Bipolar Disorder & WEIGHT GAIN: (*7 Tips*)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ย. 2024
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FROM THE VIDEO:
"Many of us with Bipolar Disorder are given a horrible choice... Do we take our life-saving medication and gain (or lose) a ton of weight, or do we suffer the crippling symptoms of not treating the illness. It's almost like taking medication for a headache that causes your back to hurt instead.
When I say “many of us,” let's talk some numbers... A study of over 9,000 people found that people who are obese are more likely to have Bipolar Disorder than any other mental health issue. Another study found that 14% of people with Bipolar are also diagnosable with an eating disorder - binge eating being the most common.
Bipolar Disorder and weight fluctuations are nearly synonymous. I can even look back at my own videos and see noticeable changes throughout the years. Seeing my weight gain on camera, especially when I'm depressed, doesn't create warm-and-fuzzy feelings..."
Let's talk Bipolar symptoms:
Depression can cause our weight to go either way. Sometimes people get so painfully depressed that they stop eating. It's almost like a total body shutdown. More often, the pleasure of eating becomes a distraction from the nasty feelings inside, causing us to eat more. If we always eat more when we're depressed, it can create neural connections in the brain that make us crave food to cope. Eventually, it might require more and more food to get the same relief. Depression also causes many of us to move much less. People with long bouts of depression might go weeks or months without being physically active. For me, it's physically painful to move around when I'm severely depressed. My mind and body are very connected.
Mania can also go either way... I skip meals all the time when I'm manic. Other times, the mania causes me to throw caution to the wind and I'll eat a bunch of fast food or crap I normally wouldn't eat. Some of us have manic episodes that last months or longer, and that can take a toll on our weight. The majority of people tend to move more when they are manic. People who experience long bouts of mania could struggle with unhealthy weight-loss or gain, depending on their situation."
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-Our channel is completely dedicated to helping individuals, families, and friends who struggle with, or know someone living with Bipolar Disorder. Our goal is to provide actual tools, tips, and discuss topics that can potentially help “Polar Warriors” grow to live a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.
-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors: Bipolar Support
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"the pleasure of eating becomes a distraction from nasty feelings" --- so true. Awesome video, thank you!
Pp😅😊😊😅😅0😅😅😅😅
That is true. I’m not bi polar and that’s my mentality. I don’t do anything else, so I do sometimes use food as a coping mechanism. Fortunately I’m able to keep it under control.
This video came in perfect time, as if you were listening to my thoughts. Since I stared the only medication that controls my episodes 2 years ago, I've gained almost 20 kg (40 pounds). My family and friends simply don't understand that its not by choice or because I'm lazy or that I don't care about myself. Self esteem is something I haven't had in so long its crazy... It has impacted my relationships, my dating life and my professional life. And its all connected with my disease, which is something I simply can't change or pretend that doesn't exist. Now I live with an eating disorder and bipolar, always trying to come back to the body I once had before being diagnosed - which will never really happen. Its an eternal battle between my brain and my body. I would never give up on my meds, cause I know where bipolar can take me if I'm not under. But society simply isn't easy on anyone, especially on us :/ Thank you again for your videos, you've helped me so much through my bipolar journey!
Thinking of you friend on this tough journey we have as Polar Warriors. I only just recently got diagnosed about 3 months ago and it has not been easy. There's so much to process, especially when all your behaviors and tendencies were thought to be caused by ADHD.
I kept thinking about the body I once had. But that put too much pressure on me and makes me feel sicker. I had to let go of that and just work on my disease every day. Don’t knock yourself down. Work on getting better and then you can exercise if you want. But I understand how you’re feeling. No one can really understand what you’re going through. My family doesn’t understand because it’s hard to explain. I wish you well on your journey and please don’t knock yourself down
Omg me too literally crying while reading your comments
We are in the same boat. I'm praying for you my friends 💛🙏🏻💗
Ditto
I tried getting off the meds but the withdrawals of the meds were hell. Made me so sad that it seems like imma be taking this forever and I'm never going back to the old me... There must be a solution. Can't afford liposuction lol
One thing is surely common in you n in my spouse having bipolar disorder is: you people have great choice of words, amazing writing skills and convincing capabilities..
One of the most pertinent videos I've seen in a long time. Weight gain has been a huge deal for me and its hard to find that line between the weight and my bipolar. thanks for the amazing video!
It’s so frustrating and mostly disappointing that I lose weight during long manic periods where I skip meals on a daily basis for weeks while working on huge projects. Everybody praises me for how great I look and how much awesome stuff I’m getting done. What they don’t see is the road rage, insomnia, and absolute burnout at the end. Then I fall into that horrible feeling that this cycle will never end and I gain ALL the weight back.
So relate lost 4 stones 3 years ago and then put it all back on again the last 2 years feeling fat and ugly and depressed again eating more and doing less. When I had phychois I could hear voices calling me unpleasant hurtful fat names
I have lost so much weight because I just struggle to eat due to anxiety. I am not on meds at the moment but will be starting in November.
Increasing fiber helps. Exercising isn't just lifting. Do what you enjoy. Boot camp, kickboxing, zumba, etc
You are so well spoken, you talk about everything with great care. You bring tears to my eyes as I am blown away with the help you give and you make me happy to be able to access this vital information. Thank you 😊You are helping me with understanding my son’s bipolar weight gain. Believe me I Never comment on his weight. I have however said that he looked good, even when he is heavier,only to make him feel good . I won’t say that again! I do tell him he is handsome because that’s what Mums do and he is. Bless you😊
Thank you Rob I never thought about not talking about weight even when someone looks the worlds description of good. I’ve been a lifetime binger, it’s like a light turns off and I’m in total control, once a whole 5 months, then it comes back on and my whole thought process changes. I like rebounding, I can do it through most mood episodes, hope that helps someone. It amazes me how you can do this, you have no idea how much you are helping so many. I could never put all of this into words like you do. Thank you keep doing what you are doing.
I am crying!! Never in my life have I related to another human ! I'm over here screaming "Thank YOU, THANK YOU for this video!" The way you explain mania and just the shittyness of this horrible disorder literally blows my mind every time! ;)
I HATE taking family photos anymore let alone selfies due to my weigh fluctuation, I have other health problems as well and it just all around makes me want to give up more often then not... I hide away from the world bc triggers are impossible to avoid anymore and people are just down right rude and disrespectful anymore!! Most days I am glad face masks are still required indoors bc I just hate to show my face anymore.! Thank you again for these videos and your time/knowledge!
Be strong! You are very important and a very important person no matter what anyone else might think. I’ve had bp2 for 35 years and nobody understands me all the way…
Keep taking your medication and remember you are special!
omg I hide behind my face mask, too!!!! I identify with you very much.
@@fernandodobao1910 Thank you so much for your kind words
@@kaylanunez2303 thank you
Thanks a lot for your help and advice whenever you post a new video I feel so happy to hear something helpful and new May God bless you and help you to overcome all the illness hardships and pain
Thank you so much for this video. As a bipolar type 2, among all the meds I had to take, Quetiapine did wonders to my mental health but I put on ~30kgs in the span of a year because of it. It crushed me to the point I stopped taking my medication out of fear of becoming obese. It gave me bulimic episodes, but compared to how I couldn't cope, I decided to keep it and take some other medication to help balance the symptoms out (buproprion & topiramate) but with not much success. Needless to say, it was driving me crazy and now I am consulting an eating disorder specialist/clinical dietician along with my psychiatrist. I know not everyone can afford that but it is the only way for me to restore my relationship with food and my body. Such a specialist gives me recipes and food combos to maximize the production of "happy" chemicals in my brain and they also assist me in losing weight but without triggering my insecurities (by measuring me for example or letting me know of quantitative data). If you can afford it, please consider it. Bless y'all, fellow bipolar warriors. ❤
I take quietaphine as well.
My issue is gaining weight
@@unrulycoolie9223 Seroquel aaaaaargh
@@unrulycoolie9223How have you been- maybe lost some weight?
I just wanted to share that listening to 432 mh music literally gives me energy to walk. So far I have lost 25 lbs in 4 months. My mood has become so much better.
What is that
Thank you for your honesty. I like the way you lay it out. So many people even now in 2022 think I'm using my mental illness as an excuse for everything. Changing meds can be pure hell with all the side effects..
Your observation about the inconsistency of bipolar affecting exercise habits is spot on! I have bipolar and adhd, so I really struggle to maintain exercise schedules. Also, having the positive benefits of exercise be long term, and not immediate like eating fun foods, can make it a less attractive option. But, we should all be more gentle on ourselves right? Do small bouts of exercise, whenever we can. Start small. Forgive ourselves when we get out of a routine because we can keep starting over as many times as we need to. Great video, as always.
Thanks for a great video! I have gained 20 kg since I started medication 15 years ago. I start a healthy lifestyle change every Monday, but it doesn't last many days. I simply stop caring. I wish I had more discipline.
Thank you for all that you do, I am understanding my condition much better,
Thank you.. I found it useful. The key is in identifying cravings in high and low moods. I'll certainly do that in future.
I have found this to be true.
I found rapid cycling
Such an important point…. People KNOW and you don’t need to tell them they’re losing or gaining weight.
Thank you for this video. This is the first one on your channel that BP hubby actually watched with me!
Could you do a video on how to deal with the shame and regret after a manic episode?
I would love to see a video on this. I live in regret and shame weeks and months after a manic episode.
If you have a video like this already, please drop the link in the comments. ❤
Rob, you help me so much with my BP ,its always good listening to you on here! its like you know me soooo well
I went off a medication recently because a combination of weight gain and water retention problems. I never thought it would be me that would gain so much on meds. But I was overly sedated on the ones I was on before. Sleeping 11+ hours a day and struggling to move at all. It sucked. And it's going to take months to undo the weight gain. My progress has been moving at a snail's pace. Doesn't help much when I'm feeling down.
The biggest change I've made is scheduling meal times. If I avoid snacking and only eat at meal times, I can't consume as much. And I've been trying to make reasonable progress towards my activity levels, using my fitbit as a barometer. I'm also focusing on getting the right amount of sleep as consistently as I can. Even on the weekends.
Also, I loved that you mentioned that depending on your particular status...it is hard to stay on focused routine.
I have bipolar depression & I’ve noticed this has helped me to get my weight down: Making fiber smoothies in the mornings & playing basketball in the evenings..since my depression made it hard to stay consistent with the gym.
Thanks for this video! Really appreciate this channel. I am a mailman and walk 20-23km a day and struggle with balance when eating to maintain my body and avoiding medicating myself with food to avoid pain, depression and low energy. Some of your tips might help. Also getting the regular physical is a good idea. Got one coming up. Thanks again!
As always, thank you for the content and videos you produce. My husband has been on bipolar medication for six years now and he has gained weight. While it is not ideal and he wishes the meds did not contribute to the weight gain, the trade off of being mentally and emotionally stable have been life changing. We both agree, a few extra pounds verses the struggles before treatment, are a small issue. We are so very grateful for his competent doctor, medication and people like you who help educate others about this illness. ❤️
What a supporting wife! Thank you!
i also get ridiculously active when i’m manic, and prior to being diagnosed and medicated, i lost a lot of weight because i’d go on an insane amount of walks every day and developed an ED (food was the only thing i thought i could control in my life). now that i’m medicated, i still go on walks, but significantly less and i get to enjoy my surroundings more. before, i was practically moving at a mile an hour but now i just stroll along, listen to music and appreciate the environment. i pay attention to the wind and how the leaves are moving on the tree, how busy the streets are, etc. i also try to make sure i’m drinking a lot of water throughout the day and like to have 1-2 cups of tea per day (one while working and one about 3 hours before bed); it helps with those cravings and keeps me afloat.
I’m not religious and I don’t pray but this video answered my “prayers”. I was literally crying yesterday due to my weight gain after taking seroquel. It was my second time on the drug, the first time it didn’t make me gain weight but this time it did and it made my depression worse. Now I’m on Latuda and I’m trying to lose some of the weight I gained but I felt like I was so big now that it was hopeless to try. I really needed this video. Thank you so much. Also I just want to say that seroquel might not have worked for me but it has pretty high success rates so I don’t want my experience to deter others from trying it, I just feel like my comment might be relatable to others who might have had a similar experience with seroquel.
I've learned that a medication may work great for some time but later in life, not so much. I was on Depakote for a few years in my late teens/early 20s. It helped stabilize me and helped me gain weight, but not excessively. My metabolism has always made others jealous and Depakote was the first thing that ever slowed it down. Anyway, I went many years without it- sometimes different meds, sometimes no meds. I finally got a psychiatrist to put me back on Depakote because I knew it worked so well before. This was about a year ago (I was 38 at the time). I had to quit taking it after a week because it made me so tired. I don't mean just occasional yawning either. I mean every time I drove I would doze. Trying to stand at work was insanely difficult. I just could not function. And it was every waking moment. I don't know how I didn't crash my vehicle that week or how I didn't just faint at work. It was brutal!
So yeah, as our bodies grow, they can react differently to something they already had consumed years before.
I hope you're doing well now at least... Thank you for sharing your experience! This is what this channel is all about!!! 🙂🙂🙂
I also took Seroquel for about three months, while it helped with hallucinations, and mood swings. I also became highly dissociative which led to me almost being hospitalized for wanting to end it. The weight was a huge factor for me as well. I stopped taking it. I’m hoping I can find something that will help me sleep 🥲.
I'm also on Seroquel. 800 mg every night 😳 While it helps me sleep like a baby, I have noticed the weight gain. But honestly I would rather be fat and sassy than not sleep.
@@bubzilla6137 I already get migraines. I just tried this medication for a week. I thought my head would explode from the pain. It felt like the worst migraine I ever had x 10. Never again🤯
Also, I just wanna point out that the generic version of Latuda is coming out in 2023 and I have nothing bad to say about it and it has really high success rates, fewer side effects than a lot of other antipsychotics and it’s not known for causing dramatic weight gain so to anyone who has tried everything but might not have tried Latuda yet due to insurance not covering it or the price still being too high with copay, do not lose hope. Remember: 2023!!!
I have gone to the doctor having a medical episode i.e. a stroke, Bells Palsy, etc... and they say loos weight. That really helps my mood. I found doctors that care about my health more than just my weight. I have been up and down with weight more up than down. I had a med that had me gain 40+ lbs and when I stopped the med the weight remained. i notice that my mood and my eating are related and sometimes I "NEED" that bad food to help me cope with life. It is a struggle. I had a great manic episode that I went one month cutting out all the bad food just to prove to myself I can do it. I did I lost about 40 lbs. But I was miserable the whole time. Balancing is key.
Lovely video as usual. Thank you man! Seeing my weight change over the videos was a rude awakening as well.
Thank you for this. I hadn't been to a medical doctor in over 5 years, I went for some pain I was having in my feet, they told me to lose weight. I was literally shocked to my core. Like, how? How can I lose weight? I guess I need a full work up and to start dragging myself outside to walk around the block. Thanks again. 😊 ❤
I found body weight exercises like laying on your back and lifting your legs and arms or chair exercises. It won't your your feet that way.
@@nataliemairesmith7586 thank you ❤
Try intermitting fasting eat in a 6 hour window and don't eat nothing for 18 hours just drink water lots of water
Over the many years of my abusive childhood I spent many days not eating or eating little. I have conditioned myself to not eat when I don’t move much and when mania kicks in I only eat to not pass out. I still worry about weight gain. I feel bad when I hit 220 and the highest I have been is 232. I’m 6’2”. I’m not trying to make anyone jealous or feel bad. I have been questioned if I have an eating disorder and I seem to answer no I’m not worried about my weight, realizing I might be in denial. It’s not about appearance for me it’s about physical feeling. Sorry for the rant. This is a good video. I used to swallow air when we had to wait extended “fasting” periods. Sigh.
Daily walks does wonder for the mind & body. It's worth the habit to improving moods.
A big habit and something to be vigilant of is associating food with watching a movie, series,etc because you might want to fill that span of time watching with eating despite being full.
It’s a hard habit to break as I was raised with microwave TV Dinners with family sitting in front of the tv. So it’s imbedded deep.
I have to ask myself a lot: “okay, am I really hungry or do I just want to chew on something because I’m in front of the screen”. As well, it can also be a bit isolating.
I'm back in a slump with human interaction. No one talks with me on Facebook.....I always feel bad when I visit the site every day. The more I slow down the more I slip from being who I want to be. Winter is a tough time for me.
Your not alone. I canceled my Facebook last year because my then undiagnosed bipolar upset people and my wife asked me to fix it by removing the issue so I just canceled it. Now I’m in here mostly. If you need someone to chat with just let me know. I mostly hang out with my doggies. They are wonderful companions but they don’t tell you when you might be saying some off stuff. They just keep loving you.
I just closed my Facebook too. And I water is awful for me.
That's how facebook works for most people, haha
This is such great advice for those of us who are recovering from eating disorders it’s been hard gaining weight during med changes and this has made me feel more confident
I recently just got diagnosed and am taking lithium. My physiatrist said it doesn’t cause weight gain which I find frustrating because after talking to a ton of people, weight gain is actually very common while on lithium. I don’t even know if I can trust this chick now. Everyone’s commentary is so helpful! I’m so happy I found this channel
Hi @jessiej5203! Thanks for joining the conversation in the comments. I'm very accessible and happy to answer any questions you have...
Below is a link to my private community on Patreon. It's where you can message me directly and I'll get back to you right away. We can also arrange a phone call if that would be more helpful.
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
-Rob
Great video, Rob! My son is finally drinking more water now. It's the flavored water, but it is water. He's cut way back on the pop, which the dr. says, is giving him liver problems.So he's taking this seriously! All of your tips will help anybody. Thanks, Rob!
Ah yes, the diet... What we eat is truly just as important to our mental health as sleep, therapy, meds, and whatever else each individual needs. Obviously it is different for everyone, but this list is generally inclusive. Personally, I know I don't eat right. Not just unhealthy foods, but also no routine, no portion consistency, nothing. I just eat randomly everyday. Some days I don't eat at all, some days I'll have one meal, others I'll have a meal and maybe a snack or two.... Honestly, it's kind of odd that I'm not less stable than I am, although I'm grateful I'm stable.... 🙂🙂🙂
The eating habits sound like mine. Very Bad🙁
Thank you for this! I usually start my day with a meal replacement shake, as solid foods are so hard to get down when I'm in a certain mood cycle.
Rob, this is so needed in this day and age.
Love it and you and TONY Robbins is the man.
I want to add my dad who has bipolar 1 has now been in a depressive state for over a year that made him not eat. He's now in a living facility cause he was slowly committing suicide through not eating. He became emaciated and frail I really want people to understand what depression can do to your mind and body. You can literally waste away or die of a heat attack. The psychiatrist at the facility told me it's called a " slow suicide" and a lot of depressed people end up doing this and it's a lot of times overlooked as attention seeking or a lazy problem when it's a clear sign for help.
My dad most likely won't make it to January. It's not his fault his mind has an illness and it should like all mental illnesses be treated with the same respect as a physical illness.
Oh your situation brought tears so sorry to hear about your dad the way you put it everyone should read so true about depression that it can end your life thanks for sharing ❤
I don't get to see my daughter, because I didn't realize my behaviour was causing problems in our relationship. I now realise my illness has caused us not to be in contact and it breaks my heart.
This must be so difficult…. I have no idea what he has been through, but wondering if they have tried other modalities of treatment- ketamine, transcramial magnetic treatment , etc….
Praying for him…. 🙏🙏🙏.and you.
I have gained wait since the summer due to, getting older, eating junk food, lack of exercise and medication.
I have started exercising agian such as walking and playing just dance 2022 for ps4 30 minutes a day. I plan cycling once I get my bike tuned up
I’m 5’8 and was always 122 lbs even after birthing 5 children. I don’t always eat every day. Mostly, majority of the time, it’s because I forget to. I eat whenever I’m hungry and that’s usually on the third day or so. I am now 195 lbs and this is the most I’ve ever weighed in my entire life. Trying different medications to help my disorder has been a nightmare. I’m in the process of trying to find a Phycologist. I have a Therapist and Psychiatrist. All of this is so brand new to me! My sleep is almost non existent because my medication exacerbates my already present insomnia. When I’m manic, I don’t care about the consequences. I’m just trying to find a way to make it stop! Afterwards I’m so exhausted that I have to lie down. Being diagnosed has been a Godsend! I knew that something was wrong with me but I couldn’t find out what it was. I was even diagnosed with Nymphomania smh After watching your video about hyper sexuality, everything made so much sense!! I wasn’t crazy, just improperly diagnosed. This has been a decade long process just to find out what is/what’s wrong with me. Thank you so much so much for the time and dedication that you put into making these videos! They have been of more help to me then my Dr.’s have ever been! The feeling of finally getting a diagnosis was the happiest day of my life! Without a diagnosis, you don’t know what’s going on! I truly appreciate you!! Thank you so very much!! 💕💕😁😭🥰
Thank you for uploading this channel. I feel like I am finally understood. Here, I feel like I am not a lunatic. I feel like an actual person with a personality outside my disease. My bipolar is more than who I am. Mental illness is not taken seriously. I have triggers that bring up my mania. Like fighting with my family is a trigger. That is why I am going to cut them out of my life when I am independent. I do not need to deal with family fights. I told them and they think that I am exaggerating with this trigger. If I had lung cancer, they would care about making sure that I do not smoke cigarettes. Because cancer is more important than I mental illness. But I tell them about my trigger, they do not listen. I would rather be alone than be with people who do not understand my illness. They can laugh all they want if I am alone. It is better than being near them, with never knowing when they can trigger me. Cannot wait to kick them out of my life. I need to focus on my life. Not there's. I have too any problems in my life. I can not take on other people's problems, that includes my family. Your stress will make me stress which is not good for my fragile brain.
Hi 🍓! Rob is available on patreon. You can message him, text or even have a call with him there. He also started doing cameo like shout out videos free for patreons! He also has shorter, more personal videos and posts on there, including an interview with his partner. Take gentle care!
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I needed to see this right now.
Thank you so much for this video.
I am 6’1’’ 255 lbs 50 years old diagnosed bp 2 35 yrs ago and have been as high as 290 lbs
Now taking Zoloft, lithium and latuda and klonopin. I eat a lot.
I walk 30 mins 5 times per week.
Have diabetes. Know I will never be light again but who cares? Recommend all of us to stay on meds regardless of weight. It’s a hard choice I know. Been doing this for 35 years. Good luck to all of you!
I recently started a higher dosage of medication about a month and a half ago that caused a 25lb weight gain. I've been manic now for a week and half lost 8lbs as of today. I was informed if I haven't lost any weight by the next appointment I would be taking off my mood stabilizers. You're a blessing to me. I've learned and shared the info and tips I've learned through your videos with my loved ones and friends.
Thanks for your wisdom re what people should post
Great support and encouragement video a lot of people will have difficulty with their weight and health and not seek small changes or a doctor advise on the issue.
Thank you for doing this weight video ...brings awareness...which is great ...
Agree we don't know why people's weight is as it is. ..so don't mention it ..( unless sympathetically because of concern re physical health)
Thank you for the great video. Happy holidays!🌻
Appreciate you not promoting a particular diet. I have learned from experience that it's best to experiment and learn what is best for one's own body. Genetically speaking, we're all different. There's no one-size-fits-all solution!
Not all meds are created equal! I'm shure the meds will get better in the near future. There is more focus on mental health now.
Thank you so much for saying that about weight..if someone says something about my weight...it can cause an episode....and even bring on anger...
Such a great video, thank you so much
The last few years have brought new tools in dealing with weight gain. Finding a health care provider who understands Bipolar Disorder can be a game changer. When appetite regulation does not work properly "just eat less" is a slap in the face. A health provider who gets it is just not that simple can make all the difference.
Thank you for the work you're doing! I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 years ago. I did in fact gain quite a bit of weight.
Now, I'm working to change that! My tip would be changing up the exercises. For me, I'll go on a treadmill one day then elliptical on another. Or even a spin bike. This keeps me fresh and prevents boredom.
Hope this helps anyone!
Thank you!! I got depressed after a friend got cancer. I ate a lot. Gained 20lbs. Now in a battle to get it off.
I'm so glad I saw your comment! I don't always get to read all of them. A very warm welcome to Polar Warriors.
If you need to reach out to me, I'm here to help. There's a link below where you can message me directly and confidentially. You don't have to go at this alone
Ty for this video it is a lifetime struggle and co-morbid struggle with bipolar disorder. I struggle so hard with this.
Thank you for your comment! I'm really glad the video could provide some support.
-Rob
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I've lost 60 lbs this year on the Keto diet and Intermittent fasting. My mental clarity, energy levels, moods and cravings have all improved significantly. I don't have natural discipline so the structure really helps me. I was experiencing many health issues due to my weight which have all reversed. You can do it!!
This is great but very very difficult…. Done it before and family insisted on me having fruit, things like squash, carrots, etc. also seems like dieting is possible when on the right meds, but absolutely impossible otherwise.
I second the tests via your doctor. I have put on about 15 or 20 lbs with the medication I am on. The medication has done wonders, but I've gained a little weight. I had a new job change that has also left me more sedentary than I used to be. Lately I've been trying to take a 15 to 20 min walk during my lunch. I haven't seem any weight loss yet, but it's a habit I'm trying to ease into. Try to find a rhythm.
I don't know why people feel the need to comment on other people's weight. I'm lucky I don't have this issue. My medication is known for causing weight gain. I never deprive myself aside from avoiding surgary foods. Regular exercise is a good way to manage stress but you can't just do it when you're feeling stressed or when you're feeling strong emotions: it has to be a regular thing (for it to work). I do think taking meds should always be the priority!
You know what's fucked up? Like a lot of people, thanks to the panndemic, I put on a few pounds. People kept asking me if I was pregnant... or like saying that I was pregnant somehow. I thought we had all collectively agreed that you really shouldn't do that. I hate that so much. Someone will say, "how far along are you?" Or something stupid like that. I'll just respond with "Nope. I'm just fat."
After it's happened a few times, I began to realize, THEY are the ones that should be embarrassed. And believe me, they are...
dipshits.
I have a tip that really helped me! I wanted to exercise more frequently, so some friends and I got together on a messaging app, and now we all share our accomplishments and encouragements!
I have always found that I crave what I eat. I often get off track with my eating when I am in a depressed mood. I am with you, sugar is my thing.
When I am able to start eating healthy again and I do it for about a week I start to crave the carrots.
Thanks for your videos!
It is nice to know others struggle with the same issues. ❤
You hit the nail right on the head with this discussion.
Hi, Rob! This is a great video, as always! I've commented several times to your vids and you were so nice to reply. My sister has bipolar. Fortunately she has been without crisis since almost 3 years now. I hope you stay well and happy. I admire you greatly. Hugs from Portugal
I've noticed that I eat highly crunchy foods to help muffle my thoughts.
OMG this is so relevant to me. When I go hypomanic, I completely lose my appetite. I eat like a dietitian, I enjoy walking because I HAVE ENERGY........Then I slowly slip back down into the bipolar depression. All I want to do is sleep and I literally CAN NOT stop eating. I crave carbs, bread, cake etc etc. My weight has been like a rollercoaster with my varying moods. I was hypomanic from July 2021 right through until about March 2023. I lost 45kg during that time. I refuse to get on the scales atm. I just KNOW I have gained again during this depressed stage. I'm seeing a brand new psychiatrist next Tuesday. I fear hospital may be LOOMING for me 😢
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
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teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
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Early in my manic episodes I was queasy in the morning later on my appetite would increase
I hate how I go through these little swings when watching these videos as you say something I experience myself. But I love the information , and I have always loved learning something new. Its easier for me to watch these videos than it is to talk person to person. I have this thing about people telling me who I am or what's wrong with me. Right now I am exploring options for medication because after a long bout of doing well without it, the anxiety started getting bad. After being prescribed 1 medication for depression about a year ago, it got even worse because that medication caused anxiety. Now, some days I will be fine. Maybe a swing here and there. Other days I have several panic attacks. Some of them being severe. Often times there is no reason for them. They just hit me out of nowhere. With this latest medication (which I have stopped taking) I started experiencing more depression. That started causing more panic attacks as well, or maybe it was just 1 of the usual ones I get. Not really sure because I only took them for about 2 weeks. Now that I have stopped taking them, I am experiencing issues sleeping. first day off I couldn't sleep for almost 2 full days. Then I slept for almost a full day followed by a day and a half without sleep. And right now, I am going on another day and a half without sleep, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to crash soon (hopefully) I am dog tired, my focus is everywhere and yet nowhere at the same time. Its hard for those like us to take meds for this reason on top of all the other reasons. My advice is to look into the meds and side effects before you start taking them. Your doctor doesn't know how they will effect you any more than you do, they just know that they are used to treat bipolar. They are basically throwing darts at a board while blindfolded honestly. Its up to you to figure out what works best. Also, it helps a lot when you have somebody to keep an eye on you and look for anything that may cause concern. You may not notice certain symptoms yourself right off the bat. Just make sure its not somebody that downplays liberally everything wrong you like the ones I have to deal with. I swear I could go to them holding me severed leg in hand and they would tell me I'm over reacting. Anyways, I think I have rambled enough.... Not even sure why I'm still typing....... That clickity clack is sooooo satisfying I guess
Thanks for everything.. I can handle my life become of this pretty Channel.. I am proud of you.. You achieved success and progress to help people thanks very much.. I am very proud to be one of the bipolar
I gained 35 kilos when I started Lithium, even though it’s hard with the extra weight, I feel soo much better with my bp1 so I don’t want to trade it away 🙏🍀
I'm so happy the Lithium is working for you. I was on it for about 2 months and was a complete zombie!
Lithium is great! I take 900 mg per day and feel much more relaxed. Keep it up!
Same I gained weight with lithium but I feel much better
Ive lost over 20 kilos with lithium + quetiapine. Dont know why but i lost apettite since im on treatment. No regrets though, feelin much better now 😅
@juanbarrenechea5929 Excuse me .. many lbs is 20 kilos?
Gave you a shout out on the r/askbipolarfolks subreddit. Thank you for providing your experience on this disorder. Very helpful!
I got therapy at a clinic for eating disorder and one very good tip is eating by the clock. It means you check what time it is, if it's say 6:30 it's time for breakfast, 12 is lunch, 14:30 fruit or so, 18 dinner and if you are hungry before going to bed you can have something small. Eating by the clock helps you to not skip meals and not eating between meals.
How do you manage severe carbs n sweet cravings ?
@Maverick Well, it's not working very well at all 😂. I've gained 15 kg. I don't even try to resist my cravings any more 😓
Something that helps me is cooking my own meals and meal prepping for the week.
Excellent video. I must say that I am getting very disillusioned with the weight problem. My venlaxine/lamotrogine does is pretty good in keeping my mental health under control but the weight issue really troubles me. I never eat junk food - never have; do not eat much and never between meals, I follow a low-carb diet and stick to it. I have made no progress at all in getting my weight down and it is all I can do to keep it from going up.
Thank you again for your Transparency. These videos are really helping me with my walk in my mental health journey.
Dear Robert Whittaker, thank you for uploading videos that talk about Bi-polar Disorder and teaching us about it. I just wanted to say that when you are feeling down or depressed, always remember that people love and care about you. Always stay strong no matter what and also do the things you love when you are sad. I respect your efforts on this youtube Channel and I also respect your strength. Thank you so much for giving me an amazing view on life and I thank you for the lessons you have taught me. Please remember that when you are feeling down or depressed that people love and care about you even if they aren't there. Once again I appreciate everything you taught.
Love, Darkrose_Shadio247
Thank you so much for your kind comment! That means a lot to Rob and the team. If you'd like to help support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. I'll include the link so you can check it out! I hope your week is going really well so far. Take good care. -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
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You are an amazing human! I love all your videos. They are helping me to help my son. I can’t thank you enough 🤗
Hi Kate, thank you so much for your comment! So glad to hear that Rob's videos are so helpful to you in helping your son. If you haven't yet, I'd encourage you to check out Rob's private community on Patreon where you can have access to exclusive content of a more personal nature as well as the ability to contact Rob directly. I'll include the link so you can check it out! :) Thanks again and all the best to you and your son!
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Great tips thank you 😊
The combo that has helped me the best so far is also an absolute nightmare for weight gain and my hypothyroidism, depakote and seroquel :/
I am a big fan of yours and this video hits it out of the park! I started addressing my binge eating years ago. That led to uncovering childhood abuse. Luckily I found a great trauma therapist who helped me with the underlying diagnosis of bipolar 2. I had no idea. Just thought I was a loser when I was depressed and unable to leave my house. This video will help me with my eating disorder and coping with my bipolar meds and depression/mania issues. Thanks Rob. You are my hero. 🦸🏻♂️
I'm so scared of gaining weight 😭 I really enjoy being skinny. The meds that cause weight gain scare me😭 I'm getting on my meds soon tho. So I hope I don't gain anything cause I actually eat a large amount of food.
Yes so am I. I started quetiapine a week ago and I’m really worried about gaining weight. My weight fluctuates anyway and I simply won’t feel good if I gain too much, it is not healthy. Also I have a long history of eating disorders. So I don’t know what to do. 🤷♀️
Many, many thanks 😊
The exercise part…I was just thinking “Yes, That!” Thanks for the confirmation I really suspected it was connected to the bipolar cycle.
I’m watching this as I’m smoking and drinking (new habitats created in the year) and i literally just throw it out. It’s really disgusting honestly, I just don’t know why I keep going back.
I think I’m just addicted to getting some quiet time after putting the kids to bed, sitting outside alone, and somehow incorporated smoking into this relaxing routine…when I should be in bed by now.
I will continue the grossing out technique and hopefully this works for the long run. Thank you for these tips ❤️
Hi! i just discovered your channel and I`m learning a lot of new stuff about bipolar!
I`ve been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and im not sure how I feel about it. I had a hypomanic episode summer 2021 and it lasted about 2 months. i finally moved home to my family after 3 years of being a chef far away. i started to feel vey happy and had a lot of energy. i wanted to start businesses and take over the world. everyday felt better. i started drinking and smoking and had nice highs. but sadly it ended badly, I was sent to a psych ward for 2 weeks. after theese two weeks the deppresion was taking over. Now I just feel worthless and shit all day. i go to work, come home to sleep and do it all over again the next day. you guys now how it is..
What i dont understand is why is my depression so long and why i dont get theese hypomanioa episodes so often.. its been 6 months and i mostly feel down..
ps: I dont take any medication.
I hear you I'm coming off a tricyclic antidepressant. Hoping that the weight will drop.but dry mouth wasn't good,leading to gum disease.i feel more calmer coming off it,so I'm wondering if this medication might of caused rapid cycling.im glad I'm doing it the right way with support from a psychiatrist and mental health team.im also tapering off so as to have minimum withdrawal symptoms. Keep going to all who are trying to find what works them.
Poor guy why did they have to do you like that 😭😭. I’m def working on keeping a positive mindset as I used to have problems with binge eating and was really obese. But now I have to take meds and I’m trying to work on being in a positive mindset and honoring my cravings while keeping in mind that I gotta eat in moderation
I just found your show. I can relate. I was looking forward to Christmas. I had COVID-19 on March 2020. I had even more damage to kidneys, lungs and liver. I am now diabetic. I am scared I might get the new variety of covid. I got 2 boxes of N95 masks so we could safely get together. My anti-mask, anti-vaccination family told me I was uninvited. I felt depressed and I ordered a large pizza and ate the whole thing, then I ate everything edible in the fridge. I just made myself even more miserable. I am also a rapid cycler. I know the depression will pass. I just never thought I would be alone for Christmas.
Thanks
🙏🙏🙏.
I agree the correlation between weight gain/mental health meds is sometimes a problem. I didn't ask for these disorders; they are genetic in nature. That totally sucks bc it's adding "insult to injury"😪 I have to take meds to feel better w/ a very real possibility of weight gain. In the words of AM (I love her music😉) "Isn't it ironic? Don't you think?" 🙄
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures
I LOVE that song 😊
@@lifeinlilac161 Me too. Alanis is so talented. Has she put anything new out lately? I miss her music/especially her lyrics❤
I need this! I have gained 20 pounds because of my meds. Now on the process to get down to a healthy weight with tracking calories.
Rob, you're awesome so don't listen to all that noise! Thanks so much for all you do!
Thanks so much for your comment Brittney! :) If you'd like to help support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors please consider joining him on Patreon. I'll include the link so you can check it out. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I work as a 911 dispatcher on night shift. I sleep all day, up all night. I eat whenever I’m awake. I’m depressed and stressed. I feel like a failure. It’s difficult at work to help someone on their worst day when you feel like it’s yours too. Food is a quick fix with long term effects. Going to keep telling myself to try one more time
Hugs to you. Keep on keeping on 🙏🏻
AYYY long time no see thx for letting me know
Super presentation on this subject thank you, Robert. Like many I also have disordered eating and my weight has fluctuated over several stones. I was most interested to hear of the overeating with mania, this being pertinent to myself. I eat for every reason and like you mentioned I have also developed the problem with my brain needing more and more in order to cope. I shall listen again so that I might take the most away from your careful analysis.
Could you please make a video on keto diet and bipolar disorder? Thank you @PolarWarriors