Fat and Depressed

[Anonymous]

About 4 years ago I lost about 70 lbs. Now, I've put most, if not all of it back on. I feel like this has less with me "not knowing what to do" and more with me feeling depressed. I'm sad and feel stuck, like I'm not moving forward in my career, money management, and living situation. This then leads me to want to eat my feelings (and eat way more than I should). So I eat cause I'm depressed, I sit around and do nothing cause I'm sad and then I realize I'm fat, get more sad, and the cycle starts again.

I need to make a change. Just not sure what comes first, do I look into talking to someone about my mental health, or do I push through that/ignore it and focus on pushing myself to eat better and be more active. I know I can do that, I've done it before.

Ugh this is such a whiny post. Just having a hard day.

[Anonymous]

OP - Perhaps you should figure out why you're afraid to weight less ... not making fun, it's just an interesting angle to consider.

You're allowed to be content with yourself - give yourself permission <3

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:About 4 years ago I lost about 70 lbs. Now, I've put most, if not all of it back on. I feel like this has less with me "not knowing what to do" and more with me feeling depressed. I'm sad and feel stuck, like I'm not moving forward in my career, money management, and living situation. This then leads me to want to eat my feelings (and eat way more than I should). So I eat cause I'm depressed, I sit around and do nothing cause I'm sad and then I realize I'm fat, get more sad, and the cycle starts again.

I need to make a change. Just not sure what comes first, do I look into talking to someone about my mental health, or do I push through that/ignore it and focus on pushing myself to eat better and be more active. I know I can do that, I've done it before.

Ugh this is such a whiny post. Just having a hard day.

Mental Health, that is what's affecting everything in your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About 4 years ago I lost about 70 lbs. Now, I've put most, if not all of it back on. I feel like this has less with me "not knowing what to do" and more with me feeling depressed. I'm sad and feel stuck, like I'm not moving forward in my career, money management, and living situation. This then leads me to want to eat my feelings (and eat way more than I should). So I eat cause I'm depressed, I sit around and do nothing cause I'm sad and then I realize I'm fat, get more sad, and the cycle starts again.

I need to make a change. Just not sure what comes first, do I look into talking to someone about my mental health, or do I push through that/ignore it and focus on pushing myself to eat better and be more active. I know I can do that, I've done it before.

Ugh this is such a whiny post. Just having a hard day.

Mental Health, that is what's affecting everything in your life.

+1

If you don't fix your brain, nothing else can get fixed (for the long term). For me dealing with and sorting out the mental/emotional health stuff was the key to me losing, and maintaining considerable weightloss. And general happiness, confidence, etc. Things are not perfect, and they will never be perfect. But my headspace is definitely better, and my body has followed suit.

Wish you the best of luck.

[Anonymous]

I think you should explore the mental health/talking to someone aspect of this issue. Seems like you have had success in the past losing a substantial amount of weight, and that's great, but the fact that you gained it back and now struggle to lose again makes me think you need to really dig into what is going on in your head and with your emotions that is roadblocking you from the success you can achieve.

I think perhaps the key to losing may be in finding strategies to condition yourself to adopt new, healthier eating habits and attitudes toward food and break old destructive patterns. A mental health professional can help you with this, but it may not be the first one you try, keep that in mind. Stay with it until you find someone you like and trust.

I have a lot of faith in you, because you are reaching out, that's a big step. Please let us know how it's going!

[Anonymous]

Do not feel bad about regaining the weight. That is not a personal failing. That makes you biologically like 98% of dieters. There is a lot more at work here than we understand or know.

I would work on mental health for the reason that you should not suffer depression, and that should be true regardless of weight.

[Anonymous]

What weight are you currently, and what is an ideal weight for you?

[Anonymous]

No point in focusing on teo stressors at a Time. Tackle one stressor.

In your case, the depression. You need a therapist CBT and maybe some meds. Have to take control of that that or nothing else will ever fall into place

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you should explore the mental health/talking to someone aspect of this issue. Seems like you have had success in the past losing a substantial amount of weight, and that's great, but the fact that you gained it back and now struggle to lose again makes me think you need to really dig into what is going on in your head and with your emotions that is roadblocking you from the success you can achieve.

I think perhaps the key to losing may be in finding strategies to condition yourself to adopt new, healthier eating habits and attitudes toward food and break old destructive patterns. A mental health professional can help you with this, but it may not be the first one you try, keep that in mind. Stay with it until you find someone you like and trust.

I have a lot of faith in you, because you are reaching out, that's a big step. Please let us know how it's going!

+1

Depression -- even a mild case -- has a way of making EVERYTHING harder!

Take some time to sort that out with a therapist, and my guess is everything will begin to feel a bit lighter and more manageable, including the weight loss.

You absolutely can do this. Hugs!

[Anonymous]

It's not until the last year that I have realized how much my diet caused or exacerbated my depression. And I've spent 20+ years trying to treat it.

I started intermittent fasting thanks to some DCUM posts about Dr. Jason Fung, The Obesity Code, and insulin resistance. I'm a hardcore carb addict so I knew I couldn't give up carbs but I could fast. And fasting has helped me lose 60 lbs (I have maybe 50 more to do).

Now that I've built that strength, I'm eating lower carb and have even managed a full week or two here or there in ketosis. Amazing, amazing powerful moods I'm in when I'm fueled by ketone bodies rather than glucose!!

If you're willing to make a change, so some reading on the ketogenic diet for depression or on intermittent fasting. I've been there, and I've gotten better...I believe you can, too!

Also "Why We Get Fat" by Gary Taubes changed everything for me!

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for all the support. Since posting I have using MyFitnessPal, been eating better, and have been taking long walks with my dog. Baby steps.

I've also reached out to a therapist to make an appt. I feel like I need to tackle this two fold: physically and mentally.

I really really appreciate the support.

[Anonymous]

Weight Watchers is a good first step

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, I'm in the same boat. Except my family I think looks down on me and is disgusted by my regaining the weight, which makes it even worse.

[Anonymous]

yes to mental health. seeing a counselor is good. being outside is also good. meds might be good. If you have a friend you normally would go to happy hour or a movie or out for a meal with, see if she'll instead take a walk or a fitness class with you.

[Anonymous]

Please see a therapist. Weight is just weight, I know a lot of heavy people who are leading happy and fulfilled lives. It makes sense if you are depressed that you use your weight as an excuse to shut yourself out from the world.