Mental Health Life Isn't The Same; I'm On Autopilot

[scarlet_tunic]

I'm not qualified to say too much regarding this matter, but as tired as this advice is-diet, exercise, and sleep are everything. Not literally (seeing a psych can really help, meds may work although I personally believe in getting to the root of the problem before medicating, I'm not anti med but Drs often haphazardly rx any popular med without determining if it's the ideal choice for the patient). I cannot express how much changing my diet and exercise has improved every aspect of my life, and I'm not exaggerating, even my chronic pain has improved. Diet also includes proper hydration. Exercise is great for making you feel more alive, but I've been athletic my entire life and only when I changed my diet in addition did I start to feel much better. I don't know the number, but I remember reading that food, specifically fruit, is the body's main external source of serotonin. Being properly nourished is vital for optimal brain function, and overeating fat or sugar will lead to sluggishness or a crash, respectively. I can't give you any real psych advice but I really believe that you can't have a healthy mind without having a healthy body, they're literally connected in every way. You don't have to do anything crazy and it shouldn't be difficult, take baby steps and make healthy living a habit, it's all about balance and moderation. Don't restrict pleasure, just limit excess. It probably won't magically "fix" you, but just feeling good physically will boost your mood and outlook on life. Seriously, I was never unhealthy enough for a Dr to say anything (besides low vitamin d) but I'm shocked at how different I feel.

That's really one of the best posts I've read on these forums..
I agree 100% on this matter! Exercise releases massive endorphins, and food gives you nourishment, so it directly impacts your brain. Ever heard of runner's high, OP? This is very true, and I get it every time I go jogging. This is true about fatty foods; they can sedate you sometimes (especially carbs) and make you feel good for the SHORT RUN, but how do you feel 4 hrs later? You want more food! Your body is craving more food because you didn't give it the proper vitamins.

I agree with diet AND exercise. I too am a jogger and I found that only with a change in diet did I really see results.

Also, creative outlets are great for psychological stress and worry. Do you keep a journal, OP? It is a good way to release anger and sadness. Journals give us a sense of connecting with our deepest parts. Maybe the issue is you just really haven't found anything that you truly LIKE? Get in touch with yourself, write a journal, draw a picture, create a log of things you like or have liked in the past. Another thing i'd recommend is St. John's Wort. I take this supplement on days when I am not in a good mood. It really does seem like you need to do some work on yourself though, and figure out what some things are that make you happy.

Some questions: what are your long-term goals? What keeps you going? Is there anything you look forward to now or CAN look forward to? Note all of these things.. answer these questions every night honestly. And if there is nothing, write 'NOTHING.' Congratulate yourself on continuing to fight through these feelings and even reaching out for help on the forums here

 

[herbavore]

^I agree--great post, morphine -dreams.