Dear Girls this is such a current issue in my life.I am unable to take SSRIs ( like zoloft or prozac) because they increase my muscle spasms and jaw clenching. So I have to be on a tricyclid antidepressant that sort of works but at the dose that is good for mood, it makes me want to eat all day. I thought that it was the anxiety but I found out that these kind of meds work in the same area of the brain as appetite and pain soothing, so no doubt about it.
In the last 4 years I never took the full dose, only half dose and I got increasingly worse (mentally), up to the point that I nearly had to go to a mood clinic again but managed with cognitive behaviour therapy every week and doing a lot of homework. It was also made worse by the menopause, even women that never had anxiety can get it during the change. Nevertheless, 3 years ago during menopause and anti anxiety meds, I lost 29 pounds and I remember I was in a different frame of mind, I simply couldn't go on like I was: I felt too heavy, so it can be done.
I also have to be selective with exercise because I have chronic back and neck problems so I can only walk for 1/2 hour in the treadmill ( before the pain gets unbearable) and do therapeutic pilates once a week and some weight training when the pain allows.
It is a hard place to be but it would be harder if I gave up, even when you feel awful there is always room for deterioration. It's just a matter of accepting the limitations and learning to be happy with small weight loss and slow fitness improvement. I known it's hard because we need instant gratification, but these issues are so deep, we need to keep working on them in a persevering way. Baby steps and being grateful to be able to do something about our problems, so many people have more serious issues that cannot be solved.
Remeber you're not alone, use SP as much as you can, the more you put into it the more you get out of it and post whenever you need help: it is the only way people will know they you need help.
Claudia
Edited by: CTEMPLE at: 4/3/2011 (00:04)
Claudia
A new beginning with a spark buddy.
Pounds originally lost 29. Maintain weight between 73Kg (161lb) and 75Kg (167lb): ongoing.
My current goal is 75kg (167lb)
Cardio 5 times a week; Pilates once a week.
| current weight: 171.0 |
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to the team. I understand your frustration. I recently began a new medication and have gained 8 lbs. some of which because I gave up also. I also have thyroid issues and arthritis issues and the anti anxiety medications. I have lost 30 lbs and I know I can lose more. My greatest obstacle right now is negative thinking and I have been away from my Spark friends who are so positive and encouraging and supportive. I will never lose weight at the pace of others and the medications make my journey a little tougher or maybe a lot tougher.
We can do this. There are always struggles and we have so many helps here at Sparks to help us. I hope that the team will be a positive reinforcement for you. Please take the time to meet some of our members, huddle and let us know when you need support. We are here for each other. Nola
