The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[Bling Bling]

I, too, had a bad week. I observed my behavior and could definitely see that my response to depression, which I battle, is food. I have lived with this most of my adult life and obvious as it sounds... the depression problem existing just about as long as I've lived with a weight problem...only became obvious to me today! Duh!! I do take medication, but I still have some difficult periods of time. This problem runs in our family and is a chemical imbalance that all three of my sisters suffer from in one degree or another. Depression equals Food equals a type of numbing medication for me. I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I'll focus on finding other coping mechanisms this week as a goal. I'm resolved to continue Medifast's Lean and Green Program.

If there is anyone else out there like me, I'd love to hear how you have battled this "monster" and not let depression defeat your goal of being healthy.

P.S. I'm one of those people who you would NEVER guess is depressed. I smile and am cheerful to everyone but totally exhausted when I get home from work from putting on that "face." Can you relate?

[MomJackieLee]

Yes, bling, I know exactly what you mean. I am a counselor and work with people with depression and have depression myself. I have been on medication for many years due to PCOS horomone imbalance and serotonin imbalance and will probably need medication for the rest of my life. I have done the same as you in the past by putting on the happy face for others. However, working in the field of psychology, I feel more comfortable with myself now than I did before I changed careers 5 yrs ago. I feel more like I can be ME and accepted just as I am as a counselor. As a corporate financial analyst, I always had to be putting on a "professional face" plus I was under constant debilitating stress.

I do spend time doing daily yoga and meditation and this has lessened my depression quite a bit. I find going within keeps me from looking to food for comfort. If you have any ?? feel free to PM me.

[falisamarie]

I have sturggled with depression due to a chemical imbalance for years. I spent years putting on "the happy face" till I could do it no longer and then I stopped going out and stopped being around people. Depression is horrible! I feel you pain, you can do this and I have found that between the medication and losing this weight I feel much better about myself!

Hang in there

Lisa

[TooManyBooks]

Information that I received from Medifast indicated that anyone suffering from depression should not be on a weight loss program. Has that guideline changed?

[BoPeep1]

I started MF after my medication kicked in, I was depressed, but it was related to other disorders.

I am a huge emotional eater, and I realized it about 10 years ago, and still never did anything about it. I'm reading Fattitudes now to help re-learn about food. The next book in my pile is Reprogramming the Overweight Mind.

I feel blessed to have found MF so I can control those emotional urges, I can recognize it right away now and can stop it in its tracks.

Don't beat yourself up, it will only start the cycle again, but use the time to establish a new relationship with food.

[Unca_Tim]

Medifast is not recommended for people who have had:

Severe psychiatric disturbance (history of major depression and suicide attempts)

Depression medications may be continued:

Most medications for chronic conditions such as depression, thyroid or hormone deficiency, etc. may be continued while you are on Medifast.

[TooManyBooks]

Thank you for the detailed clarification! The original information I received from them directly spoke otherwise. Appreciate the info.

[Bling Bling]

TO: Momjackielee, falisamarie, TooManyBooks, BoPeep1, Unca and Vicky....

I can't thank you enough for your kind words of encouragement and support. Each of you had something important for me to listen to and take to heart. Just a note to say that I am under a Dr.'s care, so no reason for concern there. I know that he will be delighted when I go for my next check-up and am at a reduced weight. I'll give the kudos to MF and the support I've received from this forum ... particularly ya'all!

You've been a blessing to me today. I pray each one of you receive this blessing back one hundred fold.

Karen