Depression, blood sugar, metabolism and (excessive) exercise

[Billy 3113]

Hi all

im reaching out to see if anyone has experienced anything similar to me.

ive struggled with what can only be described as bipolar depression since I was 15. I'm now 35 so 20 years. I've never sought help of any kind.

I had 3 great years in the top end a few years back when I was completely depression free and thought I'd finally beaten it.

the last few years since I moved south however have been the worst of my life. I've had frequent breakdowns and suicidal thoughts. It's been really really bad. It's crippled my life.

Ive realised in the past few months (and have suspected the same in the past but forgot about it when I was depression free) that my down episodes are related to blood sugar crashes.

I have a very clean diet and do a lot of sport. I'm an ex competitive swimmer. I could never do the same amount of training the other kids could seemingly do with no problems when I was younger. My mood swings were horrific. My theory is I have a very fast metabolism. i don't think I have anything physically wrong as the 3 depression free years I had were as a result of living in a hot climate. Lower energy demands, no blood sugar crashes, stable mood.

recently my mental health has been horrendously bad so after realising this I've taken steps to do less exercise and eat more sugar. This is having great results stabilising my mood but is a challenge to pretty much constantly eat + eat stuff I don't like (eg soft drinks etc)

I don't know if this sounds all a bit strange especially to those who have other forms of clinical depression but 100% this has been a lifelong struggle for me as I dont realise I'm crashing till it happens then get lost in the depression and can't see a way out. It's very scary,

so is anyone out there who has experienced anything similar??please reply and let me know how you coped and if in fact you got diagnosed with something. For my part I'm planning on moving back up north it's the best solution for me.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Billy,

Good on you for reaching out here. I have my own mental health issues, but perhaps for different reasons to you. Nevertheless, I hope you don’t mind if I chime in, and offer you a caring welcome to the forums 🙂

It sounds like you’ve been through a lot over the years. The erratic moods that you sometimes experience must be exhausting and draining...I would think it takes a lot out of you emotionally and physically...

I admire your commitment to trying to help yourself stabilise your mood, especially as things sound particularly rough for you recently. I think you’re very brave...

I hope it’s okay for me to give you a gentle suggestion, and you see if you like the idea or not..

I wonder if you might like to consider seeing a GP to get a full check-up, just to rule out any metabolism issues, etc. Plus maybe also mention him/her your mental health struggles over the years, especially recently, because maybe s/he can help you come up with strategies to help you cope. Perhaps this is something you might like to think about doing...

It’s great to have you on board here, but I’m sorry to hear how much you’re struggling lately. If you find writing here helpful, it would be lovely to hear from you again but no pressure of course.

kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

[Billy 3113]

Pepper, thank you for your kind words and suggestions. I have a few people in my life urging me to seek help but as of now I haven't taken that step. I probably should. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see if anyone else replies...I surely can't be the only person to experience something like this but then again maybe there is an underlying physiological issue. If and when I find that out I'll report back.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Billy,

It’s lovely to hear from you again 🙂 I’m glad you hear that you’re keeping an open mind about seeking help. You have a great attitude...

Yes, I completely agree with you that there is an interconnection between our physical and mental health (plus I also like to add our environment as well). I have read posts around the forum where people’s physical health have impacted upon their mental health (and vice verse too) from conditions like physical disabilities to chronic illness, etc, so you’re most definitely not alone here.

I too hope someone who struggles with mental health issues and has an underlying physiological condition replies to you...

Kind thoughts to you today...

Pepper