Christine’s Story

Taking it one step at a time.

I find one of the main barriers (to accessing physical health care) is not being seen for the physical effects caused by the medications that are supposed to be making me better. I have been referred to as “obese” but there has not come with any explanation, as to the correlation between mental and physical health. Too often I have been referred to as “unwell” but my physical impacts have been ignored.

Once, when I was in hospital, a dietitian referred to my “obesity” and then she explained to me I needed to watch my weight otherwise I would be given low fat meals. I recall a psychiatrist once told me just to eat “a bag of carrots”. There is still so much stigma and judgement and little empathy sometimes. I have put on 30 per cent of my body weight only since commencing medications and it’s discouraging to think that I am expected to stay on them long term.

Christine Share my story image.jpg

I finally had some hope, when I found an excellent treating team who treat me holistically and with understanding. Seeing endocrinologists and nephrologists has helped me to get support relating to the hormonal effects caused by the anti-psychotics. I feel listened to and valued. Prior to that, because of my exploding weight gain, I felt like there was no point in trying to lose weight. It is only now, looking back and seeing how that weight has plateaued, which has helped me to keep the changes in weight in perspective.

It can be degrading and soul destroying when you need help but are told to just take more medications. Because I have been affected by metabolic syndrome, I found it harder to find the motivation and energy to do anything let alone the amount of exercise needed to burn off weight.

I would encourage people to remember that weight gain should not just be ignored or explained simply as “eating too much”. We need to consider how weight is directly linked to mental health and to the medications that are often imposed on us.

I think people should feel empowered to do whatever exercise they can and try to build on that. There will be a time when your body responds to your efforts and you can see significant changes slowly, over time and that’s where you can find some hope that things will get better.