I know for me anyway, it's hard for me to even fathom a life without depression running it. July has been a very rough time for me -- both life stressors and past traumas all made it almost impossible for me to leave the house or breathe a word to anyone.I didn't feel my medication was working, although I was taking it religiously. A few days before I went to see my psychiatrist, I felt so fed up with my feelings of sadness and being controlled and having no control in my life... that I literally decided to put my foot down and make some changes, do something I could control.

Remeron, my antidepressant, is notorious for weight gain (especially as initial dosage of 15mg). I did gain 3 pounds last month, and I ate normally. I didn't like the weight gain. Since starting antidepressants about a year ago I've gained 15-20 lbs. I am still in the normal weight range but at the very limit. Thus, I decided to start an exercise regimen and eat healthier, and commit to it. I've done it for almost a week now and I have lost 0.8 lbs! (nothing to jump around for joy for... but it's something!)

I find taking things step-by-step really helps me get through it. For example. I have some serious reservations about the changes my psychiatrist made to my medicine -- he has upped my Remeron and wants me to take a Klonopin once every day. Instead of stress and worry about it constantly, or pretend "not to care", I've decided to take it little by little.. As far as the anti-depressant goes, you can really screw yourself up if you start/stop etc. So, Give it 15 days, if you don't think it's working (and keep in mind you've been on this drug for a month now as is, just a lower dose) -- then address concerns with doctor.... but give it time to work or not.

I'm not sure how I feel about taking a benzodiazepine everyday.... but I'll do it for a week, and if I don't feel it is necessary, I'll reach out to my doctor and tell him. However I will do as prescribed for now.

My point in all this is that, at least for me, instead of ruminating thoughts and fears and worries and doubts and problems etc. Get them down on paper with some sort of action plan. I journal as a therapeutic tool, but it's not the same as actually taking specific issues or problematic thoughts and making, even short -term goals with them. I find that helps me a lot. It helped me start and continue to take the Remeron in the first place, because I was worried about weight gain.Give it two weeks, if it seems to be helping, and no significant weight gain... continue for another two weeks ( that was when my next appointment would be..)

So, just as a suggestion, from one sufferer to another... sometimes it just helps to have a goal set into place. I plan to spend at least 15 minutes in the sunshine (while weather permits) a day. I plan to walk 30 minutes a day. I plan to stay committed to my medication and therapy. and if the goal is too much at first, work your way up to it. I think it can be a great tool.

[Fizzyo]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your hope. It's great to hear some positive actions.

As for 0.8lb weight loss in a week, that IS a big achievement given your medication. A healthy weight loss is between 0.5lb to max 3lb per week.
I lost weight an average of 0.5lb per week and eventually it added up to 60lb.
Your exercise will make you healthier and lose inches too.

Keep up the good work.