Yes I am depressed. I’ve recognized a pattern over the last few weeks and on a daily basis. Part of it could be that the days are getting shorter, and part of it could be that I may not be eating enough carbs, or I could be eating too much protein. I’ve been doing a lot of research, and will share everything I find. I will share how I cope with this, and how I change my strategy as I work toward my fitness dream.
I know depression is very serious, and have lost love ones from it. It was only easy for me to recognize the signs, because I have been diagnosed with it in the past and have even been on medication for it. I have loved ones that know about my depression and will let me know if they think I need serious help.
I’m glad I accepted the truth before it got any worse. I would rather not be on medication if I can change my nutrition and lifestyle, possibly preventing depression entirely. I also know from my relatives that many times diet, exercise, and daily routine is not enough, and that medication may be necessary. With my genetics, this may be the case, and there is nothing wrong with that. I think all of the sarcastic stereotypes, “psycho, mental, crazy, bi-polar, go see your shrink” make it harder to accept it, with out feeling like you’re now the center of so many cruel jokes and sarcasm. I have been on depression medication before, and thru counseling worked thru my crisis, and eventually came off the medication. I accept that I may need to be on medication again, or even on a permanent basis.
A Completely Different Approach
I know there are a lot of people who struggle from depression. It can be very hard not to trigger depression when going on a diet. I plan on figuring out;
1st How to pull my self out of this depression
2nd How to keep it at bay
3rd How to continue getting in shape without triggering it again
I know I’m in the middle of a 10-day program. But for now everything is on hold. I will continue to exercise regularly. My diet and lifestyle need a total re-haul to help pull me out of my current state of depression and up my serotonin levels.
I appreciate all of the support I have had so far in my journey, and I will complete my journey. I’ve never been more excited to surf. Who knows, I may love surfing so much that I’ll become an instructor. OK, I may be a little ahead of myself. Why not? I think spending all day at the beach may be the best lifestyle change I could make.
For me getting fit is not a race, and is not about the finish line, it’s about the journey. This may be the greatest journey I’ve ever been on.
October 11th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Oh, wow, this post means so much to me. Last night I was lying in bed thinking, “Is my depression recurring again?” I’ve experienced depression in its true form, but managed bounce back and now I’m…well, happy. I know what you’re going through but, don’t worry, depression is one of the most treatable problems as long as you don’t give in to a depressed mindset and do things about it. Man, I could write on and on about this, I think one comment can not cover it all. I’ll go for a run now and think, but I’ll write a whole post on my blog later today.
For now, I know what you’re going through and even if it might not be of much help, I feel your pain. Try to relax and do something different over the weekend, why don’t you go out and treat yourself to some ice cream? One meal won’t hinder your weight loss.
October 12th, 2008 at 3:52 am
I echo the treat yourself sentiment.
however it best works for YOU.
a treatsnack, a new book, new shoes, new surfgear…..
October 13th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Inny: Thanks for your support. I’m looking forward to reading your post. Honestly, I did enjoy my weekend and ate anything that sounded good to me (sweet and non-sweet related). It instantly lifted my mood, and continues to lift my mood today. . I had a better time this weekend then I’ve had in a long time. I’m not sure where I’ve been but I’m back, and even people around me can tell the difference.
I know with eating more sweets and carbs I need to be aware of the fat that is in them and even how they make me feel. However, I’m not putting any restrictions on myself right now. I’m realizing that I get stressed when I have diet restrictions. As I learn more about nutrition and how foods affect not only my weight but also my mind I can listen to my body and mind and decide what I need to be eating.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
MizFit: You’re both right. That was what I needed. I bought some serious sweets, and found a new book to read. I also started to really figure out how I’m getting to the beach. I’m not going to let anything including money keep me from reaching my dream.