Since being depressed I've lost my appetite and am losing weight. Ive lost almost 1stone in a week, has anyone else experienced this loss of appetite?
Hi Simon
Yes I too lost over two stone in a matter of three weeks, my appetite was zero. It is so hard to force yourself to eat when the very idea of eating is a no go! I managed to drink complan which is much the same as a protein drink. Plus a banana daily, that was as much as I could manage.
It's important you find a little something to eat. I know how hard it is when every part of you doesn't want food.
As your depression lifts a bit your appetite will start to return.
Make sure you drink plenty of water.
god bless
Lorraine xx
Thanks Lorraine 😊
Hey Simon thats pretty common man ! trouble is I found as soon as I started taking meds I packed on some weight even exercising ? mind you my diet hasnt changed I like pizza too much.
Yes Simon, I've no appetite at all , no idea how much I've lost but food just doesn't have any appeal , do you find this ?
Lol stevo, pizza is good 😊
Yer Lucy, I just find that I can't be bothered eating, even if something looks yummy!!
Would be good to enjoy food again hey Simon ? I'm sure it'll happen in the future
The minute my appetite appears again I'm booking myself a slap-up meal, the full Monty 😊
Hi simon I never have an appetite when depressed but try to have a banana or yogurt. Its the only thing I can stomach.
Hope you don't feel alone in this x
If depression affects your'e eating habits its usually one extreme or another. I know people who have both problems. My hubby, bless him, tends to overeat - comfort eat - when he is low or very stressed/both. I suffer from depression and have done for years, but it doesnt affect my eating. I remember being jelous of a couple of friends whose husbands had left them with small kids to look after and started divorce proceedings, and they lost loads of weight and looked just amazing. I'd just had my son and had postnatal depression and was struggling to lose weight post pregnancy. I know its pretty shallow minded of me, because my friends were devastated and in emotional turmoil, but my own depression had kicked in and I thought - well at least youre getting something out of it - i.e. losing weight, and I have to say I did feel pretty ashamed of myself!
If you start antidepressant meds that will usually help to normalise youre appetite. You should go to your GP about this asap.
Lots of Luck
Actually, make that 1 1/2 stone and still losing weight.....
Hi Simon
How long have you been on citalopram for and what dose are you on? Your appetite will be reluctant to return until your depression eases.
I know even when people tell you to try and eat..probability is you don't because the hunger or want for food is not there!
It is so important you get something down you eg protein shake or similar, otherwise recovery may take longer. I use to force myself and push a little soft food in my mouth and swallow it with a mouthful of water! I would still retch like crazy but I knew I needed to eat something small to not spiral into malnutrition related illness. Think of something you can tolerate that doesn't take much in the way of preparation.
Keep in touch
god bless xx
Hi Lorraine,
I am actually eating now, I don't have breakfast, have fruit for lunch and a reasonable plate full of food in the evening but still losing weight. I'm onfluoxetine, 20mg a day. Think they are starting to work.
Wonderful Simon
so pleased you are managing to eat now. Try getting some extra carbs down you next!
keep me posted!
Lorraine x