Depression and Anxiety Meds and me being fat!!!

pinkstars

Ok so,

I have come to a final straw here. 3 years ago I had PND and post natal anxiety, very bad panic attacks, only back to work a year. I could not leave the house. Being back at work is an achievement in itself. Forward on a few months my relationship broke down.

In October I decided enough is enough I weighed 15 3 and am only 5 feet.

I am trying to do the ~Motivation~ diet but I only have a stone off. I had a stone and a half off but I am back up to 13 10.

At the doc last week I asked could I have an eating disorder as no matter what diet I am on, I am failing.

I was told every tablet that I am on, is causing a ravenous appetite. (I take about 20 tablets!!) Looks like I won't be coming off them either.

I just would love some help I need to reach out as I can't be fat anymore, I am bothered so much about it, so bothered that I end up turning to food and it's a vicious cycle.

Can somebody please help me?

Basically because of these meds I can function, but I cannot do what I did before, I'm fat, can't socialise or drink, I just need a little advice.

the_syco

pinkstars wrote: »

I am trying to do the ~Motivation~ diet but I only have a stone off. I had a stone and a half off but I am back up to 13 10.

On the diet part; what exercise where you doing?

pinkstars

I walk about 3-4 times a week for 30 mins.....if it's fine, a lot more in the summer...
But I seem to have a serious food obsession.

Sorry to hear you've had such a bad time of it, and well done for getting some of the weight down already.

Are you exercising at all?

Edit: I see your answer above.

Have you had a chance to read the stickies both here and in the Diet & Nutrition forum?

TheSegal

First off congratulations on losing the weight, it's a great achievement! Doing anything when suffering from depression is a challenge, I know that when i'm in a bad way from my depression all I want to do is sit inside and forget about the world. I'd have a read of the diet stickies in this sub-forum, they have a lot of helpful information about what foods leave you feeling full longer and prevent hunger cravings.

Are you seeing a counsellor? Talking to someone in a 1-1 basis can do wonders for your mental health, it could help you in a way that would lead to a reduction in your tablets if your GP allowed it. Also, when your doctor told you that the tablets can cause an increase in appetite did you ask him/her what could be done to help such as diet plans?

As for your depression one of the most important thing you can do is exercise, studies have shown time and time again that moderate to intense exercise 3-4 times a week is an incredibly effective form of treatment for depression. There has been times where i've had horrible panic attacks at work and need to lock myself in the bathroom until it ends (which can be up to an hour at times ), I leave work feeling like i'm completely useless but when I muster up the energy to go to the gym or even just a long cycle outside I feel much better after it.

the_syco

pinkstars wrote: »

I walk about 3-4 times a week for 30 mins.....if it's fine, a lot more in the summer...
But I seem to have a serious food obsession.

pinkstars wrote: »

At the doc last week I asked could I have an eating disorder as no matter what diet I am on, I am failing.

I was told every tablet that I am on, is causing a ravenous appetite. (I take about 20 tablets!!) Looks like I won't be coming off them either.

Perhaps ask your doctor to either tell you what foods you could take that would help you feel "full" without having to eat much, or to get yourself referred to someone who would be able to plan your food better (to help you feel full, but not end up eating too much). If the pills are making you hungry, a daily eating plan may help you.

IMO, dieting whilst on a cocktail of drugs doesn't seem to be a good idea. Maybe ask your doctor what diets would work best with the medicine that you're one, but you MUST talk to your doctor first, to ensure it doesn't interfere with your medicine!

mathepac

OP in the circumstances you describe, I believe it would be more appropriate for you to ask your medical team for a referral to appropriately qualified health-care professionals to work through the issues you describe.

Looking for medical / mental health advice on possible medication side-effects (if that's what they are) from people on the internet who don't know your full circumstances and history is fraught with danger.

metamorphosis

Id agree with the above - best bet to seek a qualified medical opinion on a relevant path of advice in the matter OP