Date post: | 18-Jul-2015 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | steph-greegor |
View: | 169 times |
Download: | 0 times |
OBSTACLE 8: DEPRESSION
“FOOD MAKES ME FEEL BETTER WHEN I’M
DEPRESSED.”Food does make you feel better when
you’re depressed, particularly if it’s
high sugar or high fat. And the excess
calories can prevent you from
maintaining or achieving a healthy
weight. The first step to dealing with
depression is always to speak with
your doctor first and determine the
seriousness of your condition. But
when it comes to weight management,
if you feel your depression is making
you gain—you may be right.
You can get and maintain good health
even when dealing with depression.
HOW DOES DEPRESSION AFFECT MY WEIGHT?
The simplified explanation is this:
The same area of your brain that controls emotion also controls appetite.
Your body’s reaction to depression can either cause an increase or decrease in appetite—so you may gain or lose, depending on the event.
Foods you crave that release pleasure hormones that elevate your depressed mood are typically calorie-dense foods that are high-fat or high-sugar.
You legitimately eat to feel better because these foods physically calm you. And that calming effect can become addictive.
If you’re taking medications, your medication may cause an increase in appetite or change in mood as well.
WHAT DO I DO FIRST?SEE A DOCTOR.
The very first thing you
should do is see a doctor.
Everyone faces bouts of
depression from time-to-time,
but extreme depression can
have a detrimental effect on
your weight, your mood, and
your quality of life.
• First things first, see a
doctor and get an
assessment.
CHECK YOUR MEDICATIONS
If you’re taking any
medications, including an
anti-depressant, check to see
if it’s responsible for either
your mood change or the
increase/decrease in appetite.
If so, talk to your doctor about
how to adjust in order to
improve your mood and
stabilize your appetite.
• Talk to your doctor about
the side effects of your
medication(s)
START MOVING
Did you know that exercise is a
natural mood booster? Depression
makes you feel that even getting out
of bed is tough, but if you can start
small—just getting up and stretching,
you’ll do yourself a world of good.
Exercise boosts your feel-good
chemicals.
Exercise can help elevate your mood,
causing depression to abate, as well as
burn calories, which helps you lose or
maintain weight.
ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR DEPRESSION
There’s no easy way to say this, but, your
depression will continue to fester until
you address the thing that’s causing it. If
you feel you can’t face your depression
alone, talk to a trusted friend or family
member, or visit a professional.
• Talk to someone about your depression
and what’s causing it. An action plan to
address issues can help your waistline
and your mood.
MANAGE YOUR DIET
The key to managing your diet while suffering through depression, is to have patience with yourself.
The key is to first try and substitute the over-eating behavior—maybe exercise, drink water, or have a healthy substitution when you have that need to self-medicate.
If that doesn’t work, have the thing you’re craving, but try a smaller portion size.
But if you over-do it, don’t give up. You’ll launch yourself into another cycle of depression and it becomes a vicious cycle.
Be patient, keep moving forward, and exercise—if it gets any worse, see a doctor.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
Most people have depression at some point in their lives. The important thing is, you know you’re not alone, and there are ways to address your depression and keep moving forward on your get healthy goals.
Remember, unlike some of the roadblocks to good health, depression can be considered a medical condition and carries a bit more seriousness, as it can be debilitating. Please see your doctor if your depression has affected your daily routine, your mood, and your view on life.