"Weighty" issues

[CandzR]

I was diagnosed with depression around 8 years ago and have battled with different medications and trips to and from psychiatric hospitals. My psych found the right cocktail a little over a year ago - being Seroquel, Wellbutrin and Cipralex. Every so often when I feel well, I try to come off my meds... Boy oh boy, wrong move!!!! Its seems I quickly forget what its like to spiral out of control! I think the reason I am caught up in this viscious cycle is because I am 14kg heavier since being on anti-depressant medication. Oh yes, I have tried every diet and every diet pill under the sun and have even managed to loose weight at times, but only to gain it back plus more! Sometimes I wonder if its worth being in a semi-good mood, but constantly feel miserable about your weight and have no self esteem what-so-ever! I don't feel sexy, and my poor husband has to suffer (this on top of the meds lowering your libido anyway!). I don't know if I need to accept the way I look and buy big clothes or should I hold out on a hope that I may eventually lose weight and fit into my old clothes again?????? My hubby has now registered me at the gym where he goes - what if that doesn't help either????? He is looking so good from going to gym, what happens if he leaves me for someone 14kg lighter!!!!???? I hate feeling like this - totally ungrateful for what I have!!! How do I stop all these negative thoughts???? I am so sick of therapy and medication - I just want to be "normal" - whatever that is!

[Ashes]

When the doctors had me on seroquel I gained weight. Sorry that I have no miracle weight loss plan for you but you are not alone with your feelings.

[sshowalter@foundhealth.co]

Wow, well I'm glad you feel you finally have the right "cocktail" concocted from all the meds, but I have to ask, with all the ???? marks and "negative thoughts" and "low self-esteem"... do you really think the meds are the perfect concoction? It seems (to the ignorant by-stander) that suffering from low self-esteem, negative thoughts might not be worth being in a "semi-good mood." I'm just offering a reflection of what I see in your post!

I wouldn't worry about whether going to the gym will "work" or not, but try to find some activities that you ENJOY! I believe that is the key. It's not just about burning calories and logging hours, its about enjoying movement in your body and soul! So if the gym doesn't work-no problem. Maybe you and your husband would rather walk every day before dinner, or prefer taking a yoga class or going social dancing!

Just my initial thoughts! (Dancing is what helps me...I get to be active AND out around new people)

[CandzR]

Thanks for responding. Wow, you really got me thinking about the correct cocktail of meds now. I really never thought of it like that! Maybe I should try and find a new Psych? My script is coming to an end, but I can only get a follow up appointment in October - so will only be able to discuss meds then. Boy, everything just feels like so much effort!

I would love to find an activity that I enjoy doing - the problem is I really don't know what that is. Also, I feel like I don't really have time to explore the options. I work in the mornings and in the afternoon I fetch my two kids aged 9 and 4 from school and proceed with homework and driving to and from their sporting activities, and after that I have to prepare dinner for when my husband gets home. After that comes the tidying up, kids bathtime and bedtime, a cup of coffee and a 5 minute chat with my husband and then I collapse into bed (if I don't fall asleep on the couch first).

On a totally different note though - what are your thoughts on alcohol and anti depressant medications? Should it be totally avoided? I think I know the answer to my own question here - I can't just stop at one anyway, so best to walk around it in very wide circles!

Today is Monday - I hate Mondays! (At least I have Grey's Anatomy to watch tonight, even if it is the last episode of the season).

[sshowalter@foundhealth.co]

I can totally empathize with not having enough time to explore potential other exercise options... having children is a (though wonderful) time-suck! Though I do not have any myself, everyone is busy busy busy these days and leisurely finding the perfect exercise regime is not quite at the top of the list of things-to-do! But we have to remember that it's not an all-or-nothing type of scenario; small steps make a big difference and we don't have to have found the perfect work-out in order to start making small changes.

I'd simply try to walk around at the kid's sporting events instead of being a sitting bystander (maybe you already do this!) or do a few small exercises during Grey's Anatomy commercials. Also, it sounds like the kids already have events that keep them active, but a family walk a few times a week (before or after dinner) can do wonders not only for the physical body, but for the emotional state of the family as well!

It's good to be thinking about the "cocktail" of meds whether you choose to change them or not; I think it is always a good thing to be actively assessing whether or not the meds you're on (or any meds at all) are right for you. Some people find they are and some find they are not, but simply defaulting to what the psychiatrist says is never enough, we need to be actively thinking [I]ourselves[I] about whether or not they are working. Just my take. With so much information on the internet about meds and other treatments, WE AS PATIENTS have the power to both inform ourselves as well as be self-reflective as to their effectiveness!

In terms of how alcohol mixes with your meds, that would be a question for your psychiatrist as I am not a physician. However, if you've been told that one drink is ok and more than that is not, instead of an all-or-nothing rule, I'd try to employ some tactics that can help you enjoy only one drink at a time (which, after all, isn't such a bad thing to do!). This may sound simplistic, but when I drink I try to really enjoy the drink-the smell, the taste, how it feels in my mouth, how full I feel after each sip... I find it takes me longer to drink it and I enjoy it more. If I am merely drinking to get a buzz or a mind-numbing effect, then I don't even enjoy the drink...it's just a tool I'm using to escape from some emotional state. But if I want to enjoy the drink (I try to do this for coffee and food too!), then I try to be really aware of every sip (or bite!).

This isn't a plug, but if you want some more information on alternative treatments to depression, a new start-up website I do some writing for called foundhealth.com has some information on both pharmaceuticals and alternative treatments (like diet, exercise, acupuncture, herbs etc.) It's a user-generated site meaning that YOU could even write a piece about your experience in the treatment of depression! We like to hear from everyone-people with health degrees and patients themselves. You might find some helpful information if you feel inclined to look!

Anyway, feel free to send me a message if you want to chat more! Remember that small steps really make a difference and can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well being. Health is a journey and not a destination (oh but wouldn't it be nice if it was?!) :-)

[Ashes]

I have similar problems with my weight. I have gained a tremendous amount of weight in the last couple of years. Part of the problem is depression part is the medications I have been on. I dont think it would be as hard for me to accept this if the pills did their job. I am overweight and uncomfortable which causes more depression and the pills still have me feeling like everyday is an uphill struggle.

[aenima]

I am having the very same issue but feel too feeble to even go to the gym, a friend recommended yoga, I will try and let you know if it works any wonders.

[angelinadiaz]

I am having the very same issue but feel too feeble to even go to the gym, a friend recommended yoga, I will try and let you know if it works any wonders.

I totally agree with aenima,Weight gain is not a big issue,regular exercise and yoga (pranayama) will definitely help you to lose weight.

[Anis]

HI,
You are too young and should not be caught by depression and anxiety like things...
Need to do some exercise and should take some healthy food that would easily digest in your body....

[Harry]

Well sshowalter@foundhealth.co you have better too enjoy one drink at a time and don't look for others at the same time because sometimes it happens it becomes excessive and more too much alcohol in body is also not good for health. And drink what ever you like more as you have mentioned coffee in your post. And don't worry man it will be alright and just concentrate on living happy and take drinks as a fun. I am sure they will not harm you.

[Roxteler]

I think water is good for weight losing.If someone want to reduce his weight then he should drink water more then 12 times in a day.There are lot of exercises for weight issues like walking running swimming and yoga etc.My doctor told me about these exercises and these are best for weight problem.So try to do these exercises.

[Ishak]

Yeah roxteler is quite right...
But only drinking more water is not enough...
YOu need to do some extra exercise to lose weight...

[gaolich]

Weight gain is really a big one issue of the modern age and everyone want's to get
rid of this one problem...
By having the good one exercise plan and diet plan any one will keep his health and body
figure in control and good one manner...

[Igor]

Weight loss success is totally dependent on your will that how much are you willing to lose your fats.
First of all you should make your will strong then look for the plan or ways to lose weight.

[Igor]

Weight loss success is totally dependent on your will that how much are you willing to lose your fats.
First of all you should make your will strong then look for the plan or ways to lose weight.

Any Other comments...?

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[Vorsen]

Hello everyone. I have also weight problem. I want to lose my weight and have done lot of exercises and diet but my weight is still there. i don't know why. Please help me about this problem. I am so upset with my weight. Reply must. Thanks.

[aquatidus]

I don't think your husband will leave you over weight gain,
people get on as partners and are more comfortable with each other
over time, and try to impress each other less. In my opinion/experience.
Its good to hear that you found medications that work for you, the problem
about the weight, the anti psychotics seem to always make this worse,
Wellbutrin is associated with weight loss, do a degree( less so than serquol
is to weight gain), I was just wondering if asking your doctor about taking
more Wellbutrin could help with the weight issues, I think its worth a try.
Be well