Depressed or overweight?

[kimberkit]

Over the past year or so, I've noticed that either the antidepressant, or just the effect of being happier, is directly correlated with about 20 pounds more weight. That doesn't make me obese. But it does affect my clothing -- clothing that should be tailored, and isn't -- and confidence as an indirect result. I can go to the gym all I want; more muscle mass and better cardiovascular health hasn't touched the pounds. I like the feeling of having done something for my body, but it doesn't touch my waistline.

What would you rather be, honestly? Overweight and taking antidepressants, or trying to figure out how to deal with depression in ways other than with medication?

Seriously. It's easy to say, "of course you should be overweight rather than sad." Very glib. The other glib response is, "you should talk to your doctor about finding another drug." News flash: all SSRIs include a side effect of weight gain, and Zoloft is supposed to be one the of lowest on the list for causing that particular side effect. Plus it would be months more of experimenting with the right drugs and dosages.

I'm signing up for acupuncture clinic next semester, in the hopes that it'll strengthen my defensive qi, and feel more balanced, and perhaps the drugging can be eliminated altogether.

Comments

[pallasathene82.livejournal.com]

I agree. With me the drugs are an absolute necessity. My depression is bad enough that it affects my functioning when I don't take my meds. And the extra weight doesn't affect me that much. I've come to peace with my body shape, mostly. People like/desire me for who I am regardless of my shape. Is it hard to accept being pudgy? Yes. But building your own self-esteem is always hard.
If the weight was putting you at a high risk for a heart attack, diabetes, etc. it *might* be prudent to go off them. I think talking to your doctor about the effects on your body as a result of your weight and then evaluate the pros and cons of going off anti-depressants.