I can’t cope

[Captain24]

Thanks @tyme 

Hope you have had a good day. 

I did write a post but it seems to have gone into cyber space. It was just that I’m a bit flat today and I don’t want to cause concern 

[Captain24]

I’m a sugar addict @tyme so if I have to cut it out I’m really going to struggle. I do love my hot chocolate though! 

I see the psychiatrist in 2 weeks and at this stage I’m staying on the same meds until then. My concern is the weight gain. I have put on a substantial amount in a month already. It’s starting to get me down. I was overweight before I started on them. I feel like they are causing me to eat more. 

I’m feeling pretty flat this afternoon so unless I pick up I think I should probably stay away so I don’t cause any concern. 

[tyme]

Thanks for letting me know @Captain24 .

With 'staying away' - it's good to know your boundary. There is a fine line between coming online, venting, and prevent escalation; and coming online, venting, becoming more exasperated. 

You know yourself best. Sometimes coming online when things begin to get tough, actually helps it not get worse!

Then there are other times when giving yourself some offline time is better.

You call.

As for the weight gain, I hear you. Same with with. I put on so much after taking meds. I've had to have a complete lifestyle change in order to accomodate for the side effects of medication. It's difficult, but if the meds help your MH, then they are worth taking (in my opinion).

Perhaps working with an exercise physiologist and dietician can help with making some subtle changes.

Let me know how you go,

tyme

[Captain24]

I do usually feel better if I vent @tyme 

I just don’t want to cause concern or be a bother. 

I have tried meal prepping today to try and help with the weight gain. I’ve made 12 meals all have veggies in them. So I’m hoping that helps. Also it stops me going to the shops to buy junk. It’s junk that I crave the most. 

[tyme]

I absolutely agree with you @Captain24 - Meal prepping is so important. I tend to buy junk on the way home from work if I'm starving and haven't meal prepped. Now, I hold back and say, "No, I have to finish the food in the fridge". I also freeze the meals so I'm not eating the same thing all week - I hate that.

At the moment, in my freezer, I have casseroles, pumpkin soup, lamb and vege soup, and a curry.

Btw, I didn't cook these, people have given me these meals - I'm a meal collector. But yes, I do meal prep when I don't have meals left.

Another thing to help with weight is proportioning. It's not about what you eat, but more HOW MUCH you eat. So I reduce the meals or use smaller containers so I think the meal is big....

Eating slowly also gives your body time to feel full.

These are my main tips. All the best.

tyme

[Captain24]

I did buy smaller containers! @tyme 

I have satay chicken, honey mustard chicken, fettuccine and massmun beef. I’m going to throw them in the freezer. 
It’s the most amount of cooking I have done in a really long time. Maybe years!! 

Thanks for the tips.

The junk will be the problem. I don’t have any willpower that’s why I can’t quit smoking. I just have to try.

Also when I’m spiralling it makes me crave more junk. 

I’ve been referred to a dietitian but just waiting to get in. 

Apparently my legs are just fat. I don’t believe it. Now my shoes are getting tight. It’s really, really getting me down today. 

Hope you have a good night. 

[tyme]

Just monitor how your legs go @Captain24 . If they are beginning to become painful, speak to your treating team again.

I'm happy to support you via the forums with encouraging you with your endeavours. I've been down that road. Living alone plays a huge part too. It's so hard to cook for one - a burger down the road is so much easier. I used to always say, I deserve a treat after working so hard. I try not do say that anymore.

When's your next shift? Please take care.

tyme

[Captain24]

I go back Monday @tyme 

[tyme]

Hopefully you can schedule in a few things between now and then @Captain24 so the time passes. Maybe take your dog for some walks? What was your dog's name again? I forgot.

[Captain24]

I might go for a drive to the next town over tomorrow and do some shopping @tyme . It’s 1 1/2hrs away. Pixie will come with me. She loves the day out. I have a pram for her so I can go into shops. 

Saturday some of the girls from work are playing in a rugby grand final so I’ll go and watch that. Sunday is cleaning day.

I’ll usually walk pixie everyday I’m not at work.