[Markhor]

I lately have been really depressed and my mood receded into a downward spiral now I am trying to pick myself up. I've been indulging in pizza I constantly crave pizza when I'm down and I noticed tremendous weight gain. My self esteem is out the window as I feel fat and bloated and insecure. It got to the point I haven't picked up my pills, and amongst that my sleeping pattern is messed days are nights for me.

My emotions are consuming me and i'm trying to battle it, but I keep regressing. I need to know how should I eat if i'm practically trapped in my house, scared to go outside, and constantly tired. I tried meal replacements like shakes, cereals, but I find I cant stop overeating even when not hungry. I need something that I can eat a lot of or throughout the day that cuts back my calories and affirms my esteem.

In summary i'm tired, getting fat, ashamed how obese i'm getting, it's causing me cabin fever.

[Fresia]

I can completely relate to the cabin fever and craving of the carbs. It has been a battle for me as well this winter. It was pointed out how common it is with depression to crave these foods so even more of an issue to overcome. Treating the depression is important; if you are not already getting help with the depression, please look into it. There really is support out there, and just need to ask. You deserve it! It is also important to have other foods on hands that we can turn to than just those we crave.

I have been trying to retrain myself instead of grabbing for high calorie or unhealthy snacks to getting something lower in calorie or limiting the amount of something that crave. I am not going to tell you it has been easy but I feel better emotionally for having done it; it is also starting to pay off on my body as well now. Even little changes, substituting one snack or one meal here and there with something more healthy, makes a big difference. Take a step at a time and find somethings you can change with the healthier option, lower calorie option, or smaller portions, and start there. You have the control, take it back. It will make a big difference.

Know that this can change and you can make a difference with each bit that you do. Hang in there meanwhile and do what you need to to take care of you!