to the February thread for the Ups and Downs Support Group!

This caring and tight-knit group is a great place to chat about the current ups and downs that you're facing. Whether you struggle with a mental illness or are just going through a rough time, feel free to tell us. New members are always welcome

Sending positive thoughts and hugs to you all!

Hello, thanks for starting the Feb thread ap14! thank you for your positive energy sent to us all

I feel all sympathy and empathy for those who are struggling with eating poorly, bingeing, etc, I have been trudging home, eating too much in front of tv, then going to bed at like 8:30...I know I am self-medicating with food, but it's all I can manage for now. I always improve when it gets nice outside, wish I could be OK year round.

I was doing really well with working out 4 x a week, then had to do more hours at work, and that was my excuse. I get so discouraged when I think of how motivated and fit I was just less than 10 years ago

well try to have a good day

No problem!

I understand the bingeing/poor eating. That was my life for a long, long, long time. I'd come home from school, eat junk (chips, cookies, diet coke), sleep, eat dinner, eat more, sleep. I wasn't in any sports or anything, so obviously I wasn't burning what I was taking in. I look back and I'm like, wow, I really should've gotten myself together then. It would've been a lot easier only 30lbs overweight rather than 70-90. Ugh. Depression didn't help at all either. Food was my comfort

Hey ladies,


Well, I am giving up my morning client. He is just draining me. I work so hard in the mornings for him. I do laundry, dishes plus get him ready to go to work. He is very needy. I am going to give him up. Part of me is relieved, part of me is disappointed. It is just the way it has to be.


Holly, so sorry you are having trouble eating the way you want to. I know what it's like to be drained. It's hard to have a balance.

ap. thanks for starting the thread.



Anyway, that is about it for now.


Edit: I've decided to work 2 days a week with my client. I need a break but still need some money coming in. Two days a week will be ok, I think.

Lisa - Sounds like a reasonable balance...i hope it helps you feel less worn out

VermontMom - I get the discouragement, looking back. I often wish I'd caught things earlier and developed healthy habits in place of the unhealthy ones I've cemented...I used to be thin and fit. I moved to University and it all went to ****. I've had ups and downs but never been within a healthy weight range since. The closest I've come was just before Christmas, in fact..and I am really disappointed in myself for tripping up and regaining since then. I'd be within healthy range by now if I hadn't! Argh.

But, I know that my disappointment will mellow as I get making forward progress again, and let time pass. I don't hate that I gained, originally, as much as I used to. I've learned a lot about myself and health and bodies and other people through the process of becoming obese and being forced to face some mental health problems and work my way out of that place....not saying I wouldn't have rather learned those lessons without getting fat...lol...nor that I don't wish it had all gone a lot bloody faster and more smoothly....but still. I sometimes think I'm a better, more self aware, more introspective, more empathetic person because I've spent such a time being overweight and struggling with it.

Now I'll have a healthy body I'm happy with though, please...

Please be sure to take care of yourself in the process ❤︎

Ap14, thanks for starting the new month.

Lisa, have you considered applying for different positions? This job seems to be really wearing on you.

Holly, I get where you are coming from with the weather - We have been luckier this year than last on the Cape - one blizzard so far - for the past week it has been in the 40s and 50s.

Holly, take a good look at the photo you posted of yourself at the fundraiser. There are many people who wish they looked as good as you do. Appreciate and be kind to yourself.

Fi, how is your pain level lately? I look forward to your collages.

Kathleen, how is everything going>

Bookmark, it looks as if you have lost a good amount of weight. Please don't dwell on the past. The only time you should look behind you is when you are parking your car or checking the back of your hair and outfit!

Take care, my friends.

Hello everyone,

Well, my decision about my job was taken from me. I received a letter in the mail last night that states the company I work for is closing. It is open until Feb 27th, after that it is closing. *sigh* I need to start looking for another job asap.

I hope you all are well. I will post to each of you either tonight or tomorrow.

Much love to all.

Well, at least that stress is taken off of your shoulders...only to be replaced by something else Isn't that how life is?

My friend told me about a job up on campus at the fitness center (yes, I laughed too). I'm working on my resume right now and I want to get it submitted. The woman is desperately looking for people to work up there, so here's to hoping this is a quick and easy process!

What a wonderful thread! I have suffered with emotional binge eating for many years now. I managed to get it under control with careful monitoring a few years ago, but it has been rearing its ugly head again. All problems can be solved with a batch of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies! Well...40 lbs later...not so much! Anyway, I'll keep my eye on this thread and hopefully get some inspiration.

No problem - thank you for the kind words I'm hoping I get it!


Well, it was bound to happen...the time of the month has rolled around. I feel awful, tired, and just overall lazy. I have to go to class at 3 and I'm really considering not going, but I have to. I'd skip my photography class, but we have a quiz today (of course). All I want to do is stay home, watch tv, and sleep.

Welcome! (love the username)

I totally relate to any problem being solved by those cookies Something I've found helpful is to drink flavored water whenever you need that "quick fix". Walmart sells awesome flavored water that's carbonated, so it feels like a bottle of pop rather than water. The only problem is the added sweeteners...

Or even just some lemon water helps too. Lemon water is also great for your skin (I learned that yesterday. Woo hoo!)

This is such a nice thread. Isn't ironic that a batch of chocolate chip cookies seems like the answer to our pain but it's really what causes some of the pain? UGH!! Depression is definitely my biggest roadblock when it comes to losing weight. Sending you all positive vibes.

Ibelieveinme2 - thanks for your concern! We made it through Monday, it was hard, but it's behind us now. We kept ourselves busy and had some support from family.

Lisa, sorry to hear about the job, whether you like the company or not, it's not nice! I hope you find something better soon.

Boy do I sympathise on the binge eating! I have been very healthy throughout January, veg soups every day, fruit for breakfast, veg based dinners and just a few treats. But on Monday, I had a day off, and kinda went on comfort eating overload! I was genuinely apalled at myself. I'm just working hard at drawing a line under it and getting back on the straight and narrow. The time of year definitely doesn't help, but it will get lighter and warmer soon.

It's lovely to see the thread so busy