Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

Hello all -

This is my 3rd week "changing my lifestyle"... I hate saying that, but the "D" word is worse. I am overweight and have had issues with food since I was about 8 yrs old. I also suffer from depression, anxiety and of course self esteem issues.

1. History w/ weight loss: I did not start to gain weight until after I had my daughter (16 yrs ago), I have lost 50 lbs 2 different times and gained it all back with a some extra both times.

2. History w/ CC: My husband found it about 2 wks ago, but I just became a member last week.

3. Reason to join this grp: To relate to people who also suffer from depression.

4. Details about me: Laid off last Dec, married for 6 yrs, I have one 16 yr old daughter and a 15 yr old cat, I love to read (currently reading Anita Blake series), I love to make jewelry and handbags.

Hi! My name is Stephanie. I'm 22. I don't have a history with weight loss... or gain really. I just joined Calorie Count today following some meditation on keeping myself healthy. I joined the group because the page recommended it when I was signing up. 
I'm in school. When I grow up I'm going to be a teacher. 

I live with my girlfriend and our two cats. And it's pretty great.

Now to make it better.....

Hi, my name is Faith, and I have been having weight issues for the past few years.  I was diagnosed with depression, panic disorder and agoraphobia.  Although I don't think that my weight gain was caused by depression, it definately makes my depression worse. 

I live with someone who can eat whatever he wants and not gain a pound, this is extremely frustrating.  I also have 2 cats (my kids), and am on disability due to the above disorders. 

I have been a member here for quite some time, but tend to go in spurts.  I will monitor my intake and activity for months, then stop for months - usually when I am really depressed. 

I hope to meet and find support in this group. I really am hoping that this time I will succeed in my goal (weight-wise), but would also like to talk about therapies etc. that have helped others with depression.

Faith

Hello! Im Bella!

1. I thought id start with my present height/weight, which is 5'6 & 162lbs. My past with weight is hell. Im 14 years old, and was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa & depression. I use to weigh in the late 80's/early 90's. (lbs) I have now recovered but sometimes it's hard. I've notice that the whole 'happy' thing is just an act to make my family happy & tbh, im not totally. Even when i laugh im not fully satisfied. Im glad im healthy, i just want to be happy now & im afraid if i don't become happy about myself (body) ill go back into my old habbits which i would hate.

2. My history with calorie count is non. It's my very first day.

3. My reason to join this group is.. well i don't know in all honesty. I guess im hoping that this might help me in some ways & maybe even i could help others. I want to be happy & i hope maybe i can find it here because i can't find it anywhere else. I just hope maybe i can help someone else too.

4. Im not really interesting. Im Female, 14. Student. I study English language/literature, Maths, Duel Science, History, Drama, Spanish, Religion. Errm, i speak 4 languages (english, spanish, french & arabic) & want to learn italian & russian. I have an older brother (21) in uni & my sister (29) is happily married w/ a daughter (shenai, 3) and one one the way. I like isolating myself & read or listen to music. I also play the guitar. - Im not afraid of socializing anymore or atleast i don't mind but i tend to be akward at the start, then im okay. & that's about it!

Hope everyone reaches their goal or become closer & closer!

Bella.

x

1. History with weight loss: I gained weight my first year in college when I decided to stop taking zoloft the first time around (I thought I was better... plus I ran out and didn't feel like going to the store to get some more medication). I started yoyo dieting, developed an eating disorder or two, got better(ish), and am now trying to lose weight the healthy way.

2. History with Calorie Count: I've been on here since 2006...

3. Reason for joining this group: I thought it might help me get better if I could talk to other people going through similar issues. My mom and brother are normal, generally happy people and they don't understand what I'm going through. Meanwhile my dad is extremely bipolar and is too self involved to notice when things are going particularly poorly for me. (To him, buying me stuff= love)

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I currently am a student, my parents are subsidizing me right now since I was at an all time low when I was working last year, I have a pomeranian named Toulouse Lautrec, and I don't really remember what I'm interested in anymore for the most of it.

Hi there! My name is Jenn and I live in the Tampa Bay area. I am a mom of 3 boys, 3 cats, and 1 rat

I was diagnosed with depression when I was in my teens..I am now in my early 30s. I have been on every medication known to man (except some of the newer/current ones such as Cymbalta, etc.). I have also tried holistic approaches such as herbs and whole foods. I have never found anything that really "works". At present, with no health insurance, I cannot afford my current medication (Lexapro), and have been off of it for almost three months now.

At this point, I really don't know what to do. I sort of "float" through each day and just "get by". I really don't have any real happiness/joy in my life anymore, except for my babies. Also, I have been overweight for most of my life. This combination has always produced a low self esteem/self image for myself, and I am just at the point in my life where I want to break free. I want to be in control of my mental and physical health. I want to be and feel healthy and ALIVE! This is what prompted me to join Calorie Count. I know I will probably need medication for the rest of my life, and I'm okay with that. The one thing (and the most important to me) that I am lacking in my life is support.

I really don't feel as though I can accomplish my weight loss and mental health goals without support from people who are going through the same thing. What I'm really hoping to find through this website is a group who lives in my area and can meet periodically to support eachother, have meetings where we can feel open to discuss our depression/weight issues, and even work out together. I have looked on Meet Up.com and such to try and find groups that would match, but have had no luck.

Well, enough of my "novel" LOL. I wish the very best to each of you in your own personal journey! Also, if anyone is in the Tampa Bay area and think they might have the same goal of a real life meet up group, then please feel free to contact me! Thanks, Jenn

Hello

 I was diagnosed with Depression over 8 years ago, and then with Bipolar disorder 2 years later (although we've since figured that the bipolar diagnosis is probably incorrect). I've taken tricyclics, SSRIs, lithium, lamotrigine, seroquel, and I'm now on wellbutrin. I'm about to try adding abilify to the mix to try and get rid of the persistent low energy and trouble concentrating.

  Of course, both my moods and the meds have affected my weight. The first time I got depressed (no meds) I gained 15-20 lbs. The second time I got depressed I was so anxious that I threw up every day and subsequently lost over 30lbs. Lithium made me gain almost 50lbs over the course of 1year. I managed to lose some of that through exercise and diet, but it was really hard, and as soon as I went off of the lithium I lost a solid 20lbs with no effort at all.

  I've been trying to use Calorie count to become more aware of my daily calorie intake - amount and where those calories come from. I'm a student, so I'm pretty sedentary, and I tend to eat emotionally. I'm studying health psychology, so it's important to me to try to be healthy (I feel I should practice what I plan to preach). I'm 5'9" and currently 185lbs (which is categorized as "slightly overweight" for my large frame). I'd like to lose some weight, but that is less important to me than feeling healthy and psychologically balanced.

  I wanted to join this group to share my experiences and learn from others in a similar situation. We all deserve to feel healthy!! 

 

Hi Jenn

My Sister lives in Tampa; on a street called Minnehaha of all names LOL. I have no kids unless of course you consider my dog boo-boo as family like I do. I used to have tarantulas, three when I had the most but at this time I do not have any so all you squeamish people out there can relax ROFL.

I understand what you're talking about when you discuss depression and the consequences it can have on a person regarding their health as well as their weight. So many different therapies and techniques, I could not agree with you more that peer support is the number one factor in keeping the weight off, anyone can drop weight to a certain degree but to keep it off takes true will power as well as peer support.

I do not know what to say about having no health insurance, that is something that is so essential and I'm truly sorry you do not have any and your medication is also with difficulties. I know what you mean about having to float through each day trying to keep in mind that it's all worth while. I guarantee you it is, this much I know is that we all have a purpose and even though that purpose may not be made aware to us it is nevertheless equally as important as anyone else's. I also will have to be on medication for most of my life if not all but to be honest even aspirin is a medication of sorts.

I hope you will consider this group as it is intended, caring and honest people with only one goal as far as this site concerned and that is render as much help as we can to anyone who wishes to try to improve their health with the main emphasis on weight reduction as well as such as depression management at least as far as I know. I've been here it seems like for over a year but I'm not 100% sure but I know they sure have helped me!

I wish you the very best in your journey to better health and well-being :-)

Neil

P.S. The moderators on this site are fantastic, I'm sure that will offer you a ton of help as well as the extremely intelligent group we are on.

Thanks so much, Neil

It was really nice to log on this morning and read such an uplifting reply to my post. I appreciate it so much!

Wow! Minnehaha???? LOL I've never heard of that street, but if I ever pass it, I will remember this post and smile!

Thanks again, and have a great day!

Jenn

Hi Jenn....

I am out here in California, so no luck on the Group thing, but... I have been going to the same therapist for the past 6 or so years and on her bulletin board in the waiting room there are occasionally postings for various support groups, depression, bi-polar, etc.. Even if you are not a patient perhaps you could drop by and check out someone'e office and just ask about groups in your area, they often don't cost anything. Also, when I was in a bad flare for RA there were several places that helped pay for meds, try searching for prescription assitance. When I was in the MD's office the other day we are in the process of switching/adding Pristiq and she gave me 10 boxes of samples so I wouldn't have to pay for the drug until we were sure it would work... out in the waiting room there was a pamphlet with a card to use at the pharmacy for reimbursement for when you get a prescription and your insurance makes you pay a fortune for a co-pay.

If you read my post from not that long ago I was in dark place, things are looking up, a little bit at a time, sometimes it's the meds, sometimes it's the hugs from the babies, sometimes it's just knowing that deep down inside we can do this and we are stronger than this medical condition that makes us feel so lost and sad.

Take Care and lots of hugs help!

Hi, my name is Lynne, and I suffer from severe depression.  I've seen a therapist in the past, but haven't since I moved home to Reno in July.  Since I've moved home, my dad had a stroke and passed away, my marriage is on the rocks, I'm unemployed trying to start a home business, and living with my mother is stressing me out.  I stopped taking my meds when I moved, but started back on them a week ago.  You see, when I get down, I get way down and feel confused, hopeless, and I start to eat.  My doctor had put me on a diet 3 weeks ago.  The first two weeks I stuck with it and lost 5lbs.  But one stress filled talk with my husband and I fell off the diet wagon during the 3rd week and put that 5lbs back on.  That's when I realized I needed my meds to keep me focused.  I got back on the doctor prescribed diet this week and so far I'm feeling better.  My weight at it's highest was 183lbs back in 9/2009.  When my doctor weighed me I was 180lbs.  So that is where I'm starting at, and my goal weight is 130lbs by my 33rd birthday, 5/9/2010.  Even if I'm not at my goal weight by then, as long as I'm close and continuing to lose, I'll be extatic.  I know that things will get better, it'll just take time.  And when that happens, I can hopefully stop taking meds for my depression for good.  Only time will tell.

Ta Ta for Now!

Hello. My name is Theresa Jewel Ammons Pinkston. Since that's too long, I go by Theresa, T J, or Jewel. I was diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety 20 years ago. I'm doing a lot better now, but the old habits are hard to get rid of. For instance, I tend to eat when I'm stressed or depressed.

My dieting history usually consists of 1). starting a diet and/or exercise plan, 2). NOT sticking to that diet for more than three days, and 3). giving up and wondering why I even try.

I've haven't always been fat, I weighed between 125 and 145 while in my 20's. Even after I had my son at 27, I didn't have too much trouble getting back down to 140 or 145. But, after I started medication for depression, I gained weight. It got higher and higher until my top weight was 221 in Feb. of this year. I've been told that I now have a heart problem and my blood pressure is on the borderline of being too high. My main doctor says that if I don't lose weight, that I will have a heart attack. 

This is the first time that I've tried Calorie Count  but I joined hoping that I'll find foods and/or meal plans that I can eat without hurting my stomach (IBS) or my weight. I hope there are exercises on here that don't cause me too much pain -- I have painful arthritis and can only walk 1/2 mile before I quit. And, I think having a support group helps anyone. The other people on here may help me as much as the dieting advice.

Thanks so much for your uplifting and encouraging words, "crafty"

Yes, I have looked for prescription assistance, but the only thing I could qualify for was a county-issued discount card. Boo.

Anyways, my doctor is a family friend (as my mom worked for him for over 15 years) and they are great. I can be seen in the office for only $30 (I have NO insurance) and they ALWAYS give me samples when I need medication (if I am sick, allergies, etc). However, they NEVER have Lexapro samples, and unfortunately Lexapro does not come in a generic form. The cheapest I can find it (with my discount) is $90.00/month. I just simply cannot afford that. I am "making do" right now, but I know that if something big or traumatic happens in my life anytime soon, I'm scr**ed.

That is why I'm hoping that I can find some kind of support group to help, because I think you need both medication and talk therapy in order to overcome depression/anxiety, etc. Hopefully I can win 1 out of 2 LOL

Anyways, thanks again for the encouragement and somehow some way I'll find the help that I need. I simply have to. Good luck to each of you in your own journeys...take care, and I'm sure I'll post again soon

WTG Jewel! You sound like you have a plan and are focused on what you need in order to "get well". I'm sorry you are going through so many "issues" in your life right now, but think of it this way:

If you can get through ALL of this while battling your depression/weight issues, then anything else life throws at you will be CAKE!!

Best of luck to you!

Jenn

I will be back to update this, but I just wanted to introduce myself...

My name is Maria. I have had weight problems all my life. I found calorie count maybe a year before it all moved over to about.com. Trying to get back into it again after dealing with the emotional roller coaster of having a baby (she's 15 months now). I joined because I know how much it sucks to go through depression and how it always helps to know you're not alone.

Interesting details to come...

Hi, My name is Kaitlyn and I've never officially been diagnosed with depression but the pamphlets and the internet point to that as well as just how I live (or rather don't live) life.

I have had weight problems all my life. Always being the fat kid in school is basically what caused my depression and caused me to eat more. It was the only thing that cheered me up so I would always turn to it when I was sad, and since I was always sad, I always ate.

I joined Calorie Count because I've been looking for a plan to help me get my life fixed and to help me start living. So I hope this works because I am tired of hating myself all the time.

I joined this group because depression makes you feel as if you are alone and while I feel alone most of the time, this group makes me see that similar people are going through similar stuff so it helps to know I am not alone even if I feel it

And that's me...=)

Kaitlyn, first you are not alone and second I have a daughter twelve named Kaitlyn. Welcome and I wish you well the first hurdle is to love yourself no matter what I am a christian and my God says about you that you are wonderfully made so rejoice in that. Then weight loss is work everyday making right choices and not beating yourself up when you make wrong choices so you can get right back at it. ALSO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUPPORT HERE IT IS WONDERFUL THE PEOPLE ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND awesome for the most part. You still have to weed out what is best for you. It is also trial and error what works for one may not work for you. So good luck and God bless as I always say.

Um, I'm quite nervous about this, I don't usually share things with people. But I'm Sarah, 22 year old, and I just joined Calorie Counters today. I joined because I am hoping that this will help me with my weight loss and just to not fail another diet plan.

This is embarrassing...but I'm 269 pounds as of today. I have struggled with my weight all my life, each year I am heavier then the last. I used to diet during the summers and loose about 20 pounds, but I always gain that back plus some by the same time next year. I have always had self-confidence and self-image issues due to my weight and the constant ridicule I received from others at a young age. It recently hit rock bottom this last year where my self confidence got so bad that it ruined my first year at a new collage. The college told me to take a year off to get things in order before re-applying again.

I don't really feel like I have anyone to talk to here, my father is to logical to understand emotions it seems, my mother is too emotional and goes overboard far too often and one friend is uncomfortable talking about such issues. My other friend I do talk to about it and she understands some of it, having got through an eating disorder. But she went though the opposite of not eating enough, so she doesn't understand how addictive I find food.

I am now seeing a therapist, because the lack of self confidence I now have anxiety problems. I have only had a few sessions but she's more focused on the anxiety then the lack of self-confidence and poor self-image at the moment.

Well...that made me sound a little screwed up, lol. Sorry for the rant there.

My name is Eryn and and I am a compulsive over-eater and over thinker of food. I joined CC to track my eating and exercise so that I can stay healthier than I've been in the past. I've had depression since I was a kid, and developed very bad emotional problems. I need to begin to stay healthy due to the fact that my immune system and liver both started failing about a little over a year ago. It was because of my acute stress and anxiety and it lead to the itching and hives and rashes all over my body which are permanently scarred now.. and never stop itching. I destroyed my body from my depression, I believe and now I want to begin to rejuvenate my organs and my life with new healthy eating habits and exercise. Though I still struggle with my mental health, physical health is something I've always obsessed about and I am sick of making myself sick! I want to be healthy!!

hi, my name is Amber, I am 28, divorced, living with my parents due to mental health issues I am unable to live alone. I have been over weight since I was a kid. I now weight 288 pounds. over the past few years of being on different meds for depression and stress and BPD and other meds for hearing voices and having visual halusinations along with meds for a long list of other things, with all the different meds, I went from being a overweight somewhat healthy person to a very overweight unhealthy person. I used to be active well at least more active then I am now, but for the past 4 or so years I kinda just gave up, I ate and slept and worked when I could and watched way too much tv, and now I have a beautiful sweet dog and I do walk him and that at least gets me out of the house. i have major fears that I will be fat forever, I don't even know what I would look like if I wasn't fat and as much as I want to loose the weight its also very scary because I know that it will change me and I wonder what kind of person I will become if I have more cofidence will I be a better person or will I just become someone I don't even know and go right back to eating everything in sight and gain it all back because thats what I know and thats in my comfort zone. I have never gone on online for weight loss help or support before but I feel like I can't talk to the people who are in my life because all they ever say is don't worry about it, and they always tell me that I shouldn't be scared of loosing weight but I am. I don't know if anyone else has that fear but I feel at least on here I can say what I need to say and remain anonomas in a way. well thanks for letting me just be myself and maybe one of these days I will feel good enough to put a pic of me on here but just not yet.