Depression

[tonmur]

Is there anyone else out there that is fighting depression and trying to diet?

I would appreciate support for the diet and a shoulder for the depression.

[angelwings]

My name is Kelly aka angelwings and I am a newbie to this site, but love it. There are SO many neat people here and great advice. It's wonderful because they have ALL been there and understand the ups and downs of it.

I too, have been fighting depression, which I'm not particularly prone to. Mostly, I'm an optimist, happy-go-lucky. :D Now, though, I have been FIGHTING it because of financial reasons. So, yes, I understand what it's like to try and do this lo-carb woe and struggle with depression. It's hard, I know. Since I have NEVER stayed on a diet for more than a day, I'm pretty darn proud of myself now. It's been since the 2nd of January and I'm still hanging in there. Alot of comfort foods look tempting, but I know they will make me more miserable with guilt after I eat them. I wish you loads of good luck, Tonmur, and will be more than happy to buddy up with ya seeing that I need all the buddy's I can get, too! You can do it and I can do it, only take it one day, one hour, one emotion at a time. :thup:

[Tikerberi]

I too am prone to depression, and when I lived in Europe and before that, I had to take meds. In Eastern Europe, I also had SAD very badly. However, when I came back to Ohio, my system recognized that it was much lighter here, and the SAD I used to experience in Europe is gone.

I have found a problem with dieting while depressed, which can actually be used to make it better.I'm not talking so much about checmicals in the fo od, but about eating behaviors and patterns.

If my eating is out of control, I feel that my whole life is out of control. I feel hopeless, and can't get motivation to do anything. If I'm already depressed, it feeds into it and makes it worse. Then I overeat (I usually overeat when depressed or bored) and feel like crap for having done so, and get more depressed, and overeat more, and so the spiral goes.

However, I have learned that if I can even get one day of eating in a healthy way, and if I can repeat that pattern for a few more days, it usually makes me feel better about myself, and I don't feel so out of control of my life, and I start to feel some hope, and the depression feels lighter and I feel better.

The problem comes in when I've been doing well, and then slip or overeat or see that I've gained instead of lost, or some such thing. If I'm not in depression mode, it's not that big a deal. If I have an underlying depression, a bad moment becomes a bad day, and could develop into a bad week if I allow the feelings of darkness and hopelessness to overcome me.

For the past month, I've been plugging away, in a mild depression, trying not to mess up my WOE. I did on New Years, but with the help of this forum I was able to not get into a downward spiral, and a bad weekend remained there...I didn't carry it into the future with me.

[tonmur]

I am hoping to get some major help from my new doc. I have been getting no where for the last three years or more. I just hate it that anything and everything sets me into zombie mode. I am sick of the anxiety. I just want help and hopefully I will get it.

[almost30]

Tonmur,,

Hey we talked earlier today when I was asking for advice on LCing. Well let me tell you I have experienced depression first hand over the last year. MY entire family(both parents sides, and all of my siblings)have delt with depression for years and have been on meds for it. I never had to deal with it for myself until my marriage ended this last year, and it hit hard. I was unable to see how low I had gotten, but fortunetly I have wonderful friends and family who saw and got me to the doctor. I never wanted to take anything for it, because I should beable to fix it myself, or so I thought. However when I saw that it was effecting my girls I ran to the doctor. She started me on Paxil, which did nothing, however we kept trying until I got on Wellbutrun and Prozac, it works wonderful for me, I'm like a completley different person, I swear. I don't know what will work for your system, but my point is to keep trying until you find what works for you----you will be amazed at the difference. Good luck.
almost30 :thup:

[DoodleBug]

Hey Tonmur,
I too battle depression and like almost30, so does most of my family. Definitely ask your MD about medication. My depression hit the hardest in my mid 20's (I am 33 now) and I tried to deal without meds for a year. Finally, I was in a "black hole" that I could not find my way out of by myself. I started zoloft and I have never looked back. It has completely changed my life. When you find what works for you, it will feel as though a fog has been lifted and you can think and see more clearly. It is hard to explain, but it sounds as though it is worth looking into for you. I wish you a happier and healthier 2002! I'm around if you need to "talk!"
Hugs,
Carrie
:sunny:

[Ruth]

Hi Tonmur,

Congratulations, you've taken the first BIG step, admitting that you are depressed and need help.

All the folks who responded b4 me gave some very excellent advice. I can only echo what they say. Rx meds have saved my life. I have no idea how I would/could function without my Luvox. If I get the weepies (it happens!) it is usually a result of a missed dose. I find it amazing that missing 1 dose results in a bad case of the weepies but it's true.

One thing I'd like to add, with a little explanation. Please consider some counselling if there are issues in your life you may need help with. While I have a classic case of chemical depression (ie serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are needed to keep me on an even keel) there are some serious issues in my life that I'm dealing up, with the help of a psychologist.

Ann Landers would say, get thee to counselling if there are events or issues in your life, past & present, that are causing you pain/problems.

I hope your new doctor is supportive and helps you find the right meds.

Good luck & keep us posted on how you are doing.

PS Being in control of my food intake does make me happier, stronger and more positive!

[charmainia]

Tonmur,
I also suffer from depression. Sounds like you're getting some interesting advice so far. I took Zoloft for 2 & a half years and the effect was the same as described by DoodleBug - for most of the time - my life was great. This past summer the fog in my head started to come back - but not the depression. I spent 3 months getting off my meds & now suffer from headaches that feel like I'm having a stroke. Going for a CT scan this month.
I've been in induction almost 2 weeks now. My headaches are not as frequent and the other withdrawl symptoms are all gone. So is the massive fog!!!!!
I work in community mental health, with many psychiatric survivors. The ones that I know that have tried LC-ing, have had similar difficulties - depression vs. dieting. However, they've also noted that their depression (for those suffering from it) subsides if they can make it through induction. Also, med-free.
So I figured, 2 weeks of withdrawl from carbs can't be anything near as bad as (now) 4 months of withdrawl from meds.
My advice, I guess, is to try & tough it out without the meds, if you can.
I rarely give advice about mental health questions related to dieting, but this time, I felt that I had to give you another perspective about the meds.
I also agree that "talk-therapy" is great for depression. Try it.
As rediculous as it sounds (I've been there), try to keep your focus on LC-ing, not the depression.
I haven't looked around the boards enough yet, but I have discovered a few mental health related postings - :q: I wonder if we should start another board?
Hope my view on this helps. Sincerely.
Charmainia

[tonmur]

Well, I have suffered from depression/anxiety since I was in High School - so for the past 15 years I have been fighting this. My most recent problems is depression with severe anxiety. It is so hard to even get out of the house. But, I go today to see a new doc and I hope that she will help me or know of someone who will. Loosing some weight really has boosted my spirits - but it sure doesn't take care of the mental side of me. I just want to live a normal life and I am just waiting for that. I have a wonderful, supportive husband, wonderful, supportive mother and wonderful, supportive sisters. WE TALK, and talk, and talk. I think that is what makes my family so close.

I really need something for the anxiety attacks. I have taken Buspar - but it makes me feel like I wish I were not alive. That is a terrible feeling. I take Celexa and it helps somewhat - but doesn't take care of it all and it does have sexual side effects folks. (Once again, glad I have such an understanding husband).

[charmainia]

Hi there tonmur.
Sorry. I didn't mean to offend with my post. From following the other posts with advice on taking meds, I thought that an alternative should be presented. :) I realize that losing weight alone won't take care of the "mental side" of life completely, but LC-ing, from what I understand of it, does force chemical changes within the body. By logic only, :q: I think that this also has an effect on the chemical balance in the brain. Not the same (or as effective maybe) as SSRI's for example, but some sort of change.
My experience with depression has gone on for about 20 years now. Zoloft was the first & only med that I ever took for it - if I hadn't, I wouldn't be here to talk about it. I really appreciate what you've said and am glad that you've opened this discussion.
I will keep my 2 cents to myself. Good luck and good mental health with the new doc today.
Charmainia

[itsjoyful]

charmainia -
i think you misunderstood. i did not, from tonmur's post, get that you offended. quite the contrary, i think she was just giving us more information.
your 2 cents was insightful and well thought out. i hope you do not refrain from posting.

in regards to depression, i will give my 2 cents, and what has worked for me.
i was on 400 mg of wellbutrin (daily). during that time i was in counseling at least 2 days a week. while i do not promote the rx issue, i certainly would never dismiss it. i would not have survived that year without them, and they enabled me to WORK my problems.

i came to terms with my rx use with the thinking that i have a chemical imbalance in my brain, and the meds help to balance that. just like if i had an infection, i would take meds for that.


every single person is as different as snowflakes. each one beautiful in it's own respect.
hth,
regards,
brenda

[Lessara]

Hi, I'm an anxiety person :D
I've been lcing for 5 months and I've actually had to lower my prozac level after 4 months so there is good news for us! :p

[tonmur]

Charmainia

Oh - you didn't offend me at all!!!! I am sorry that you think that. I agree that sometimes you can get off the meds and then there are some like me that I sure don't know what I need. I sure wish I could be meds free. Hopefully, one day, mentally I won't need meds. I'll just have to keep praying for that. Believe me, I appreciate all your input. I say - keep them coming. I need all the positive energy I can get.

[paulwales]

Get yourself a copy (or drop by GNC and use theirs) of Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James and Phyllis A. Balch. Although St. John's Wort hasn't worked for me, I've had some success with 5-HTP and with Kava for anxiety. One of the nice side effects is a drop in appetite! I only use them occasionally to supplement my Zoloft (like many of the others that replied -- it's been about 7 years!) Family history often plays a big part -- I had to wake up to the fact that depression is often beyond the individual and not always something you can control through "just trying to feel good" Good luck with it -- sometimes just getting something like your diet under control can be a big step as well -- also make sure you're getting some form of exercise daily -- even if it's only a 20-30 minute walk!

PW

[tonmur]

Could all my depression and anxiety be caused from sleep apnea? I wake up several times in the night not breathing.

[Jo-Ann 2]

HI TONMOR
l

[tonmur]

Are you a sleep apnea prisoner?

[Jo-Ann 2]

HI TONMOR
Like others here I too suffered. Mine was post partum and I can tell you that sleep deprivation is a prime contributor to depression, I'm not sure whether one leads to the other or it is the other way around . But you should definitely get that checked, if your body is not getting oxygen, then how can it work properly. Med's helped me, needed then for 6 months then weaned off them. Talk therapy is a must. It's hard when your in the hole (depression) and you can't get out because the walls of the hole have been greased. I could never understand how I got where I was, I thought if only I could pull up my boot straps I would be ok. I had to admit finally that I needed new boot straps. If what you have been trying doesn't work then you should try something else. I hope you all the best dear. You've found a group of people who want only the best for you.
Jo-Ann :wave:

[tonmur]

I had wondered for a long time if mine was pp, because I was depressed even towards the end of my pregnancy(I was house bound), but I have been taking meds since after my daughter's birth and it still doesn't get any better, but this not breathing at night thing has been going on since my daughter was born a year ago. I hate the feeling. And this morning I am so wound up that it is sick. My whole body hurts. I go to the doctor today so I will ask her about it. (I thought I was suppose to go yesterday, but I had the wrong day.)

[Jo-Ann 2]

Your letter brought back memories too me. Infact my eyes welled up with tears when I wrote to you. I too was house bound for five weeks, then had to have him induced four weeks early. No one told me premees don't eat well, and my mother as well as my mother inlaw had no breast feeding experience and constantly asked me if he was getting enough. I knew I was doing the right thing but was getting no sleep and finally ended up in the hospital with a doctor who had run a clinic in england for pp women. A month in the hospital and had to give up breast feeding ( another hormone drop ) I came out with anxiey attacks that could stop a horse. I know right now how you feel. I wish I had a secret wand that would make it all better for you. Write a list of the things that are troubling you and ask your doctor for help, your local hospital could also help. You are not alone. Reach out. Jo-Ann

[tonmur]

Okay - now you are going to make me cry. I believe we understand each other. This is my second child. With my first child I didn't take any classes or such because I thought women do this everyday so, she is going to come out one way or another. Of course, I was depressed after having her and thought that I could just start up breast feeding and that it would be a natural thing. Boy was I wrong. So, with my second daughter, I took the breast feeding class and was totally syched about breast feeding and was told that no matter what anyone says it is NOT something that comes natural and that you really have to work with it and have someone to guide you through. So, I delivered a very healthy daughter the day after Christmas 2000 (extreme winter conditions) and started trying to breast feed. There were no lactation specialist at the hospital because they could not drive to work. So, I strugged for the day trying to get to to eat well, which she did do, but I was in the gloom so bad that by day two, I was crying my eyes out and gave up. Then, she ended up with jaundice really bad and they said it was because I breast fed her. I think it was more because of the gloomy weather and no sun.

But, all in all, I can say that I gave it a shot. My daughter took to the bottle extremely well and is now a whopper.

[tonmur]

Just to think though - you dont' have far to reach your goal. That is something that you should really be proud about.

Just keep up the good work, keep up a good spirit and keep posting. If you would like, add me to your buddy list and I will do the same with you!

It is nice to know that someone out there that might just understand me!

Thanks

[Jo-Ann 2]

I don't know if you are familiar with Anne of Green Gabels. It is a story about an orphaned girl who is finally adopted and gets her first friend. She referred to her knew friend as "a kindred spirit" I think that any women that has battled with pp has this type of relationship with other women who have had pp. So to you my new kindred spirit, I would be delited to be your new buddy.
Jo-Ann
Now you just have to explain how I do this buddy list thing. :q:

[tonmur]

When I looked back at your post, there is a little buddy symbol there, I just clicked it and added you to it - it just lets me know when you are there - there is also a chat room on the home page. But, I also have Instant Messenger through Hotmail set up on my computer . It is an instant chat program that I usually always have on (I chit chat back and forth during the day with my husband while he is at work).

[tonmur]

Thank you! A "Kindred Spirit" is a nice way to put it.

And, if you do decide to do the Instant Messenger through Hotmail just send me a post and we can go from there. I believe I am listed as Ton.

[Ruth]

Hi,

Just had to stop in to say that I'm delighted that you two have 'found' each other, you do indeed sound like kindred spirits and that doesn't happen too often.

I'm sure you'll be great support for each other. I hope you'll continue to come here and be a part of this LC community.

[tonmur]

Thanks for your support!

[Jo-Ann 2]

I thought I'ld mention one other thing about depression. I found when I was in it, I could do nothing right, looking back on it now I realize that I was terribly confused, I couldn't think straight and thought I could do nothing correctly. Now I realize that I was trying to do everything perfectly.
What did I learn from this. Well here are my words of wisdom. Everything does not have to be perfect. Very few things in life we decided are written in stone, so you can change your mind. You have to decide what is best for you, and stop trying to please everyone else all the time. Take time for yourself everyday, this is not selfish, you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else, and a good walk does make you feel better. Jo-Ann

[jan082001]

My experiences with depression lead me to therapy. I also met with two mental health professionals who were ready to put me on medication. I wanted to try therapy only. I marched right through therapy using food. I did gain my weight back. But I don't regret anything. I just learned how cunning, and baffling food can be for me. After resolving the issues that lead to my depression, I got very busy at the suggestion of my therapist with volunter activities in my community. It did take awhile to get active, but I'm so glad I did it. Helping someone else takes the focus on whatever is bothering me. I am very grateful that I sought professional advise. I would encourage anyone with thoughts of depression to go talk to a professional. It wasn't until I was at my lowest that I went. Sorry I didn't do it sooner. Also know that the issues I took to therapy were the ones I was overeating about. Until I could resolve those problems, I couldn't give up the extra food. Today is a much better day compared to where I was before.

Jan

[tonmur]

I went to the doc yesterday and after many questions - she decided that I should wear a 24 hour monitor to see if it is panic attacks I am having. They called me to schedule it for Monday and of course I thought that was too long to wait, so they called me back a bit later and had me an Echocardiogram schedule for Friday, which is quite a relief because back in 96/97 I took FenPhen for a couple of years. So, we will see where Friday leads. And, it seemed that I was awful stressed yesterday too and although I didn't go off my diet, I had an I don't care additude. I am correcting it today!

[jan082001]

tonmur-

Good for you for taking positive action for your health! Is the echocardiogram tomorrow? I'll keep you in thought and prayer. I have found if I take reading material with me while waiting in the doctor's office, or my journal, my stress level is diminished.

jan

[tonmur]

I just hope they figure out what is wrong with me. There are so many problems and I think all of them combined is what leads to the depression. But, the thing that worries me most is that I keep being light headed over and over and over and it is like my whole body feels like it is short circuiting. It is so weird and so hard to explain and the other thing that is so scarry is going to bed and night and stop breathing. I wake up over and over gasping for air because I have stopped breathing.

[janfan]

HI tonmur,

Yes- Today has not been a great day. We just go in the office supply of candy and just as the truck was pulling off, my boss pulled me aside and told me that there will be another board meeting as to the future of the company. I work for a Dot Com (need I say more). I know I wont make the next round of cuts. I am afraid and depressed. I headed straight for the candy table. I didn't take anything butits difficult; I am thinking of going home early today just so I wont have to look and smell the candy. Its the first thing I go for when I get depressed. I cant take it. I cant give you much support except to say you are not alone in depression and dieting. :(

[tonmur]

Yes, you are depressed and you have good reason to be. But, here is a thought for you. Who are you trying to please and make happy here? Will it make you happy if you have that candy? And, you may love your job, but - there are others out there and One thing that I always, always, always try to remember:

Things happen for a reason!

I know that you are down right now, but, what is it that is waiting around the corner for you? I know that it is hard, (I am trying to learn to have more patience, it is a very big struggle for me) but something good will come of this! I know for me, when it comes to money or finances, I become an emotional wreck, but did you know that it will always work out? I know at the moment that all seems hopeless but don't give in to the world. Let them know that you are the boss of you and that you can and will succeed.

[jan082001]

Hi Tonmur -

If I'm on the same page as you are, your Echocardiogram is schedule for today. How are you doing?

Keeping you in thought and prayer,

jan

[Jo-Ann 2]

I've been thinking about your appointment. I don't know whether it would be a good thing if they don't find anything (you have no answer that way) or that they do find something (you know what's wrong). Either way I hope you get answers to your questions today. I pray that you are able to find comfort in the fact that you have found a doctor that takes you seriously, this is a good thing. I just wanted to send you a quick note of encouragememt. I shall be thinking of you today. Take good care of yourself, you are worth it.

[Jo-Ann 2]

Indecession is terrible. It must be very hard on you not knowing about the stability of your job. Tonmur's words are very valid though. Change can be very dificult to deal with, but few major break throughs in life are made by repeating what we have done in the past. If you think you might be layed off, start getting your letters ready, you can find a new job while your at this one and if it's just what you need to make you happy you can leave dot com. You are in control. Go for it!!! You sound like someone of great determination. God only gives us one day at a time so take control of this one. I know you can do it. :wave:

[tonmur]

I went for my echocardiogram today and of course the technicians won't tell you a thing. But, I have decided that I am going to live and quit the down side of things. I have made it through so many things in life and this is just a minor thing. I have to remember - I can do anything.

[Jo-Ann 2]

I'm so proud of your new outlook on things. That's a great way to start on the road to sucess. The first step is the hardest and then after that just keep putting one foot infront of the other. Every journey starts with the first step. You are strong and powerful, you are woman.

[tonmur]

I sincerely appreciate all the support that I am receiving. It is that that is keeping me going. You know - I think people should be in support groups regardless of loosing weight, depression or what-have-you. This is a wonderful support system. Yes, I have a wonderful support system at home and my family - but sometimes you need to hear it from someone else.

Thank You Everyone, and I Love You All!



:thup: :thup: :thup: :thup:

[Brett]

tonmur - I have sleep apnea, and use a CPAP machine to help me (and it does, amazingly well).

OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) and other sleep disorders can be very dangerous. They have been associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Plus, being tired all the time makes it hard to exercise or just live your life.

Do a google search ( http://www.google.com/search?q=sleep+apnea ), or take a look at http://www.sleepnet.com

If you find you have symptoms, definately see your doctor for a referral to sleep specialist, for a sleep study. It's an overnight thing where they monitor all aspects of your sleep (muscle movement, breathing, brain waves) in order to determine what exactly is happening.

While I'm still overweight, without the CPAP machine I don't know where I'd be today. If I loose all the weight, I may be able to get off the machine in the future.

Best wishes,
Brett.

[Kellys]

Tonmur, I hope you get your results soon. Waiting is the hardest part! Been through the depression thing myself as I think most of us have at one point or another. It's rough!

Brett, My husband uses a CPAP and it is the most wonderful thing. I swear I was loosing more sleep than he was waiting for him to stop breathing during the night. He's been on it for almost a year now and the difference is amazing. And I much prefer listening to the machine than to his snoring!

Kelly (newbie)

[tonmur]

What were your husbands symptoms - why did they decide for him to use the machine? Did he have any surgeries to help correct the problem?

[Kellys]

Hi Tonmur!

Hope I can be of some help here.

First, let me say that my husband is in the Navy and all the testing and equipment was free so I don't know how much all this costs in the real world!

His worst symptom is that he stops breathing when he sleeps. It's almost like holding his breath for a few seconds. Aside from that he snores loudly (which makes his not breathing really stand out), tosses and jerks when he is asleep, is impossible to wake up even if he's only been in bed a few minutes, couldn't sleep a full night if he tried, and is tired all day. I think those are some of the typical symptoms, but there are more. There are also other sleep disorders out there that I know nothing about.

His regular doctor sent him to a sleep disorder clinic where they hooked him up to a machine and checked how often he stopped breathing, how often he went into REM sleep, and a bunch of other things. Then they woke him up and had him wear the CPAP (a small mask that forces air into the nose) and checked those things again. They measure the differences and if there is enough improvement they order you a CPAP. At least that's what they did for him. CPAP stands for Constant Positive Airway Pressure. (or something like that)

It worked wonderfully on him and he didn't have to go through any surgeries. But he will probably wear it for life. There are things that they can do if the CPAP doesn't work. His problem is his soft palate relaxes too much when he is asleep and blocks his airway. If the CPAP didn't work well they could have "tacked" his soft palate so that it wouldn't fall back so far. There is another guy who works with my husband who may get his sinus cavity scraped because of a blockage there. Boy, that does not sound pleasant at all!

So, the results are he sleeps much easier and doesn't stop breathing when he is wearing the mask. He also dreams now which he never did before (the REM thing). He still snores occasionally but it's usually when the mask slips. The machine also is very quiet and I get to sleep better too! The snoring never really bothered me but waiting for the next breath was awful.

I'm sure some of the folks here who have sleep disorders may be able to help more, but I hope I've helped some!

Kelly :)

[tonmur]

Did he have light headedness? Did he feel like his body was trying to short circuit during the day?

Over and over throughout the day (this is hard to explain) I have kind of a pulse or something that runs through my ears and body and it is like three beats, two normal and a third that is odd. It is almost a feeling like I have clumpy blood or something. But, it doesn't matter if I am walking, sitting, driving, laying down - I still have it.

[Kellys]

Asked the hubby and he said that he didn't have anything like that. But, I can see how not getting proper sleep could make you feel out of sorts. I know when I've stayed up too late (like tonight) I get a bit light headed and lose concentration so it may have something to do with sleep. Of course sleep, or lack of, may be the symptom, not the cause. I am surely no doctor!

I'm not quite sure what you mean about the pulse thing though. I'm sure you described it well but the only thing I can compare it to is what I used to call heart flutters. It would feel like my pulse jumped up in hyper speed for a second or two and then go back to normal. And those I usually only got when I was on some drug like a muscle relaxer or anti-inflamatory for back problems.

So, I've not been much help on this one. Did you mention these little episodes to your doc? I never can remember to talk to mine about those sort of things! I always get distracted by the 2 minutes I actually get to see him...heehee

Kelly

[odd sock]

Recognition of depression is the most imporant step.
Things start finally coming together and making sense.
It is always easier to deal with a problem rather than an unknown!