Depression and weight gain

[Noahsmum]

Really struggling at the moment with my eating habits. Have had another bout of depression which basically came about last year through workplace bullying and I have really tried to cope on my own but went off sick in November and started taking antidepressants. I do feel they have lifted my mood but they haven't helped with the over eating. I have no motivation but desperately need to lose at least 3 stones! Any help gratefully received!

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome Noahsmum

Sorry to hear you've had such a tough time of it, but am glad that the antidepressants seem to be helping

I'm going to give you the link to our newbie welcome pack, because it's full of great tips

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

The latest thread to the Around the World challenge is here

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Wishing you all the best

[Jenever]

So sorry to read about your current situation. It's not easy to deal with bullying in the workplace, and sometimes it's done in such a subtle way it's difficult to explain exactly how and why it's having such an impact, I hope your managers at work are dealing with it for you, there are many things they could put into place to stop the bullying and to improve your work life experience.

Depression and eating becomes a vicious circle and as harsh as this may sound, only you can really stop or change the pattern. I really sympathise and empathise with you, I recently had a period of feeling very low and fed up with everyone and everything, I have some idea of how difficult it can get. The only advice I can offer would be to try and focus on the positives in your life and to speak with your GP who should be able to put you in touch with a trained counsellor who can help you regain control.

I wish you well and hope you will soon be feeling very much stronger, good luck to you.

[Purple_faced_woman]

I know it is the new buzzword, but mindfulness might provide you with some tools to help you regain control. You could try looking at nhs.uk/conditions/stress-an... which is the NHS website introduction. I don't know how helpful this will be, but I understand that there are mental exercises you can learn to help counter depression. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is also very useful for helping with depression, and I believe you should be able to get a referral to a therapist from your doctor (nhs.uk/Conditions/Cognitive....

I was a bit depressed when I started my current round of weightloss, and I basically gave myself a good talking to about the fact that only I could control my eating, my fitness levels and my diabetes issues. I then changed one thing - I started the Couch to 5K running programme. I was 18.5 stone at the time. Achieving the first week of the running programme gave me the boost to start calorie-counting.

I try to take things one day at a time, to be kind to myself when I slip - but not self-indulgent (that is, I don't beat myself up over it, but I don't say it's alright - instead I apologise to myself and promise to do better for the rest of that day and the next day), and to appreciate my achievements (however small) and the good things in the world around me.

I am currently 16.5 stone, and have recently stopped calorie counting and instead taken up the low carbohydrate high fat diet, which is working really well, has removed all my tendency to nibble and reinstated my ability to hear my "full up" messages.

Maybe the way to begin is to just change one thing - change something small, or start doing something you've always fancied. A new hobby or taking a walk one lunchtime a week or giving yourself a pedicure and painting your nails a fun colour.

Good luck with this - I know you can do it, and hope that this is of some help.

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Noahsmum,

I hope you'll enjoy being part of the community and I just wanted to welcome you - lots of great suggestions in the responses you've had so far, and I can't really add anything to what's already been said.

Hope you'll have a good week ahead. Do join in our Monday group weigh-in, if you like the idea of a group weigh-in.

Lowcal

[Hidden]

Joining this group will help. I have depression an I feeling my way out. But the depression and other illnesses left me with over 6 stone to loose. I have lost three but a long way to go. This is a friendly place.

[Hidden]

Being depressed is truly awful, and the tablets will lift your mood but if you incorporate going to the gym and eating healthy your mood will be lifted even more. Join a gym get your head phones on put music on that makes you feel good and makes you want to move. If the gym is to scary go walking, fresh air will feel good in those lungs. You deserve to be happy. X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I am also on antidepressants and my emotions are just at an even level and to be honest I nearly love everyone and the world is a better place. I went for counselling and that really helped and the thought of talking to a stranger about me really scared me. God an the tears I cried. But it truly helped me. I'm sending you a hug xx

[Hidden]

Hi noahsmum... I know exactly how you feel.. I had the same situation last year.. It has taken time but I feel so much better in myself... You need to remember you have a very real illness, you have managed on your own for too long.. Good that you have taken time of sick, take anti depressants, be kind to yourself!!! Do not rush anything.. Try to deal with the underlying problem, the bullying, raise a formal complaint.. I did.. One thing you must do is talk about it to anyone that will listen, it's hard and upsetting but believe me it helps.. The depression and weight will disappear,, but I'm still waiting for my weight to go.. Xx