Can Diet Relieve Symptoms of Depression for Hypothyroid?

[connyankee]

I have had a rough year dealing with 2 deaths: the death of my husband's boss and his best friend, who also was a friend of the family. He passed unexpectedly in April. I recently, as in this past week, found out that my very dear friend, and surrogate mother, passed away five years ago. I am now mourning her loss after having lost contact with her because she came down with Alzheimers and the news of her wellbeing was kept mum from me from her little shit of a son, who is in this 50's, but has always been a little shit, in my opinion (I've known him since he was in High School.)

Since April, I cannot seem to motivate myself to do anything that I used to enjoy. I'm especially burned out on the work that I do: Event Security for most of the concert venues in and around Nashville, TN, USA. I'm tired of Pop Culture. I'm tired of today's music acts. I'm tired of the fans. I'm tired of commuting in traffic to get to the venues.

I also cannot seem to bother to clean my house except for when no one is at home. I live with my husband and my son, who is currently looking for another job, but is home when I'm at home.

I'm 66. I have Hashi's/Hypo since 13 years ago. I'm on 75 mgs of Armour (I think that I need a higher dose, but alas, the NP at the Endocrinologist's office wants me on this dose so that my TSH is not suppressed.) I just don't have any motivation and stay at home watching/reading useless content on my laptop. I don't even find comfort in going to weekly church, or reading scripture, or praying.

I've been eating comfort foods: pizza, ice cream, pastas, desserts and have put on 10 lbs. with the thinking that dying from a heart attack would come as a relief from this pit that I'm in. My brain feels like it's being squeezed between a vice. I'm on anti-depressants (the highest dose allowed) and a Benzodiazepine. I cannot bring myself to exercise as I'm sleepy all of the time.

Would a healthy diet, weight loss, and exercise bring me out of the doldrums? I've done lots of talk therapy since my 20's. It's only relieves the situation until I go into another depression. Thanks for listening.

[greygoose]

I think what would do you most good is an increase in dose, and your doctor needs educating that taking T3 is going to lower/suppress your TSH and it really doesn't matter. Print out these quotes and give them to him:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

If your thyroid hormone levels are low, food is not going to replace them now matter how good it is.

[Flamingo60]

As well as what greygoose has recommended. A healthy diet and exercise will definitely help with your mood. Wholefoods (no UPF), good fats etc and getting outside to walk/run if you can is a good start. Wish you well x

[Hatshepsut59]

Hi Conny, I fully sympathise with your position. I've had recurring depression since I was 30 and it sounds like you have the same. The recent upsets have most likely compounded the issue and that's why you are feeling so low and numb. The feeling of no motivation is so horrible to deal with. What's going on in our world now doesn't help either. I know that it's really difficult but I would recommend that you start moving more. Maybe get one of those little devices that count your steps daily and start regular walks. Maybe review your diet and stop buying foods that are addictive such as bread and sugary treats and drinks. I also recommend that you have all your medication reviewed. I take Lexapro daily and I've noticed that it can make me tired and lethargic and unmovitated. Maybe consider tweaking the dose. Never forget that you are a good person just as deserving of love and happiness as everyone else. Xx