How do I beat depression

[darren1970]

Since I was diagnosed with copd 2004 my depression keeps coming and going I think I'm getting better then it's back I'm lucky I'm still working and won't give up but I can't help eating all the time so my weight is spiralling out of control which isn't good as the bigger the stomach the harder to breathe any suggetiind

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Please go and see your GP, explain how you are feeling . They will be able to help. Good luck let us know how you get on please.love Bernyxx

[Pam1952]

I would visit your doctor and explain things. Exercise is really good for depression and it would help with the stomach issue and also improve your breathing. I hope that you find something to get you on the right track. Good luck and take care. Pam XXX

[Mickmerlin]

I had similar problems for which my GP prescribed anti depressants. I found them awful, three different ones all dreadful side effects and no effect on depression. Eventually GP referred me to local hospital mindfulness group for 8 week course. Wonderful experience, would rec. to anyone. Now meditate for forty minutes every morning and find my mood has improved immensely.

[Hidden]

Hi Darren I know exactly what you are talking about as the same thing happened to me when I was working. It is comfort eating.

First of all don't deny yourself eating chocolate etc. as even thin people eat that, the secret is moderation. If it's work time eating then take your own food with you such as fruit or other healthy options for when you get the munchies.

I would be too tired and depressed to cook when I got home so I concentrated on getting things in which were very easy to cook and not high calorie such as ready meals which weren't too fattening. You can also buy in weight watchers meals though they are quite expensive. You can buy things such as frozen jacket potatoes which are very quick and easy and frozen veg which you can just shove in the microwave too.

If you live alone it's a lot easier as you can make sure you have lots of fruit and healthy snacks in rather than chocolate, crisps and savoury treats which are high in calorie. The most important thing is not to deny yourself if you really want it and you are allowed to have the odd blow out when you are feeling extra down. There were days when all I wanted was comfort food so would buy cake and a small bar of chocolate and just guzzle them.

I hope this has helped a bit. x

[darren1970 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you helps a lot as your right it's comfort eating

[Hidden in reply to darren1970]

Yep a well known phenonominan for those with depression And for those without sometimes.

I know at least once a week I would come home from work incredibly stressed and depressed and craved comfort food. It's much better allowing yourself to do it when you really need to than to deny yourself when you feel like that.

Even though I am not working now I still do it from time to time. x

[Hidden]

Oh I meant to say as well there is a good depression site on here called Action on Depression. x

[Mandy6513]

I would strongly recommend you start with your GP and ask for counselling if thats something you would do ...It is possible to self refer in some areas so perhaps check out your surgery website it may have some information on there

There are also many interactive sites on the web that can help too and i havnt tried this myself but studies done by a psychologist in Australia have found that drinking saffron tea is good for depression

sciencewa.net.au/topics/hea...

[Hidden]

Good morning darren,

The thing with depression is, if you know what is causing it then it can be helped more easily. If you had never experienced it before being diagnosed with copd, then you are on your way to being helped. It's certainly not a death sentence if that is what is upsetting you. All you have to do is look on here, go back years to related posts if you must, and read how others are coping. It's good that you are still at work though, which is important. Do go back to your doctor and say exactly how you feel, for there will be help for you, it is just knowing how to access it. I think there is a forum on here for coping with Depression, and talking to others may help you find a motivation to control your eating problem. Support is a great friend.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in the 1970's- a delayed reaction to the death of my Mum, hospitalised, and spent time on a mental health ward. What I saw and heard in there will never be forgotten and really scarred me for life. The staff were wonderful, very dedicated, but so overworked. Many patients were treated with drugs like largactil which just deadened their feelings, kept them quiet and nothing more. I was told to treat my time in there as a rest, but by the time my fortnight was up, was desperate to get back to normal living, and gradually, with help, was able to become myself again, having worried my family enormously, which I regret but could not do anything about it at the time. I'm sure things have changed for the better now! Just thought I'd tell you.