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About Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist
Expertise
I have a degree in Psychology from the Sydney University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition. I am also the author of “GETTING OFF THE HOOK” which deals with the nutritional and psychological treatment of personality disorders. It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. I am interested in the relationship between nutrition and behaviour, and as a Probation ans Parole Officer facilitated groups for offenders, many of whom were alcoholics and drug addicts, sex offenders or compulsive gamblers, as well as the whole gamut of “personality disorders”. I am also the ex-editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia Newsletter, a quarterly publication dealing with hypoglycemia and related health problems. Its web site, together with a shortened course of PSYCHOTHERAPY can be visited at: http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Experience
Nutritional Psychotherapist

Organizations
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia

Publications
Book: GETTING OFF THE HOOK
Various articles in the Hypoglycemic Healh Association of Australia Newsletters

Education/Credentials
BA (Psych) Sydney University, Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr (International Academy of Nutrition)

Past/Present Clients
See My Career as a Nutritional Psychologist at: http://psychonutrionaltherapy.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-career-as-nutritional-psychologist.html

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Mental Health > Dealing with Depression > boyfriend depression

Dealing with Depression - boyfriend depression

Expert: Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist - 10/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: Lately my boyfriend has been telling me that he thinks he might be going through some kind of depression. He's going to school and works a full time job and spends the weekends with me. But lately his appearance has really gotten to him; he thinks he's fat. He used to be a really fit person who was very health conscious but now doesn't really have the energy or motivation to want to go to the gym as much anymore because of his work hours from his job. He has gained weight but isn't fat. He gets really down and is hard on himself. I try to lift up his spirits but sometimes i don't think it does any good. He says he's frustrated because he doesn't have any time to do anything. He works far from home and gets off late then has to do homework and says he feels bad because he can't spend as much time with me or to even rest at home or go workout at the gym. I suggested that we take a week off from seeing each other so he can catch up on homework and go to the gym. But he said he wants to spend time with me too. He says he may take off the next 2 months from school and try to concentrate on his physical appearance and go to the gym and have some time to rest from all the stress from work and school. He thinks he needs meds; I personally don't think he does but I'm no doctor. What can I do to help him. He doesn't talk to anyone about this but me and I think he keeps alot bottled inside. What should I do?

ANSWER: Hi Sasha,

Your BF is probabbly suffeing from hypoglycemia that can cause one to be depressed AND put on weight. Please read:

What is Hypoglycemia at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/what_is_hypo.html

The Serotonin Connection at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/serotonin_connection.html

Beating Anxiety and Phobias at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/beating_anxiety.html

Depression is a Nutritional Disorder at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/depression_disorder.html
Depression: a Disease of Energy Production at:
http://curezone.com/upload/PDF/Articles/jurplesman/depression_energy3.pdf

and discuss with a Nutritional Doctor, Clinical Nutritionist or Nutritional Psychologist. Most people can overcome the problem by adopting the hypoglycemic diet (See our web site)

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, I'll suggest that he look into the hypoglycemia diet. Also, when he gets in these mood swings; he often acts like he doesn't care whether or not he stays in our relationship. We've been together for a little over a year now and have talked about our future together and as soon as he gets in these moods swings; it's like everything we've talked about suddenly doesn't matter anymore. He was like this as well back months ago and got over it and now its starting all over bc of his weight issue. He doesn't communicate with me as much anymore and I often feel as if he's punishing me? We kind of got into an arguement 2 days ago and he hasn't tried to communicate with me; should i just give him his space and leave the relationship? I know he loves me, but sometimes I don't think he loves me as much.

Answer
Dear Sasha, You have to realize when you are depressed, it is very difficult to LOVE anybody or to be happy about anything at all. It is a physiological illness and cannot be controlled by talk therapy. He has to get better before he can commit himself to any relationship. Yes you have got to give him space, until he bet better.

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman

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