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Suggest Treatment For Depression And Emotional Eating

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Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015
Question: Hi I am becoming depressed. I am 39 years old and 5 foot 5 and weigh 130 pounds I would like to lose 5 pounds but find myself emotionally eating constantly. Any tips?
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Be strong. Spend time with family and friends.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your problem and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that although you feel depressed, you can be in control of your situation. We all have to face tough situations every now and then. The key is not to submit to the stress but to cope with the situation. A confident person deals smartly with the situation, no matter how hard the situation is while a so called depressed person succumbs to the situation. To which group you would belong is actually a matter of your own choice. Nobody would like to place ownself in the latter group. Surely you do not, because else you would not be asking this question. The very fact that you are asking this question, indicates that you want to smartly deal with your situation. I congratulate you for the same. The next thing that you need to do is to boost your confidence. You need to challenge negative thinking You have to stand by your side. In other words, your confidence needs to back you up. You need to understand that things would not always be perfect and being that way is actually absolutely fine.

Turn to trusted friends and family members and be along with them even if you do not feel like. You need to cultivate supportive relationships It is always easier to deal with a situation with somebody by the side. Ask a near and dear ones to check in with you regularly. Try to keep up with social activities even if you do not feel like it. 

To feel happy and to deal with your situation better, I would give you the following suggestions:
* A good sleep is very important. Get eight hours of sleep a day.
* Relax. Keep your stress at bay.
* Exercise. Take a morning walk. Practice relaxation techniques. Take the stairs rather than the elevator.
* Pair up with an exercise partner.
* Do things you enjoy. It may be indulging in music, art, or writing. Go out with friends. Use humor and enjoy yourself.
* Eat healthy. Have a healthy lifestyle.

I am sure that would help. If you still feel uncertain, visiting a depression support group and involving yourself in helping others should help you deal better with your own situation.

For weight gain to occur, the total amount of energy intake in the form of food has to be greater than the total energy output throughout the day. For weight gain to have occurred, there has to be a discrepancy somewhere in the chain. Rather than trying to cut down on your food intake, you can try increasing your energy output. Regular morning walk and exercise would help you out. You can try also electrical muscle stimulation therapy that is available at many slimming centers. It should augment the effect of exercise and should help you lose the extra pounds.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Depression And Emotional Eating

Brief Answer: Be strong. Spend time with family and friends. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone through your problem and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that although you feel depressed, you can be in control of your situation. We all have to face tough situations every now and then. The key is not to submit to the stress but to cope with the situation. A confident person deals smartly with the situation, no matter how hard the situation is while a so called depressed person succumbs to the situation. To which group you would belong is actually a matter of your own choice. Nobody would like to place ownself in the latter group. Surely you do not, because else you would not be asking this question. The very fact that you are asking this question, indicates that you want to smartly deal with your situation. I congratulate you for the same. The next thing that you need to do is to boost your confidence. You need to challenge negative thinking You have to stand by your side. In other words, your confidence needs to back you up. You need to understand that things would not always be perfect and being that way is actually absolutely fine. Turn to trusted friends and family members and be along with them even if you do not feel like. You need to cultivate supportive relationships It is always easier to deal with a situation with somebody by the side. Ask a near and dear ones to check in with you regularly. Try to keep up with social activities even if you do not feel like it.  To feel happy and to deal with your situation better, I would give you the following suggestions: * A good sleep is very important. Get eight hours of sleep a day. * Relax. Keep your stress at bay. * Exercise. Take a morning walk. Practice relaxation techniques. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. * Pair up with an exercise partner. * Do things you enjoy. It may be indulging in music, art, or writing. Go out with friends. Use humor and enjoy yourself. * Eat healthy. Have a healthy lifestyle. I am sure that would help. If you still feel uncertain, visiting a depression support group and involving yourself in helping others should help you deal better with your own situation. For weight gain to occur, the total amount of energy intake in the form of food has to be greater than the total energy output throughout the day. For weight gain to have occurred, there has to be a discrepancy somewhere in the chain. Rather than trying to cut down on your food intake, you can try increasing your energy output. Regular morning walk and exercise would help you out. You can try also electrical muscle stimulation therapy that is available at many slimming centers. It should augment the effect of exercise and should help you lose the extra pounds. Hope that helps. Regards