and its hard. I was so out of shape I could only walk for 10 minutes! Now I can power walk 2.5. Miles plus half an hour of bodyweight training! Just keep at it everyday. The more you work at it the easier it gets.
Good luck again!

Thank you so much, Sun! I really appreciate it!

[Dibblee]

Add bulimia to the mix and you've told my story!!! I had to register so that I could respond to your post.

It comforts me to know that I am not alone out there.

[Ophelia31]

Originally Posted by Dibblee

Add bulimia to the mix and you've told my story!!! I had to register so that I could respond to your post.

It comforts me to know that I am not alone out there.

*hugs*

You should definitely stick around. I've only been here a couple of days and I already really like the place! And we can help support eachother. :-)

[leeway]

Hi Ophelia!
There are many here that can relate to where you are and what you've been through - the support you need is here .

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. You'll be a wonderful addition to any of them - especially in the forums that address the challenges you have faced - you could offer invaluable support to others from the insight you have gotten on your journey here.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here a few months myself, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you 've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee