Depression/ Obesity/Hypothyroidism

[PattyX]

I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with Obesity, depression and hashimotos. I am living with all 3 and life can be unbearable at times. The absolute worst thing about it is that I know exactly what I should be doing to help myself but do nothing towards helping or healing myself. All my thoughts are geared towards what I should and could be doing, planning and spending money I don’t have on therapists, programmes and diets. I have never looked so bad am I am deeply ashamed of my appearance. The painful thing is I used to be an attractive girl but now am obese, grey roots with frazzled dry hair with acne. My clothes are awful I despise them but my body is not just large but misshapen from years of dieting, weight loss surgeries and having a baby. I have a beautiful child and she is picking up on my depression and exhaustion. When I’m not working or looking after my little one I just go to bed. I would sleep all day everyday if I could. Then of course comes the night time binge eating and binge drinking at times. I desperately want to lose weight and follow a healthy lifestyle but it’s like there is something there that won’t let me. I start but can’t finish. I’m on medication for everything- depression/ low thyroid but feel nothing is changing. How can I stop the pattern of starting something, getting excited and then the inevitable failure? I really feel losing weight would help but not sure if I should concentrate on depression or low thyroid first. Thanks in advance.

I think you have made a great start by asking for guidance. I can highly recommend the healthunlocked forums where you will find a group of people who share your specific experiences and can often be really motivating. Good luck, and keep reaching for help and support.

You ask how you can stop the pattern of starting and stopping plans.

Firstly, try to identify the factors that are stopping you following through. What happened the last time you started a plan but you didn't finish?

You could look at the plans themselves. Are you going all-or-nothing on something that will be hard to achieve? Could you look at smaller goals to build up your confidence?

If you can't afford private therapy you could discuss these things with your GP or the various telephone helplines such as Mind or The Samaritans.

I think you should make your mental health a priority.

Most importantly for me, it sounds like unhappiness about your body and appearance is casting a shadow over everything. A therapist could explore your feelings around that. Build up your sense of self-worth in other ways.

Thanks for your response and suggestions.

I have hashimotos and was obese, until recently.

I joined an online coaching group (Team RH) which is where I found success with weight loss. I'm slowly approaching 'normal' BMI range. It has taken a while but I think with dieting, it has to because it takes a long time to make new habits. I'd highly suggest joining if you are keen to lose weight, no matter your circumstances.

In regards to depression, I can't help much apart from to say the fog of tiredness which hangs over you is in itself depressing. Take it easy and be kind to yourself, and seek help from a gp or counselling as I've heard good things from others.

Know this thread is 3yrs old, but pleased to find it as the OP describes my battle well.
Depressed, obese, hypothyroid and got really low today after a very uninformed nurse asked me insensitive questions.