Did You Have Worsening Depression / Anxiety After Surgery??

Reread your posts. You were NOT being helpful to the OP. Get off your high horse and stop playing the victim here. You were simply called out for bad behavior. You can take your ball and go home if you want to. Your loss. To make it seem like OH is not a safe place to share is pretty disingenuous of you. You've been here long enough to know better.

I'm a millionaire and i think about suicide every day. Financial security doesnt mean lack of depression fear or anxiety.

1-800-273-8255

if you are a millionaire Ava why did you marry a lame man with a deadbeat son but who had great credit, so you could use his awesome credit to buy that house in Long Island, because your credit sucked and you couldn't get a mortgage on your own.

You must live in the same alternative universe that our illegitimate president lives on.

House in Long Island? Pssh, she has a waterfront mansion!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_lightweights/4418392/Y all-lazy-fat-people/

yeah, I think that is the mansion in long island

Hello! I have diagnosed MDD, GAD, and compulsive eating disorder (not listed in the DSM so technically it's just BED). I'm only 10 months out, so my experience is limited.

however, I did see an increase in depression the first few months--but I also had some pretty serious complications that were making life pretty miserable. Once my complications were all sorted and I was out of the woods I felt great!

Ive actually gotten off of my citalapram. My biggest thing has been that I've HAD to learn new coping skills. Before when I was stressed, I would turn to food. I firmly believe the food I was eating was Impacting me at a psychological level and worsening my depression.

I now cope with stress by excercise, journaling, going on drives, (and unfortunately shopping--I have to be careful with that). The food in my body fuels me physically now, too. I think both of these have eased the depression significantly. I can honestly say that I'm the happiest I've been in maybe 5 years. The winter months have proven more difficult. But I'm waaay better than where I was. Last year I dropped out of college because I couldn't gather the strength to leave my dorm for classes. I missed every single final. This semester I restarted college and, even though the lack of sun feels like a punch to my soul, I'm still doing really well! I even have all A's.

My anxiety hasn't improved. It may actually be slightly worse. But just a little. Again though, with my new coping skills I've gotten so much better at handling my anxiety. I may feel it more now, but it doesn't paralyze me anymore. I can circumvent the panic attacks much better.

I think the major thing I've learned so far is that I am waaay stronger than I feel. I get to determine my actions even if I can't control my instinctive moods. However, the longer my actions are positive, the better my moods become. The discipline I've learned this year due to the surgery has really resulted in a complete life and mindset shift.

So hormone wise, I haven't experienced much difference. A lifting of depression, a worsening of anxious thoughts and moods. Overall though, waaay better.

Haha sorry for the novel, but it's a big topic!

This is amazing. I have tears streaming down my face for you and for this response. Thank you. I know everyone's experience is going to be different, but this kind of feedback is SO valuable. This is the ONLY thing that I'm nervous about regarding the surgery. I'm very good at utilizing my "mental health toolbox" and self-care is critical. The winter months are my worst time too - if you ever want to talk to someone that knows where you're coming from (both mental health and bariatric health wise!) feel free to send me a note.

Thank you SO MUCH for your heartfelt response. It's heartening for me to see that it is manageable.

You are amazing. Keep fighting and keep working. One thing I've learned in all this time is that you will never be able to stop working at it. There are days where it's easier than others, but you have to work at your mental health every day - and that's ok! It's our normal. Everyone has their thing, and this is ours.

Thank you again for sharing your story with me.

Sheila

Yes of course!

My life is so different, and what's better is the life that I'm headed towards now is so different.

Im 23, 22 at surgery, so I'm just really starting to develop my mental Heath toolbox (I love that term!). You may have an advantage in that you know what works for you. That's awesome.

That being said, I've read statistics that suicide and depression do happen after surgery. I'm sure part of that has to do with the divorce rates and alcoholism too. But I also think the increase after surgery is because the skills to handle their emotions isn't something they learned. Since you've already developed those skills and utilize them, I really do think you'll be a step ahead. But every person is different.

Im honored that my story touched you. Mental health can be a cruel beast. Hugs to you for how well you've handled comments from those that dong understand. I would love to connect and hear more of your story. :)