Mental Health and Obesity
What words of encouragement or wisdom could you share with those facing mental health challenges while living with obesity?
What challenges have you faced with mental health in regard to life with extra weight?
Conversely, what have you found that has helped make a difference in your mental health for the better?
I have bipolar disorder and I believe obesity, thyroid function and mental illness are somehow related to some larger malfunction in my body. My weight problems all began in earnest at age 25 with taking a first generation birth control pill for 3 months in 1985 when I was first married. I gained 50 pounds in 3 months, Before that I was 115 and physically fit and had been most of my life except for a few months when I hit puberty which I quickly lost. I began having female issues at 25 which led to endometrial hyperplasia which eventually led to me having endometrial cancer at 59 which required a radical hysterectomy, chemo and radiation. My thyroid stopped functioning normally, and I had to be placed on levothyroxine. I had serious PPD with each of my 3 children and as diagnosed with clinical depression at 36 and then bipolar at 41 after my antidepressant was changed, and the new med put me into full-blown mania which almost destroyed my life. I was also placed on a mood stabilizer that made me gain an additional 50 pounds. I guess the obesity makes me very angry at the medical establishment. I have to see a psychiatrist, surgical oncologist, GP, chemo doctor and a urologist (kidney stones)separately and none of them work together to try and get at the root of my health issues. I just am treated for symptoms with pills that have detrimental side effects. I feel like I am not really living my life the way I want to. I feel like I am trapped in a 100 pound fat suit that I have to drag around with me every day, and I am always anxious and or depressed worrying about how much time I have left. It is not cancer recurrence I am worried about so much as I was Stage 1, and it was contained when I had my hysterectomy. I worry about having a stroke, heart attack, and not being able to care for myself as I age. I believe there are natural alternatives to many of my issues, but heaven forbid a doctor lets you know about them. I am fighting back using supplements and a whole food diet along with exercise, but I have a long hard journey back to a healthy weight at age 62. I have lost 30 pounds so far. Like I said before. I have a lot of anger towards the medical establishment as I believe my medications are responsible for my weight gain, cancer development, thyroid issues and mental health.
Good morning. I'm sorry to see that you are struggling with so much essentially all at once. I can relate to the frustration you have with your medical team. I, too, feel like a lot of the mental health issues as well as some of the physical issues that I've had over the years stem from something specifically at my core (so to speak) but I can't get everyone on the same page to really figure it out. Hopefully you'll be able to work through the anger and frustration you have at your medical team though for the betterment of your own well-being. And I pray that you can manage to get your medical team to work together to help you in the ways you need.
I'm so PROUD of you though for taking the steps to work on your wellness through your supplements, diet and exercise. It's HARD. But you are gonna ROCK this! ~Shay (Team Member)
Hi
. Congratulations on the weight loss! That is a great start. Unfortunately, both hormones and psychiatric meds can significantly contribute to weight gain. I have a family member who went on Abilify for a while and it was a disaster. His blood sugar went through the roof and he gained a bunch of weight. Since he mostly tends toward mania, his psychiatrist gave him Seroquel to take whenever he feels mania coming on. It's been a few years now and he's had no episodes, but that was scary time for him healthwise. It's a tricky balance between your physical and mental health. I have a friend on Abilify who gained weight and is obese, but she is okay with that because Abilify has been so good for her mental health. She has embraced her body and, honestly, she looks more beautiful than ever. I have known her for 15 years and I have never seen her smile and laugh so much.
I know you are angry and you have ever right to be, but that anger has given you the benefits of 20/20 hindsight and an awesome opportunity to move forward, advocating for yourself as you go. Have you ever consulted with a pharmacist as to how your medications might affect your weight? Pharmacists are great resources. They might be able to recommend alternatives you can discuss with your doctors for drugs that have a significant impact if the supplements don't help.
I hope you continue to post here and keep us updated on your progress. Know that we are here for you throughout the ups and downs. With enough support, you can get through this and, hopefully, reach a point where you feel in control of both your mental and physical health.
Warmest of wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
It makes cranky and depressed.
Hi
. I wish you were able to feel more positive. Has your doctor ever checked your thyroid levels to be sure they are not impacting both your mood and your weight? Depression and obesity together can often be symptoms of a thyroid or an autoimmune disease. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes fail to look for those things, so you really have to advocate for yourself to ensure they investigate every possibility.
Regardless, I hope the support you find here in this community helps you feel less defined by your weight and that you can become happier overall. Have you been overweight long? What do you feel are your greatest obstacles to weight loss? Thinking of you and sending the best of all wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)
Ive never been good enough for someone to love me. Social anxiety because everyone stairs. Not treated as an equal. No, not mobile at 44 years old, my life is at its end and Im not ready yet but, obesity has made that decision for me. Its all over.
Oh,
. I am so glad you found us. Obesity does not have to rule you. Many people find love, regardless of their size. Have you ever talked with anyone about how you feel, someone you trust, like your doctor, a friend or a therapist? Social anxiety can be treated with therapy and medication, and the confidence you gain from treatment can help you feel better about yourself and help you see that you deserve more respect from others. Feeling good about yourself attracts others no matter what you weigh. You deserve to enjoy your life and you are still young. Here is an article that contains some mental health resources: https://obesity.net/mental-health/general-resources. I hope you will check it out and consider reaching out, if you haven't done so already. You are good enough. You are more than good enough. In the meantime, know that we are here for you and that many people here have been where you are now. You have found a community that gets it. I hope you will stay with us and check in often. Sending lots of warmth and hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
That I am a failure because I can't control my eating and I am fat and probably always will be
I'm sorry that you feel like you are a failure. Let me assure you that you are not though! Every day you make the choice to keep putting one foot in front of the other and that in itself is a huge success! Controlling what we eat is something that I, too, struggle with especially since I have snacks in the home for my kiddos and there are times where they are calling my name. But it can be done. I just takes one small choice at a time. And I believe in you so I know that you'll be just fine in the long run. *big hugs* ~ Shay (Team Member)
