During the past year i have suffered from (self diagnosed ) depression. I was going through some personal nightmares, which ultimately lead me to the very brink of suicide. I did visit my GP roughly a year ago but decided to fight this battle myself, mainly because i wanted to prove to myself that i was strong enough to beat it purely with the power of my own mind. Whilst i stand by this decision, as the correct one for me at the time i would like to get some help in the next stages of my recovery. Previous stages have included changing jobs, disconnecting social outing with the less supportive of my friends and a gradual and very noticeable cut down on my alcohol intake. My next stage is to lose the extra weight i gained during the height of my depression (from binge eating and over drinking, or vise versa), quit smoking and improve the quality of life by eating and exercising in a much more positive manner. There is also the issue with my tiredness, which i still believe to be linked to my ongoing, albeit greatly controlled depression. I'll begin with the change of lifestyle...
I am currently 5"8 and 186lbs so i would ideally like to drop to 160-170lbs during the course of 2011 so would really appreciate some help and tips on improving my current diet, which is reliant on micrwave meals and takeaways.
I also plan on quitting smoking. I'm down to maybe 5 a day now, so i don't expect this to be a great struggle compared to 2010 but i would like to know what, if anything is available on the NHS to help me quit and stay quit.
Secondly i would like to attack my depression in the hope that it helps with my constant tiredness and heavy, uncomfortable eyes. I believe the depression may be having a major roll in this, even though i'm in bed, usually sleeping for a good 8 hours a night. I may wake briefly during the night on occasion but generally my amount of sleep should be enough for someone of my age and physical condition. I would like some advice on what, if any medication may be available to me for my depression/tiredness/heavy, dry and sometimes red eyes.
I think thats about all i need to mention at the moment but, no doubt i'll think of something else as soon as i push the send button!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.