I can't eat

[Ohmydayz]

This is my second bout of depression. My 20 year marriage is falling apart. I realised the depression was coming and went to my psych. I discovered we have financial problems on Friday and cried and cried all day and went to my GP Fri night and got a script for the same anti depressants I had 18 months ago. 

Since Friday I've eaten four pieces toast gagging the whole time. I just can't eat. The usual things that take my fancy I gag at the thought of eating. 

 I started my medication on Saturday. I wake up queasy. Monday the queasy went at around 2pm, Tuesday around 11am. Today 9am. 

The pharmacist said they may make me queasy and to persevere. 

 I can't help but think it is the lack of eating that is causing the sickness. I don't so much mind about the lack of appetite but I'd like to be able to actually eat.  I am drinking plenty of water, it is actually helping with the quesiness.

[IAMTHAT_IAM]

Hi Ohmy

Just by starting here you will start to feel better and regain your appetite. I didn't like the first few weeks on meds due to the weird queasiness involved but I sure do like the effect they have on me long term and the way they take away that dark cloud that has been following me.

When I have had this problem eating I would do a few things, 1. Take my mind off it and do something different like go for walks and watch a movie 2. Talk with someone else that can help either GP, Friend, Someone else that has depression or anxiety or even someone at beyond Blue 3. Eat something small as soon as I wake up to get my metabolism going and then the body wants more food all day!

I hope this helps, don't let things get to you. The solutions to your financial problems will sort themselves out, they always do so putting extra stress on yourself isn't needed at this time.

Kindest regards Me

[PatT]

Hi,

It sounds like the nausea could be one of the side effects of the onset period of the medication. Many antidepressants tend to make people feel worse than they did before. This generally lasts 1-3 weeks as people's brains become adjusted to the chemical changes being induced by the drug. In some more rare cases these side effects can be a permanent feature of the drug for specific people and if you feel this nauseating sensation continuing for a while then it might be wise to speak with your GP about changing medication.

However I'd advise putting up with it for a while as it's highly likely the side effects will abate as time progresses. I would personally be a bit resentful at the timing (Christmas food everywhere) but like your pharmacist said - "persevere". 

Pat.

[Chicken_Wings]

Hi Ohmydayz,

Welcome to the forum, I'm sorry to read about the things that are bringing you down right now. Well done for being so proactive about your health though. 

My depression causes me to completely lose my appetite as well. Even the thought of food makes me feel nauseous when its bad. 

Get yourself some Hydralite (from the chemist) or if you can't get that, get some powerade or similar. The very least you need to do is keep something in your body to give you a little fuel. Hydralite is good because you can have it as a drink or a frozen icy pole, which might be easier to manage. They suggest it to people who have had gastro or have been physically ill to replenish electrolytes etc.

It also helps with feeling light headed etc. In those times I find myself feeling forgetful and a little bit fuzzy.

When you think you can, try having some carrot or a little bit of apple. I found these 2 things the easiest to eat as you can chop them up into little bits and they don't have an offensive smell or super strong taste.
I found that if I had an apple chopped and just had it on a plate near me, I would pick away at it and the more I ate, the more I felt like eating.

IAM is right about eating early if you can. Apparently anxiety is worse in the mornings sometimes because your blood sugar levels drop over night. Even if you can't eat, have a drink, something to get you going.

I'm sure your appetite will return gradually. Just keep doing what you can when you can.

[Ohmydayz]

Thank you so much guys. My gp said to come back in ten days if I still feel horrid. It's just a matter of getting through. 

 I usually get powerdaide when I'm feeling low on energy derp I don't know why I didn't think of that. And Ill get some apples today. 

 So far I've put a few things away and meditated. I have to go pick up some Christmas presents I'm thinking about going to the park.