Holistic approach to treating depression

[Julibird]

Hi Everyone,
Is anyone else on an anti-depressant and having problems with weight gain? I have been on Lexapro for four years and have put on 35 lbs. I went off the medication while I was pregnant and only put on 20 lbs then subsequently lost 25 lbs after delivering. But, once I went back on the medication a few months later, the weight packed back on.

Over the last year, I took the medication irregularly and managed to maintain my weight. 2 months ago I started taking it regularly again. I have been counting my calories 1600-2000 a day. I run 20 miles a week, bike 50, swim 2 nights, and do pilates 3x a week too. And somehow I've managed to gain 6 pounds in 7 weeks

So, I have decided to take myself off the meds and try a holistic approach to treating the depression. I was just wondering if anyone else is doing this. I'm interested in some good resources that could help me with recipes and the like.

Thanks!

Limewave -

So many of us are struggling with balancing our lives - and depression is a major challenge. I salute your strength and hope that you are finding answers.

I was struck by a couple of things in your first post: your training volume, first. Is this your typical schedule? Do you periodize/taper? Forgive me if you have posted elsewhere on this as I am sort of new here, but, assuming that you have a child and probably a paying job, you are expending a HUGE amount of energy. 1600-2000cals doesn't sound like enough, and I wonder if you are confusing your body into starvation mode. If your training volume has been heavy for months, is overtraining playing into the weightgain and mood stuff? How's your sleep? So many mothers give up sleep hours to cram in chores/me time/etc that the lack of sleep can add to the weight gain (by adding more stress and adrenal exhaustion). I know I neglected sleep.

As for antidepressants, I know firsthand that they can cause 30 pounds to be gained over a few years. I had a bear of a time with it, including some nasty tapering side-effects when I was ready to stop, but with talk therapy and a more balanced training schedule (less and better, not more), I lost the extra weight in a year.

Personally, I feel better without the Celexa now, but I certainly needed it to work through some trauma in therapy and to just deal with the day to day functioning of job/family responsibilities.

Preach time: Holistic treatments - whatever route you go - will only work if you start with balanced sleep, diet, training - and achieving that alone is no easy task in this modern world!

I think you are going to get there, though. Please share with us what works for you because we can learn something from your quest.

[limewave]

Diet: I have started taking supplements such as fish oil and various vitamin b's. I have also cut back on poultry and red meats. I am considering going straight vegetarian. And am also staying away from excessive fat and sugars. Bye-bye icecream

Emotionally: for the most part have been doing well. I had a crying spell Saturday evening. But, probably any mother of a toddler embarking on the terrible two's would have too. It was a trying afternoon. I have little help because DH works so much. He's usually gone from 7:30 AM to 9 PM 6 days a week.

Exercise: I had all Sunday morning so I rode my bike 15 miles, swam .75 miles in Lake Michigan and then biked home 15 miles. And enjoyed a family walk Sunday evening. I'm just trying to make sure I do something everyday and it's okay if it's just a walk with DD.

Doctor: I haven't made an appt to see him yet. He's not covered by my insurance and his fees are $90 for 15 minutes. And I have a feeling this appt would be at least 30 minutes. I know I need to do it, so I will start putting some money aside.

[Julibird]

Diet: I had a crying spell Saturday evening. But, probably any mother of a toddler embarking on the terrible two's would have too. It was a trying afternoon. I have little help because DH works so much. He's usually gone from 7:30 AM to 9 PM 6 days a week.

The enormous responsibility of what you are doing is not to be underestimated! It can also be so lonely when you are doing it all. I feel like crying on most days around 4:00 simply because my little ones are tantruming and hungry and tired - therefor I am too!

Good luck with your new food choices, hope it helps.