Am I Depressed Because I’m Overweight, or Am I Overweight Because I’m Depressed?

Oh boy. That’s quite a chicken-or-the-egg thing, eh?

And what IS depression, anyway? Does it have to be a clinical diagnosis to exist?

No, it doesn’t. If you feel like you’re “in a funk” and you’re not enjoying things the way you used to, then you’re probably experiencing depression. 

I suspect many of us are, especially after going through a pandemic, extreme political unrest, wars, mass genocide (again)…the constant barrage of bad news isn’t good for mental health.

No wonder we’re all constantly scrolling social media looking for funny cat memes and cute puppy videos. (Just me?)

And honestly, it doesn’t really matter which came first. If you’re reading this then you’re seeking help. That’s what I’m here for, my friend.

But if the distinction is important to you, then ask yourself this. Were you either overweight or depressed (or both) in your teens?

See, I was overweight starting at age seven, and was both by age 13. So I know that my weight was an issue first, and depression joined the party when I hit puberty. (Turns out it was ADHD! But that’s another story for another time.)

If your weight has fluctuated wildly for much of your adult life, then they are perhaps more closely linked than you may think. 

Think about the days when your weight was closer to where you think it “should” be…how’d you feel? Were you blissfully happy every day? Did you float along thinking that life was everything you dreamed it could be since you were in a smaller size?

Doubtful. But maybe you find yourself wistfully looking back upon those days, judging and shaming yourself for where you are right now. 

Let’s be realistic. Being thinner doesn’t mean you’re happy. More comfortable, maybe. Slightly more confident, sure.

But just like “happy” isn’t a constant, “depressed” doesn’t have to be either.

If you follow me and read my stuff then you know that self-kindness is my number one most important ingredient for weight loss and getting yourself out of that funk. 

Not believing every negative thought you have about yourself is where that begins. 

But when you’re depressed, not believing those thoughts and/or being kind to yourself can seem impossible.

So start small. Look for a moment of joy in your day. Something that makes you smile. (And not on your phone, computer, or screen of any kind.)

A shirt color. A candle scent. A soft blanket.

Listen to one of your favorite songs. (Screen permission granted.)

Seeking out and appreciating these small things is being kind to yourself.

Now if you’re saying, “That is such bullshit, Dana,” then I’m going to offer this.

Is it bullshit?

Is staying in the depression, hanging on to the terrible thoughts that you believe about yourself, not allowing yourself ANY enjoyment of your surroundings…is that really how you want to live your life?

I write this from a place of kindness and love, not judgment and shame.

Being kind to yourself is how you slowly lead your way out of depression.

Getting out of depression leads to taking better care of yourself.

Taking better care of yourself leads to weight loss.

It’s a cycle. And no one can change it but you.

If you’d like guidance, email me at dana@revolution-within.com and we’ll schedule a free consultation.

Love & hugs, 

Dana