EvolutionHealth.care

Home
Main Forum
Depression
Lifestyle
Lifestyle Changes

Advanced Search Form

Lifestyle Changes

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 271

It is not that I don't like walking, I do it every day just like everyone else that can use their legs. It is just that mood is subjective, just because studies, by exercise freaks, says that exercise will improve your mood doesn't mean that it does, just like dieticians saying eating fish it will improve your mood. Why do professionals not understand that each person is unique and just because they say it is so, doesn't make it so.

No matter how much or how little exercise I participated in over the past 2 years, it has not improved my mood, weight, self esteem or sleep. Physical activity does not upset me, it is being around "hard bodies" at the gym, it is being told that it will help, when it doesn't, and the disappointment because yit's not doing anything for you other than making you more exhausted and unable to sleep. So more stress added, because "professionals" say so.

I cannot think a certain way just because some "professional" says so.

Like they say, there is no magic pill, bullet or whatever. I will continue to try new things (not food related because there are just too many nasty things the "professionals" say are healthy that will make me vomit), but if they do not prove to moderately improve my mood, weight, self esteem, etc. within a reasonable amount of time (a month) because I am not going to continue to bang my head till the day I die just so some professional can say "see, it works" when it doesn't work for everyone.

If I cannot get a modicum of pleasure, joy or see some benefit for myself, not "their" studies, out of something, what is the point in doing it? I don't care about my physical health, because thanks to my family history, I am screwed and I will "enjoy" taking medications for the rest of my life. Making "lifestyle changes" will only extend my life, it will not improve the quality of my life. What is the point of living forever if you cannot enjoy it?

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 955

furgittit,

Physical activity often has incredible positive benefits on our well-being. Although it can be difficult to adjust our daily routines to include physical activity, it can be manageable if you start to incorporate it on a day-by-day basis.

As wildcat asked, is there something about walking that you do not think will work? What makes you upset about physical activity? There has been a lot of research on exercise and sleep patterns and studies show that people do sleep easier after working out.

Members, any advice for furgittit on exercise and how this affects your sleep?

Please continue to post and let us know how you are doing.

Sarah

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 456

hello furgittit.

It is nice to hear from you.

why would the walk not be effective?

I take the seroquel to help me sleep as well. It really does help me! and it is nice that you do not need a medicinal dose built up for it to work. So I can take it once in a while ... Now! the first few months I needed it regularly.

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 271

Just thought I would let everyone know that "like a spoilt brat", I got my way and am seeing a female therapist. I have had 2 sessions with her and she seems very nice and I am comfortable with her. (not completely but hoping to open up more). She has suggested walking for 10 minutes once a week. This is to help me sleep and to try and elevate my mood, I don't believe this will work, but I have been trying. I still cry after phsyical activity and cannot sleep. I am now at 60 mg of celexa (I have noticed a bit of a change and the family says I am not such a grump) and the therapist suggested 25 mg of seraquel to help me sleep at night.

Thanks for letting me rant and for your comments.

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 201

hi - my 2 cents - maybe it will help you maybe not. the very first counselor i went to about 15 yrs ago was a man - bill - he was a terrific counselor, if he had not moved out of state, maybe we still would be checking in from time to time. my shrink now is a man - a very swarthy man - maybe jewish, or arab, or i don't know. i like him regardless. i think men can be quite in tune with women's problems - after all they were born to a woman, maybe have sisters, wives. you get the picture. don't be so quick to cut someone off without the first word - you may be pleasantly surprised!!!! hang in there, merry christmas!

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1044

I agree, stick to your guns, but that doesn't necessarily mean being a *(&^% , just be assertive, Iwant a female therapist because I feel more comfortable and can relate to a female therapist, it frustrates me when someone doesn't recognize this as important in my therapy. Will you please refer me to a female therapist? Momma always said you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Now if that doesn't work - pull out the big guns and get rid of someone, who before you even get started, makes you feel uncomfortable.

Hey just an opinion here.....good luck and let us know how it goes! happiness = reality - expectations

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 823

Hello Furgittit,

Sounds like you are in a pretty frustrating situation where you are trying to get help but not in a way that you find useful or helpful for you.

If you are certain that a male therapist will not be able to understand or empathize with you then I believe you must stick to your guns and request a therapist of your choice. If you enter into a therapeutic relationship with someone where you are already dealing with an obstacle, then this will hinder any progress. Counselling is a privileged space where the counsellor is being invited into your most vulnerable and private thoughts at times - you must feel comfortable with whomever you will be inviting into this sacred space without feeling shortchanged or misunderstood right from the beginning.

Please do follow through with the counselling as it may make a significant difference in your mental and emotional wellbeing as well as provide an avenue for some direction and clear choice-making. Stick to your guns!!

Faryal, Health Educator

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 271

Well guys,

My doctor (who obviously doesn't listen very well) has set me up with yet another nutrition class. Yay, that means I don't get the one on one that I asked for, I get to sit and be told how stupid I am yet again.

I also booked an appointment to see a therapist through our Mental Health Board. I wasn't too keen on seeing a male therapist, to me he cannot empathize or understand what I am going through because he is a man. So I tried to get this changed at the time I booked and the receptionist said to give him a try. I thought oh sure what the heck. But the more I thought about it, the more freaked out I became as once again what I wanted didn't seem to matter to anyone. So I called today to see if I could switch, now I have to talk to this guy to get it switched as he is now my "therapist". I haven't seen this guy at all so I can't see what difference it will make to them. Unfortunately, I had to leave a voice mail for him to call me. His accent was so thick I could barely make out what he said on his voice mail. I don't have issues with people with accents, friends, family etc. people I know, but someone new, who is a health care professional, I should be able to clearly understand every word they say and not require an interpretor.

So what do you think, am I being crazy about my choice of therapists, should I roll over and let them do what they want or should I stick to my guns and be a b*!&$%?

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 406

furgettit,

You are undergoing alot of stress. It is important to take some time out and destress, perhaps practice some deep breathing or muscle relaxation exercises. You can find instructions on these exercises in your program toolbox, under program reference tools. I suggest you try them out as they will help you feel relaxed and prevent a downward spiral of depression . Goofy has also provided you with excellent pleasant activities you can do to boost your mood.

About your vomitting and diarrhea, it sounds like it may be an ulcer which is commonly associated with chronic/high stress. Ask your doctor for a blood test to confirm/disconfirm the presence of the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers.

Also, as Goofy suggests, you may want to consult legal counsel about the mishandlings with your husbands medical care. Check your phonebook directory or search online for legal aid in your area (eligibilty for free legal respresentation) if you decide to go that route.

Keep us updated on whether you decide to go for counseling, give it a try, it may help. We are always here to listen and provide support.

Karen, Health Educator

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1044

furgettit, Wow! You have taken on a lot of changes in the past year! Congratulations on the quit smoking! I wish I could do that as well.

There are some stress-related stomach problems that can cause a person to experience the symptoms that you've indicated. I'm not a doctor but I'd keep checking in with one if the symptoms persist. Sometimes these things have to occur over time to be diagnosed.

Sounds like you have a reason to be stressed too. Husband's disability, surgery, hospital, wow! that's got to be overwhelming as well. Add to it the financial difficulties and transportation issues! You don't say where you are from, but an attorney may be able to help with the medical malpractice issues. They don't cost anything unless they take your case and win in the U.S. I'm not familiar with other health care systems or legal systems; however, I would explore all avenues to see if there is another resource available.

In the meantime, don't forget a few "take care of you" type activities. Pamper yourself a bit, a bubble bath (use shampoo or soap for bubbles)! Write and write and write to us....we will respond, though we may not have answers. Respond to some of our posts will take your mind off of things. Concentrate on taking your medication and getting that counseling appointment. What other ways do you feel pampered? Read some of the session information - it really helps! Is usually brief or take it a page at a time!

I'll keep you in my thoughts and look for more of your posts to see how you are doing!

Reading this thread:

today's top discussions:

This Month’s Leaders:

Most Supportive

Most Active

Most Loved

Lifestyle Changes