agirlfromminnesota's Journal, 24 October 2011

So sorry to hear that you're so down on yourself. For me, when I'm feeling low, I try to find a way to do something not me-focused. I can get really zoned in on whatever I'm "failing" at, and suddenly everything is part of that paradigm. I know you're working and going to school (awesome!!), but try to find an hour or two a week to do something for someone else. Maybe it's babysitting for a friend or taking a meal over to someone you know is sick, or maybe it's going to a nursing home and talking with some strangers for a bit or serving breakfast at a homeless shelter. I'm also a praying person, so I'll focus my prayers entirely on other people and God, and leave myself out of them for a while. It's really tiring to come up with something to do for others, but as I do those things I find that I'm in a better mood, and I'm more thankful for what I have. I hope you're able to find what works for you. 

Thanks that is some really great advice. I think alot of this has to do with a really difficult realationship I am in that, it's pretty much the lack of relationship I am focusing on and it seems to bring all the ghouls out. But you are definitely right focusing on other people and praying is a good idea. Thank you. 

I totally understand. I went through a round of depression / anxiety a couple of years ago. That drains all of the motivation out of you. My doctor wrote a prescription for Lexapro--a low dose that I took for about 3 months. While on this, I found out what "normal" was for me. I was motivated to lose weight, and lost around 30 pounds. Went through a few more hang ups in life and put it all back on and then some more. So, this time around, I have found pushing myself with exercise helps. It gives you a sense of pride and confidence as you see your goals being reached. Also, I am making "me time" . I love to read, write, walk, hike, do photography--so I make sure to make time to do them. I usually incorporate the photography on nature walks so I can get a bit of exercise in while I am doing it. To answer your question about what to do when I feel defeated, I get with people who encourage me and keep me accountable. I look honestly at what I am doing and make a plan to fix what needs fixing. I ask lots of questions about what I do not know. Above all, keep making good choices--even when those choices are not showing up on the scale. You will have a week or so here and there when your work does not show up. Just persevere through it. Keep doing what is right, and eventually it will show up on the scales. Start fresh today. Don't worry about yesterday, or what happened last week. Focus on what you want to do today--and plan for it. I have a lot of weight to lose too. I have lost about 18 pounds since Sept.23, and I have so much more to lose. There are days that it seems impossible, but everyday that I make good choices, I am a day closer to where I ultimately want to be. If you ever need anything or need to talk, I will be here. 

Wow that is really impressive, your loss in a months time. I have been thinking about taking my psychiatrist up on some kind of anti depressant. But because the last time I was on them it took me so long to get off of them I am just unsure if that is something I want to do. though maybe it would help. The Dr often agrees with me because so much of my depression stems from my relationship but I have had anxiety and depression issues since my teens so its a hard decision to make. Thank you though for sharing the things that you like with me I am the same way I just need to pick myself up and distract myself with those things from my feelings.