[Daonnachd]

Am I the only one here who actually eats MORE when depressed? It's like I keep trying to find something to make me feel better.

I know the depressed typically eat less, so how unusual am I? A freak, or just part of a sizable minority?

[bizi]

I am sorry you are depressed.
Hope this changes soon for you.
bizi
I usually don't get depressed, I am bp1

[Daonnachd]

Sorry I gave the wrong impression. I'm not currently depressed, just thinking about it since my eating patterns have changed so much. Thank you just the same.

[MusicLover82]

I use sugar like a drug for depression and agitation with hypomania. I really shouldn't though, of course. Sugar is so bad for you.

[OctobersBlackRose]

I'm sometimes the same way when depressed, but it usually depends on how I feel on any given day, how much I eat/graze.

[BipolaRNurse]

I've self-medicated with food all my life. It's part of what's called "atypical" depression, which is common in bipolar disorder. With atypical depression a person usually eats more, sleeps more, has trouble getting out of bed, feels heavy in their limbs, and is basically exhausted all the time. So no, OP, you are not the only one who binges on sugar and other "bad" foods when you're down.

[NoIdeaWhatToDo]

I self-medicate with food, too. Especially sugar. BipolaRNurse, your description is right on for me.

[wildflowerchild25]

I tend to eat shittier when depressed. I'm trying to make myself feel better with ****** food. Sugar, fat, carbs. I'm also usually too exhausted to actually cook anything for myself so I eat fast food. It's when I am severely depressed as in nearly catatonic that I don't eat because I can't bring myself to put forth the effort it takes to chew.

[Ripose]

I don't eat at all when depressed, in fact I lost 10 pounds with my recent depressive phase.

[Coconutzo]

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

I've self-medicated with food all my life. It's part of what's called "atypical" depression, which is common in bipolar disorder. With atypical depression a person usually eats more, sleeps more, has trouble getting out of bed, feels heavy in their limbs, and is basically exhausted all the time. So no, OP, you are not the only one who binges on sugar and other "bad" foods when you're down.

This is me exactly.
I lose weight when manic because food is so boring.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Some depressions I eat and eat and eat, others I starve. Same with mania. Sometimes I will eat tons of sweets, other times I watch my weight drop like lightening. I can definately relate to the Atypical depression BipolarNurse described.

[Unrigged64072835]

I definitely eat more when depressed. I also sleep more. It's like what BipolaRNurse said. I just feel totally weighed down and lethargic. It makes it hard when I'm in IP when all I want to do is eat and sleep.

[Woolly Bugger]

When I am depressed, I crave doughnuts.

I also eat more when depressed. It's my only vice.

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

I tend to eat shittier when depressed. ...Sugar, fat, carbs. I'm also usually too exhausted to actually cook anything for myself so I eat fast food. It's when I am severely depressed as in nearly catatonic that I don't eat because I can't bring myself to put forth the effort it takes to chew.

Yup, this is familiar stuff. What I DO eat is pretty crappy. It's not only the chewing (though I totally get that), but the cooking! Heating up a can of soup is an accomplishment. One of the other big issues for me is the procurement of food. Not only is there the lack of energy, but the thought of dealing with being out, ugh. I tend to get agoraphobic at such times. So basically, I kind of run out of key items.

Originally Posted by Woolly Bugger

When I am depressed, I crave doughnuts.

My first depression, I lived on chocolate covered donuts.

Yep, I definitely eat and sleep more not less. During longer depressions I gain about 10 lbs. Luckily I tend to lose about 10 lbs when up.

[fishin fool]

I have always eaten more when depressed, its like bpnurse said.
When I am depressed I eat more and just feel sluggish all the time.
I try to eat very healthy as much as possible, I believe it helps me not
gain to much weight when I am depressed. At least I think

[gina_re]

I think BipolaRNurse and wildflowerchild25 said it best! Story of my life