Survived the Seasonal Depression
and I don't think I look too bad. I was 194 lbs beforehand, which was deep into my ed recovery from 180 lbs. 194 lbs looks good on my body type, and most of my skin-tight ootds were at that weight. My doctor's ideal weight for me is 180 lbs cause I'm big boned. Which when he told me that, I called him a liar. His response? "I've done your x rays for years. Look at your hips." like oh.....i just had internalized fatphobia. The last photo of me in the slideshow is at 194 lbs. Which looks great and I have so much skin to remove at that point, that'll I'll probably be 180 lbs post surgery. My doctor said I was extremely healthy given the circumstances. That includes my organs functioning at peak performance. I got up to 227 lbs this winter. Currently at 220 lbs. I love my chubbier face rn and my skin is tighter, so that's a plus. Still, I want to get back to a healthy weight. My appetite for extra food is gone, and I'm not seeking dopamine in sweets anymore. Hopefully, I'll be back to normal by March. Right in time for the warmer season skin-tight outfits to make their debut again. I love my body and my face, and that's what matters most. 💕💕💕💕💕💕 #vulnerableweight #seasonalaffectivedisorder #bipolardisorder #mentalhealthmatters #bodytransformation
Dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can present unique physical and emotional challenges. From my experience and what I've learned, managing weight fluctuations during the colder months is common, especially when SAD triggers changes in appetite and mood. Many people find that their bodies respond to decreased sunlight and less outdoor activity by gaining weight, which can impact self-esteem. A key step in overcoming these challenges is shifting focus from purely weight-based goals to overall health and well-being. For example, it's empowering to accept and love your body at different sizes while still striving for a healthy weight that supports physical and mental health. I learned that doctors often consider factors like bone structure and organ health, not just numbers on a scale, which helped me confront internalized fatphobia and appreciate my body’s resilience. Nutrition also plays a crucial role. Reducing cravings for sweets linked to dopamine fixes during winter can feel difficult, but gradually replacing them with balanced meals and mood-boosting activities like light therapy can improve recovery. It’s important to listen to your body’s changing needs, understanding that appetite may naturally adjust as mental health improves. Lastly, having a support system, whether through healthcare providers, mental health professionals, or supportive communities, makes a significant difference. Sharing experiences honestly helps reduce stigma around body transformation and mental health struggles, making room for authentic self-love and confidence—even when wearing skin-tight outfits that highlight the journey your body has been through. If you’re going through something similar, remember that the interplay between seasonal depression, body image, and health is complex but manageable. Treatment and self-compassion together pave the way to thriving beyond the winter blues.