I went through a few bouts of depression over the past few months. Feeling over anxious, not being able or wanting to eat, crying a lot. All over something I now see as not being worth my time. It's ironic because now the effects of that depression are now the cause of what is making me depressed. Mainly in my looks. I've always thought myself to be very good looking, healthy looking, young. I had just turned 22 when this started and people had always commented on how I looked so much younger than my age.

During about a month period in October, I lost a couple pounds. Im 5'3 and weighed about a 110, I went down to a 105. Which I guess started my problem with my looks. I used to have a more heart shaped face because I have high cheekbones, and my cheeks used to be full. Now my face looks more oval, my cheek bones look sharper and I have deep circles under my eyes. My skin looks a little saggy and my pores are more visible. I've also broken out in a way I haven't known since I was 15 lol. My skin looks terrible.
I also have developed a wrinkle between my eyebrows and some lines on my forehead.

I don't really like to go anywhere anymore, do anything, I feel tired all the time especially my eyes. I don't understand how such a minor weight loss could be attributed to all the problems I am having, although I suspect the deep depression I was in and the anxiety are also attributes.

What's debilitating as well is that I had broken up with my ex boyfriend of 3 and a half years six months before this started and had only dated a little. My self esteem, body image wise has gone down so much that I don't want to meet new people. I went out with a girl friend the other night for her 24th birthday and people (guys) thought that she was 21 and that I was 24. I know that this is all superficial of me to worry about this, but honestly it does feel good to get it all out, I really don't like talking about my insecurities with people. I feel like I have a totally different face. I am afraid it will just get worse and I will continue to dramatically age.


My job requires me to do a lot of walking, and it's been hard for me to gain any weight. Anyways, thanks for reading about my problems lol :) If anyone has any suggestions they would be appreciated, I understand if there's not much advice to be given.

Anxiety,depression and not eating properly will make you look older. Are you getting enough rest? I hope you feel better soon.

I've gone through something similar. My mom recently died of cancer and I also went through a divorce. I lost weight, when I was already petite. I couldn't sleep. Stress wrecked havoc on my whole body. I had to start taking more naps. More sleep will help alot. I'd also get on a soothing skin regime. Start early in life. Find products with Vitamin A and C. I like Serious Skin Care, from HSN. Products with glycolic acid will help you look less ashen. Don't be so hard on yourself. Do things that help you feel less stressed and believe me, you'll start to find color in your cheeks again. Drink power smoothies, until you can gain some weight back. When I started gaining weight, my skin improved and my cheeks filled out.

I would like to say that I know what you are going through. I just turned 34 and I stopped my Mary K regimen because I ran out of product (orded and waiting desperately for stuff to come). Believe me you are a good looking person. 20 somethings always are. In your 20's 30's and so on you should always have a skin regimen. When you gain weight I'm sure you will see improvements. I have looked at overweight people and they have nice healthy plump faces. You can gain weight on chocolate chip cookies, fried chicken and donuts. If I were to tell God what age I would like to be in heaven I would tell him "keep me at 33" Cheer up and God bless. :)

go for walks, drink lots of water, eat lots of fruits and veggies, take fish oil or eat a lot of fish...this should help you and do something you enjoy!

Looks do change...a lot. I can look 34 some days and 48 some. My real age is 44. Its to do with how you feel inside...how well rested or involved in life you happen to be at the time. Good lord....you are only 22. When you are 62 you'll be laughing or frowning in dismay at this temporary stuff you are going through. Get a hobby...do sport....concentrate on work.....stop thinking that men complete you...they dont, they just add to your problems. If you ever find a playmate that makes you feel good about yourself 90% of the time and he asks...marry him and go on to the next phase of life.

Great reply Tracy !....I feel the same way ( and Im 42 !)....about how I look and age I feel !...and the rest of your reply was spot on !

deana

I can relate to this topic. I am 19 and well.. I have always been under high amounts of stress and anxiety, I have been working on that. from my freshmen year to my junior year I lost about 40-50 pounds and looked like a change person. Now I'm developing some cheek folds and it's really bothering me. I'm 19 years old. I'm considering putting some pounds back on just to fill out my face again. I'm thinking that maybe I lost the weight too fast or something. I really don't know, I'm extremely bothered by this. I don't even know if there is any logic behind gaining weight to lose it again only at a slower and more controlled rate. I'm really looking for some advice, as well. People have told me that since I'm young my skin will pull back together but in the last couple of years it hasn't. I have been under alot of stress and hopefully If I can reduce that that will help. Any advice would be useful

.....stop thinking that men complete you...they dont, they just add to your problems...... Ain't that the truth! :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: