Link between hard gainers and anxiety

**todapower** · 03-13-2008, 09:40 PM

I am beginning to believe that my anxiety might be the culprit to why im such a hard gainer. I have very little appetite and very little patents to take the time to eat. I speak fast, move fast, think fast which makes me feel like im burning calories. I get very little sleep and the sleep I do get is not deep. The lack of sleep effect me the following day. When I think about it, everyone I can think of that is manic is very slender. I wonder if an anti anxiety drug is the cure to my difficulties in gaining weight. The last thing I want to do is be on a drug that would alter the way I naturally am, but im beginning to think it might be beneficial.

**AthleticEngineering** · 03-14-2008, 02:10 AM

Hey man, I know how it feels. I have general anxiety disorder and it sucks. I know when I'm having a rough time with it I have a hard time getting enough food in me. I've been on medication a couple times and it does make me feel better, but most of the time I manage without it. If you're on this board, you're probably at least considering steroids which is altering the way you naturally are. If you can't sleep, eat, or think, at least go see a doctor about it. If nothing else, it helps you get back to normal so you can start to work on the root of the problem. Let me know what you're thinking if you get a chance.

**InsaneInTheMembrane** · 03-14-2008, 02:16 AM

Originally Posted by todapower

I am beginning to believe that my anxiety might be the culprit to why im such a hard gainer. I have very little appetite and very little patents to take the time to eat. I speak fast, move fast, think fast which makes me feel like im burning calories. I get very little sleep and the sleep I do get is not deep. The lack of sleep effect me the following day. When I think about it, everyone I can think of that is manic is very slender. I wonder if an anti anxiety drug is the cure to my difficulties in gaining weight. The last thing I want to do is be on a drug that would alter the way I naturally am, but im beginning to think it might be beneficial.

Fix that and you won't need any meds... lack of food can unleash a cascade of hormones that lead one to become anxious and irritable.

cheers

**ChuckLee** · 03-14-2008, 02:20 AM

IMO hardgainers are people that have a faster metabolism than normal.
Not good for a bodybuilder, but usually they get ripped more easier!

CL

**InsaneInTheMembrane** · 03-14-2008, 02:26 AM

Originally Posted by ChuckLee

IMO hardgainers are people that have a faster metabolism than normal.
Not good for a bodybuilder, but usually they get ripped more easier!

CL

I wish I had that problem

**ChuckLee** · 03-14-2008, 02:34 AM

Sure bro, same for me...I am one of those who has the inverse type of metabolism.
But watching your pics time ago you don't look you have some kind of probs

**tjpatrick1987** · 03-14-2008, 06:10 PM

I have a true Speedy Metalbolism i eat 3500 cal. and im stuck at 132 but i also suffer from anxiety as well... I abosolutely refuse medication and the only other suggestion my doctor had was to talk to a Pyscologist. neither is a good solution... You gotta just focus on gaining as hard as that may be....

**AthleticEngineering** · 03-14-2008, 08:12 PM

Why not go to a psychologist or medication? It helps and why not do something about it?

**tjpatrick1987** · 03-15-2008, 02:32 AM

Because it helps only a small percentage of people its all a mind game ........

**yamahar1** · 03-22-2008, 02:10 PM

yea i feel you. i'am a smaller guy because of my anxiety. i do the same thing sometimes i dont eat at all during the day. but if it's one thing i realized after taking meds, is that there's not a magic pill out there thats going to make you better. the meds they had me on put me in the hospital several times. how old are you?

**manaja** · 03-22-2008, 07:26 PM

im a hard gainer too,im also quite an anxious person, but it does go with age, up tp 30 i was only 9 stone, im a couple of stone heavier than that now and a lot less anxious about things.

**number twelve** · 03-22-2008, 07:59 PM

i definately think there is a correlation to stress and anxiety levels to how my muscles feel. when i am stressed and upset i feel very flat, i cant get pumped and i just feel shitty overall.

**dirtball_619** · 03-22-2008, 08:17 PM

maybe this is my problem. im stressed all the time because of money and bills, im always working too. just when i think im getting a good workout routine going it falls out because i just get too tired after work and stressed from the day.

**tjpatrick1987** · 03-23-2008, 11:14 PM

I have had severe anxiety for a long time and this is a shout out for everyone who suffers as well... Anxiety has alot to do with feeling insecure and low self esteem... We are all equal and dont ever doubt yourself. Except yourself for who you are.. And then continue improving your self esteem by showing commitment to you routines and diets. In the end it will payoff and you'll be HAPPIER and have more energy and confidence..

**EvilDavies** · 03-24-2008, 04:41 PM

i think this is a catch 22. i dont have any personal experience in this area and it sounds to me like you dont feel like eating because you're stressed. the flip side of this of course is that not having the right nutriants in your body will make you feel more lathargic, which may increase stress levels, which decrease ability to sleep, which increases stress, which decreases appitate, and on and on. nip it the bud by making yourself eat in a good breakfast, and a good pre and post workout meal, even if its only a can of tuna and a low GI carb (brown rice, wholemeal tortilla), something is always better than nothing. working to failure in the gym will also make you want to eat something and help you sleep more.

Sorry if i havent grasped the situation there guys like i said this area is unknown to me, lol maybe i should have just kept my big mouth shut!!

**Hudson** · 03-24-2008, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by EvilDavies

i think this is a catch 22. i dont have any personal experience in this area and it sounds to me like you dont feel like eating because you're stressed. the flip side of this of course is that not having the right nutriants in your body will make you feel more lathargic, which may increase stress levels, which decrease ability to sleep, which increases stress, which decreases appitate, and on and on. nip it the bud by making yourself eat in a good breakfast, and a good pre and post workout meal, even if its only a can of tuna and a low GI carb (brown rice, wholemeal tortilla), something is always better than nothing. working to failure in the gym will also make you want to eat something and help you sleep more.

Sorry if i havent grasped the situation there guys like i said this area is unknown to me, lol maybe i should have just kept my big mouth shut!!

I tend to agree with you there, there's been times in my life that have been highly stressful and i've felt low, not feeling like eating and not being able to sleep properly. I believe excercise helps a lot, I don't think you should jump into it too hard tho because you just won't have the energy levels for it straight away. Start with some light cardio for a couple of weeks, it always made me feel better, helped me to sleep and increased my appetite. Then when your eating and sleeping properly you'll have more energy to start lifting.

**C_Bino** · 03-24-2008, 07:57 PM

My question to the poster is, why do you think you are a hard gainer? Not eating many calories and not having the will/patience to eat does not in any way make you a hard gainer. It simply means you arent taking in enough calories for growth.

**FallenWyvern** · 03-24-2008, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by C_Bino

My question to the poster is, why do you think you are a hard gainer? Not eating many calories and not having the will/patience to eat does not in any way make you a hard gainer. It simply means you arent taking in enough calories for growth.

This is kinda like telling smoker how easy it is to quit smoking when you have never smoked.

I ate high calorie crap all day long and drank a 12 pack every night for years and never gained any weight. This all changed when I hit 30 though.

**mike954** · 03-24-2008, 08:44 PM

i had the same prob but when i started to train hard it helped and i take an over the counter sleep med to help sleed worked for me so just start working out hard and sleeping and the rest will come !

**C_Bino** · 03-24-2008, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by FallenWyvern

This is kinda like telling smoker how easy it is to quit smoking when you have never smoked.

I ate high calorie crap all day long and drank a 12 pack every night for years and never gained any weight. This all changed when I hit 30 though.

Thats cool, doesnt really address what I was talking about but ok. I simply said that not eating much DOES NOT make you a hard gainer. Having an anxiety disorder, which leads to NOT EATING does not make you a hard gainer either.

What you described does...but merely not eating much because you have an anxiety problem means you merely dont eat enough. You are talking about eating high calories, the original poster wasnt.

**C_Bino** · 03-24-2008, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by FallenWyvern

This is kinda like telling smoker how easy it is to quit smoking when you have never smoked.

I also NEVER said it was easy for him to eat more. So really I am not sure where your post came from as it doesnt even look like a response to mine at all yet you quoted me.

How, by me saying "not eating a lot doesnt make you a hard gainer," did I give any analogy whatsoever to smoking being an easy habit to kick, which I assume you are saying I think its easy for him to eat more when I dont personally have an anxiety problem.

Again, not sure where you pulled this out of unless you accidentally quoted me.

**tjpatrick1987** · 03-24-2008, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by C_Bino

Thats cool, doesnt really address what I was talking about but ok. I simply said that not eating much DOES NOT make you a hard gainer. Having an anxiety disorder, which leads to NOT EATING does not make you a hard gainer either.

What you described does...but merely not eating much because you have an anxiety problem means you merely dont eat enough. You are talking about eating high calories, the original poster wasnt.

This is True. I agree with C Bino...from personal experience Anxiety makes it really hard to eat...but if you over come your anxiety and get in the habit of eating more you will gain... Now your metabolism and DNA will determine if you are a true hard gainer ... like i said earlier in the thread i eat 3500 cal. and am stuck at in 132... my 200 pound friend eats 2500 and he maintains muscle and weight.....FINAL COMMENT TO POSTER: IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH YOU"LL FIND A WAY TO GET OVER IT AND EAT EAT EAT!!!!!NO ONE SAID IT WAS GOING TO BE EASY

**Hudson** · 03-25-2008, 06:33 AM

Originally Posted by C_Bino

My question to the poster is, why do you think you are a hard gainer? Not eating many calories and not having the will/patience to eat does not in any way make you a hard gainer. It simply means you arent taking in enough calories for growth.

I don't think debating what the true definition of what a hard gainer is will help the guy, I'm sure everyone here knows what todapower means, also your phrasing "not having the WILL/PATIENCE to eat" is not only wrong but also ignorant, your missing the point and making it sound all too easy to overcome. I'm sure this is where FallenWyvern post came from? You may not of said it was easy for him to eat more, but it was implied with your poor choice of words when you said he didn't have the "will/patience" and also "it SIMPLY means"

QUOTE=C_Bino "How, by me saying "not eating a lot doesnt make you a hard gainer," did I give any analogy whatsoever to smoking being an easy habit to kick, which I assume you are saying I think its easy for him to eat more when I dont personally have an anxiety problem."

Firstly nobody said you gave an analogy, FallenWyvern gave the analogy by comparing your just eat more, you need "will/patience" advice to the usual non-smoker advice of "just stop smoking" Both showing a lack of knowledge of the problem.

For many people this is a real problem where they can't "simply" use "will/patience" to eat more, think of it like how you feel when your at the height of a sickness fever, your stomachs in knots, your throats sore and swollen, you try to eat and you feel sick, you can only manage a few mouthfuls. Now how would you feel if someone told you to use some will power and eat it anyway? Not the most useful advice is it?

**C_Bino** · 03-25-2008, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by Hudson

I don't think debating what the true definition of what a hard gainer is will help the guy, I'm sure everyone here knows what todapower means, also your phrasing "not having the WILL/PATIENCE to eat" is not only wrong but also ignorant, your missing the point and making it sound all too easy to overcome.

So the main problem was that I said the will/patience thing? Ok well I appologize if the original poster if offended. Not sure why you guys jump to comclusions so quickly without first reading everything though.

So me saying he doesnt have the will/patients to eat is wrong and ignorant?
Ok well let me QUOTE the original post to clear things up for you.

Originally Posted by todapower

and very little patents to take the time to eat.

Hmm the poster HIMSELF said he doesnt have the patience yet me just merely quoting him makes it wrong and ignorant. Well consider me staying out of this thread from now on since you guys are taking my words and either not reading them or just on your periods.

**C_Bino** · 03-25-2008, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by tjpatrick1987

This is True. I agree with C Bino...from personal experience Anxiety makes it really hard to eat...but if you over come your anxiety and get in the habit of eating more you will gain... Now your metabolism and DNA will determine if you are a true hard gainer ... like i said earlier in the thread i eat 3500 cal. and am stuck at in 132... my 200 pound friend eats 2500 and he maintains muscle and weight.....FINAL COMMENT TO POSTER: IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH YOU"LL FIND A WAY TO GET OVER IT AND EAT EAT EAT!!!!!NO ONE SAID IT WAS GOING TO BE EASY

Thank you, someone who actually read all the posts and didnt give analogies about quitting smoking or telling me my words are ignorant even though they came right from todapower.

**Hudson** · 03-25-2008, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by C_Bino

So the main problem was that I said the will/patience thing? Ok well I appologize if the original poster if offended. Not sure why you guys jump to comclusions so quickly without first reading everything though.

So me saying he doesnt have the will/patients to eat is wrong and ignorant?
Ok well let me QUOTE the original post to clear things up for you.

Hmm the poster HIMSELF said he doesnt have the patience yet me just merely quoting him makes it wrong and ignorant. Well consider me staying out of this thread from now on since you guys are taking my words and either not reading them or just on your periods.

Hey dude I don't want to start an arguement I was just trying to put across that I feel it's harder to overcome than you seemed to believe and that this guy could use a little more help than "eat more"

Yes he did admit to a lack of patience however I feel it would be better to try and understand his problem with patience rather than just say you need it. Also you didn't quote him, where did he use the word "will"? You dissected what he said and added your own words, thats not quoting someone!
BTW you stayed out of the thread for ages lol

**Hudson** · 03-25-2008, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by C_Bino

Thank you, someone who actually read all the posts and didnt give analogies about quitting smoking or telling me my words are ignorant even though they came right from todapower.

LOL who's having a period now!

**tjpatrick1987** · 03-25-2008, 11:37 AM

Grrr ... The poster is asking if an anti-depresent is right to solve his eating problem. The Answer to this question is NO! Like i've been saying and maybe i'll clarify myself a little more i am currently dealling with every problem this kid is having... I have anxiety and little appetite at times...I went to see my family doctor then went to psycologist for the FEB. and March... I stopped going because it was a waist. This is no Miracle cure. And anti depresents lead to more problems than they cure (not worth it at all).. The only thing thats gunna help him get over what he is dealling with is will power ( you gotta want it bad!!!!) This is your answer poster.... Also find people who are going to support you and give you encouragment.... Now get to work and eat (You gotta start somewhere)

**Hudson** · 03-25-2008, 11:52 AM

He hasn't mentioned anti-depressents, he asked about anti-anxiety drugs, they're different. I agree there's no miracle cure but maybe anti-anxiety drugs would give him a helpful kickstart, but that's something he needs to speak to his doc about. I appreciate you've not had any success with your doc or psycologist but just because it didn't help you don't mean it won't help somebody else. Sure he needs will power but personally I don't think it's the will power just to eat, it's the will power to get to the root of the problem, eliminate some of the stresses in his life, start a light exercise program and his appetite will then increase. You make a good point about finding people to support and encourage himm tjpatrick, that helps a lot, get rid of the people that stress you out and start hangin with people who make you feel good.

Good luck dude

**tjpatrick1987** · 03-25-2008, 12:48 PM

I ment anti anxiety perscriptions...He does need to talk to his doctor before making any rash decisions on his own. But i guess it was more of a suggestion because he wants to act natural instead of pilled up..but on Jan 1 2008 i weighed 114 because i was so stressed and couldnt eat..I smoked a little pot every now and than to help eat and sleep(this is not a suggestion LoL I no longer smoke).I slowly started eating a little more with each meal (SLOWLY)...And lifting upperbody with free weights (very small workout 4 routines 3sets-10rep) ... It took me a while to get to 3000+ calories..I still have trouble getting 3000 sometimes...but its march 25 and i weigh 137 and still making gains (my weight varies with my water intake)... I think this guy can do it on his own and i give him the support from one skinny guy to another... just start off small and SLOWLY work your way up..Theres a lot of good advice on this page....we need to hear more from ToDaPower if were gunna give you better advice bud..
Good luck
ToDaPower

**Hudson** · 03-25-2008, 01:00 PM

Congrats on the gains tfpatrick, sounds like you're well on your way to sorting the problem out. Yeah weed will defo help increase your appetite and help you sleep, you just don't wanna be doing that all day long every day lol It's also not gonna help the muscle building process, i'm sure you know that just wanted all to know i'm not endorsing doing it, but to be honest i do still have a few joints every now and then and hey wasn't arnie smoking pot at the end of pumping iron? Didn't seem to do him much harm LOL

Yeah come on todapower, lets here from ya!

**FallenWyvern** · 03-25-2008, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by C_Bino

I also NEVER said it was easy for him to eat more. So really I am not sure where your post came from as it doesnt even look like a response to mine at all yet you quoted me.

How, by me saying "not eating a lot doesnt make you a hard gainer," did I give any analogy whatsoever to smoking being an easy habit to kick, which I assume you are saying I think its easy for him to eat more when I dont personally have an anxiety problem.

Again, not sure where you pulled this out of unless you accidentally quoted me.

My bad. Being a former hard gainer, I kinda get annoyed with the "just eat more" thing.
There is a difference between not wanting to eat more and eating more and still not gaining weight. That's all I think you were trying to say.
I kinda wish everyone claiming hard gainer would write down everything they ate for a week and count up the calories.

**novastepp** · 03-26-2008, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by InsaneInTheMembrane

I wish I had that problem

and i wish i had those mad grammar skills.

**novastepp** · 03-26-2008, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by todapower

I am beginning to believe that my anxiety might be the culprit to why im such a hard gainer. I have very little appetite and very little patents to take the time to eat. I speak fast, move fast, think fast which makes me feel like im burning calories. I get very little sleep and the sleep I do get is not deep. The lack of sleep effect me the following day. When I think about it, everyone I can think of that is manic is very slender. I wonder if an anti anxiety drug is the cure to my difficulties in gaining weight. The last thing I want to do is be on a drug that would alter the way I naturally am, but im beginning to think it might be beneficial.

so are you eating a lot of what? post up your diet. from what you said here sounds to me that you just plain aren't eating enough.

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