Depression Understood Forums

Hi folks,

I was on my way to the grocery to buy some nutella and I was trying to find what was motivating me to need to eat that. I found out that I felt like I was missing something, something was missing, there was something I should have done but I didn't do it. Do you see what I mean? Almost like if I forget to do something...

I can relate to the feeling of something missing. Hollyann spoke of rewarding yourself. And that can make sense, but if if the reward isn't the something missing then there still remains that hole, that longing.

I think your on your way. Your listening to your body and your paying attention. That's so important. Tracing where that longing goes may not be easy but I think the result will be worthwhile.

Hi Frame,

I'm single for the last 10 years or more. Sometimes, I have episods where I feel an emptyness, the need of being in a man's arms. I'm in one of those episods. Maybe that's the hole, but I'm not sure...

I'm so busy since the last 2-3 days. I didn't have too much times for the forum. But I read your posts. I think of you. Take care my friend.

Take care everyone.

I understand how you feel. For me too, eating is a comprehensive act. To be honest though I don't think much any more about why I do it. I'm sure that I'm trying to fill a hole. Probably the fact that I am depressed pushes me to find some pleasure in something and for me that something is food. There isn't much I find fun. I don't drink, use drugs, smoke and I don't really get that much out of sex.

How is your health holding up? Are you able to keep your weight from affecting it much? I haven't.

Hi Alaska,

My weight is a disaster. I'm obese. I work hard at the gym and try to follow my healthy diete as much as I can...

Take care.

You're still fighting and that is very important. I quit fighting my weight back in my 20's. From rupturing my appendix to diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and, after gastric bypass surgery, nutritional deficiencies, I blame my own eating habits to be the cause of most of the health issues I've had.

Hi,

I have to admit that when I eat healthy, I feel better physically...

I have found that it's a lot easier to eat a more healthy diet when I'm not depressed.

Today I was responding to Llkeffll and Serotonin came up. I understood the hormone to be linked of HTP, Melatonin, and Tryptophan in terms of getting enough rest. And i've heard about antidepressants in terms of Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Higher levels of Serotonin and Oxytocin in our system give us feel goodness.

What I didn't know or might have forgotten, was that sugars and simple carbohydrates (not broccoli unfortunately) produce Serotonin in our system. Of course the effects of the simple chemistry don't last as long. More complex carbohydrates and slow sugars (molecules that are released as sugars and produce Serotonin) create effects over longer periods of time at lower levels.

Good right? Well, I find it's not so simple. It's good for producing energy over long periods of time instead of a sugar high. ( I used cook up a breakfast of brown rice, oatmeal, and barley for a long day of manual work.) But many complex carbohydrate foods also have chemicals which inhibit production of Serotonin (my sources said). So they are good for long energy and avoiding a sugar high, but not necessarily for well being. And apparently, protein also inhibits the production of Serotonin. If anyone sees this and doesn't agree please correct me.

So two things: 1. A solid breakfast of eggs and potatoes might give you the energy you need but won't necessarily help depression. 2. Pasta and Chocolate should actually be very good as antidepressants. So, try not to beat yourselves up too much. Your probably craving what your body thinks it needs. And maybe do some research on-line. You may be able to make some substitutions that allow your body to more efficiently produce and use Serotonin at a lower cost in calories.

Hi,
I though whole grains were good. I'll have to look into this.

Thanks.

I thought so too. It sounds like they might be good for some things but not others. Perhaps, they may not make it worse, but I don't think they do depression any good. It sound to me like sweeter and oilier foods help us feel good. Don't know how change the calorie content there.

OMG OMG OMG a no calorie content nutella with the same taste...