A little help? Clean up on aisle five...

[Tiggy]

Hey, guys, I'm feeling kinda low and could use some advice.

I'm exhausted, bloated, weepy and can't get it together to even ride my stationary bike... and my weight is climbing. I barely want to leave the house, but I force myself to run errands for the NEAT and to get some sun on my skin. I can't sleep unassisted (either melatonin (1g)/5-htp (50g) or ambien (3g)) and have a general sense of 'meh.'

Meh = depression. Nothing new for me, but things seem to be snowballing lately and since I can't afford docs/prescriptions right now, is there anything I should be supplementing with that might help? For the past few days I've been taking L-tyrosine (500mg) during the day on an empty stomach, but I'm not sure about it.

Stats: 41, 5'6", 177 (as of this morning), hypothyroid 10+ yrs (Armour 90 in a.m./60 early p.m., levels good), unemployed writer (over a year), so SUPER sedentary, Scorpio with Leo rising (ha!)...

Supplements (when I can remember): Trader Joe's Gummy Vites (1.5x doseage), 5-HTP (50 g for moods and to help with sleep), 3g fish oil, Vit. D, MSM/Chondroitin for knees, occasionally 1-2 scoops Designer Whey for the vites/pro).

Yesterday:
Breakfast: coffee, 1/2&1/2, xylitol (had oral candida issues)
Late lunch: 3/4 cup white rice, Tasty Bite Madras Lentils, beef, shiritaki (low carb) noodles with sauce, shaker cheese
Dinner: Beef, glass wine, veggie, 1/4 cup dried pineapple
Late night (at least 2-3 hours before bed): glass wine, grapes, homemade pizza (Western Bagel Alt. Pita, sauce, shred. cheese blend, sun dried tomatoes in olive oil)

Water, unflavored seltzer and s.f. iced tea all day

[PlankIt]

First, some questions:

How long were you overtraining for? Dieting for?
What are your macros? How much fat are you getting?
Do you have a history of severe depression? Were you previously medicated for this (checking to see if this is something that has previously required medication in order for you to notice any improvement)

Good for you on forcing yourself to go outside. Well... not for the NEAT, but for the mood benefits. Depression really feeds on isolation, artificial light, and enclosed spaces. How is your social support? Family?

[LaraT]

your menu doesn't look very balanced or nutritious. I think a healthy diet can go a long way in helping with moods, energy, and just feeling better in general. Looks very low in veggies, fruit, calcium, good fats...

[LancelotsLover]

Originally Posted by LaraT

your menu doesn't look very balanced or nutritious. I think a healthy diet can go a long way in helping with moods, energy, and just feeling better in general. Looks very low in veggies, fruit, calcium, good fats...

I agree. Diet can wreak havoc on your mental state if it's not good. And alcohol increases depression. . . .

[liftlikeamanlooklikeagod]

Remember - 'nothing lasts for ever' and that this too shall pass.

[Butterfly09]

Depression is a large part of hypothyroidism-it sure sounds like your meds are not optimized even though your levels are ok. You need a recheck with your doc. You might need your Vitamin D levels checked out too-symptoms are similiar. Hang in there!

[Tiggy]

Thanks, folks, for the encouragement and suggestions. I've slowly been getting my diet back together (more veggies, better oils), added 5-htp and vitamins/fish oil, and will see my doc next week.

I hope it's just a bad patch.