How do you stay healthy when depressed?
I know you are supposed to eat healthy and stay active when you are depressed. However, I find it very hard to eat breakfast and sometimes lunch. When dinner rolls around I am hungry but not very. As a result, I have also stopped exercising. I just don't consume enough calories in a day to sustain me if I exercise also. I do some moderate exercise, like take my dog for walks and clean my house, cook. When I do eat, I try to eat healthy. But I know I should be eating more calories and getting the endorphins up. I have lost over ten lbs. since my depression came on, without trying.
I hear you.
This is my pattern as well when I am depressed. I tend to lose weight during these times because I lose interest in eating. But then the not eating contributes to the feelings of depression. It is a bad cycle to be in.
What I find helpful is to make it easy to eat. Put out some fruit and a breakfast bar for the morning at least. What sorts of things do you like to eat? Maybe cut up some veggies, get some yogurts, things of this nature and have them available to graze on during the day. A protein shake might help you with the calories. It also helps if you have someone with you who can support you to eat.
As far as exercise goes...make this easy for yourself too. Set a schedule and a routine and you may be more likely to do it. How about joining a gym? I find if I am at the gym...there really isn't anything else to do but exercise whereas if I am home, I can always find an excuse not to exercise. Exercise really does improve the mood.
Set up routines and schedules during these down times and even if it is robotic at first...do eat...do get out and get some fresh air and exercise. It is so difficult I know but it will pay off in the end.
Hang in there. You will get through this.
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skittles 48005
Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 11:02 PM
I am not hungry But I eat alot. And I pretend there's nothing wrong
rose martin
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 01:41 PM
For me, I put on stones, hence making me feel ugly double chinned and hopeless. I binge on sweets /carbohydrates. Like Merely Me says, putting out your Breakfast at night really does help. Have a Tray, a nice Mug or China cup and saucer, piece of fruit and Yoghurt, something that doesnt require chewing, bring the Tray to the TV. Ive personally found this helps take my mind off the suicidal ideation and negative thoughts. There is usually 1 or 2 stations that are informative and light and will get you off your own inner bleakness. I know how youre feeling, hang in there coz were all with you.
Sun,sweat,no t.v.