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Weight Gain! Now That's Depressing!

January 19, 2014 Liana M. Scott

I have never been thin. Nor overly large (I hate the word "fat"). I'm 49 years old, I'm in perimenopause and lately, it seems like everything I put in my mouth ends up as another half pound on the scale. It's so depressing!

In truth, I don't actually weigh myself. Step on a scale? No way! Talk about a depression trigger. I don't need to step on the scale to know I'm gaining weight - a woman just knows - it's all in the jeans. What used to be my comfy, roomy jeans, are now very tight around my belly.

It's hard enough keeping my depression at bay but this added weight is really getting me down. Of course, exercise is the very last thing on my mind right now (ok... ever!) though I know that would help - in more ways than just the weight gain. Exercise helps to combat depression, I know this. But getting up enough energy to exercise is very hard. Let's face it... getting up enough energy to get out of bed and go to work in the morning is very hard. I could try another diet. I've been on several and have lost weight, then, of course, I gained it all back.

I try to eat healthy foods, eating lean meats, very little pasta or bread, and I don't eat any fried food at all. I know that I don't eat enough vegetables or drink enough water in a day. If I had a vice it would be potato chips and while I eat them frequently, it certainly isn't enough to account for all the weight gain.

[caption id="attachment_1767" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="By Ohmega1982, courtesy of freedigitalphoto.net"]Weight gain can be a strong depression trigger.[/caption]

When I realized I was in perimenopause, I knew I would be gaining weight. When the weight gain started, I figured I was fighting an uphill battle. So as not to put too much added pressure on myself, I decided that I would just keep on eating right, have a few treats here and there (and here and there again - grin), and try not to let it stress me out. But this is ridiculous.

So, what can I do?

Well, I've got to do something. I am going to try going back to the gym. I am going to make a commitment to myself to go twice a week. I'm still not going to go on a diet but I will eat more vegetables and drink more water. Then we'll see, I guess. Maybe this really is out of my control. Could it be my depression meds? I haven't changed those (brand or dosage) in two years.

Weight gain can really be a strong trigger for depression. I have enough triggers without this one teasing me every time I walk by a freakin' mirror. Weight gain can be so depressing. I have to try really hard to just take it all in stride.

APA Reference
Scott, L. (2014, January 19). Weight Gain! Now That's Depressing!, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/copingwithdepression/2014/01/weight-gain-now-thats-depressing



Author: Liana M. Scott

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Susan F
January, 22 2014 at 1:06 pm

I know just how you feel. I am going through those same things. Getting ready to turn 50 which is actually kind of exciting for me but with it comes the perimenopause and changes in metabolism and STUFF. Add to that mood stabilizers and antipsychotics and my weight has been increasing over the last couple of years. I also have fibromyalgia which has worsened over that time frame. I have gone from being a reasonably active person to a frustrated home body. I've been battling a tough bout of depression for quite a while and the weight gain isn't helping. I am finally having to accept buying a bigger coat and some winter clothes. Hard to accept. How do I not let this get me down?

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Liana Scott
January, 23 2014 at 5:27 am

Hi Susan. How, indeed? You're doing the right things tho - as I have been doing (because I had to) - buying bigger clothes and trying to accept who I am now. Best of luck. :-)

sandracobban
January, 20 2014 at 6:11 am

I'm with you!
I've always been thin!
Fast metabolism,till my bipolar meds..menopause,other meds for other ( many)
Medical issues...
Plus,a normal sweet tooth ( all my life,grew up with meals ending w homemade desserts)
It sucks for sure...
I never weigh myself,it's a trigger...I will cry or not eat hardly anything few days....
Plus,I'm writing from Canada,so winter= cold = snow= no walking my form of excercise.
Plus,need to eat more simply to stay warm....
I'm mostly vegan,but try substitute protein for a lot of carbs as I read carbs increase depression.
If I really want something,I'm trying to buy mini size pk
As for chips,I'm hopeless,but I buy veggie chips,make a rule I can eat the bag if I only get one bag A month!
I'd rather that,than count out 25 damn chips,wtf?
Tell me who can do that & I'll tell you I'm getting into Oxford next week!
Good luck w the gym!
Hate that shit,as I've an injury all I'm able to do is walk,but I like it....if you like it you stick with it...make sense???
Think,as well,us women over 40-45 I'm over 45) must realize,ok I'm never going to look like I'm 25/unless I get plastic surgery or workout like a dog & eat like a sparrow.
It's called changes in metabolism...
We can only do best we can w what we have...
Like,I love makeup,my best features?
My eyes,my hair my height...I'm tall...so..kinda helps hide weight,too!!
But,key is treats yabadabadoo!!!!
But rest of the time???
Regular,healthy habits.
One size..definitely...like treatment for ones disorder,does NOT fit all.
If we were all SHEEP, wouldn't life be VERY boring!THEN????
Stay Well....
That should be nĂºmero uno,in all areas of HEALTH.
Ciao from Canada! :-) Sandra..

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Liana Scott
January, 20 2014 at 7:41 am

Hi Sandra. Ciao... I'm from Canada too!! Ontario... where we've had some wicked awful temps.
Thank you SO much for posting such a long comment. You've really helped me connect. :-)

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