The challenge of living with myself.

[ella-marie]

Good morning.

It's been a difficult few weeks, been over-emotional, crying in inappropriate situations and so anxious over silly things. I have recently started slimming world so I have been cutting out binge eating of chocolate and crisps....I am not sure if it's the reason for my low mood but I have a sneaking suspicion it's linked.

I visited the doctor and he asked if I had made any changes to trigger my low mood. There have been some and maybe the two are enough to unbalance my emotions. He upped my dose of citalopran to 40mg and said that was the maximum he could give me. Does any-one else have these times? I am 47, brought up two grown up children mainly on my own.

Now I am in a loving relationship and money is less tight. I should feel happier.

Does any-one have any tips to help me to be less anxious please?

Much appreciated.

Ella-Marie

[debbiejay]

Hi Ella-Marie, sorry to hear you are feeling low, but hang on in there, lots of us on here have those times and really understand. Maybe changing your diet has had an effect - but in the long run it will really bring about positive changes in your life and your mood. I've done slimming world too, and lost 3 and a half stone. I learnt a lot about myself in the process and now can see how badly sugar, in particular, affects my life and mood. Also, being overweight becomes a vicious circle, makes you depressed which in turn leads to comfort eating, which piles on more weight.

Another thing I would just say is that if you've had a hard time, which I imagine you perhaps did when on your own with your kids, sometimes, when things get easier, although, as you say, you would think it would make you happier, maybe sometimes when you no longer have to struggle so much all the after effects of the bad times come out and ambush you. Maybe you worry that the good situation won't last? Or that you don't deserve the new relationship - loads of those self-esteem related issues can try and hijack our happiness, and we have to work really hard not to let them! Again, I've been in exactly the same place as you - haven't completely conquered it yet, but always working on it. Some days are better than others.Try to be kind to yourself and tell yourself how brave you have been to come so far, and that since you are that strong, you will get to grips with it all even further, and beat the negative feelings that pull you down. Let me know if you want to chat or if I can be any help x

[ella-marie in reply to debbiejay]

Oh my goodness. Only just read this reply, thank you for your lovely message. i actually think you are right. i am scared of losing my better circumstances and subconsciously make it negative as a way of protection. I hope you are doing well? I do from time to time have weeks of just crying it's tiring and wearing on those who love me too. I just wrote a blog and happened to come across on this message which has really helped.