Dealing with Depression

Dear Michelle Valentine,
I've been so depressed for the past few months and I have no one to talk to. Ever since I moved to Orlando from my small hometown in Ohio, I thought that things would be more exciting for me here in Florida. But instead, I'm lonely, have gained over 30 pounds, don't go out on the weekends, and can't find a boyfriend. I know it has a lot to do with gaining so much weight, but I feel like I'm already out of control. What am I supposed to do now?

Cindy, Orlando

Dear Cindy,
First of all, you need to realize that you are not in a hopeless situation, and you definitely can change things to just the way you had envisioned them. If gaining weight is your cause for unhappiness and not being social, it will only take a few months of determination to get back where you used to be. Give yourself a goal weight and the date to reach your goal. If you start now watching what you eat and exercising diligently, by summertime you'll be in great shape for the beach. Joining a coed fitness club would be an ideal situation for you. You can work out, make some female friends to go out with, and of course, there will be dating opportunities with the men who work out there, too. And don't let your weight stop you from going out and having an exciting life! Get dressed up in form-flattering outfits; do up your hair and makeup, and-- smile, smile, smile. Project to everyone around you that your life is on the right track, and it's going to be great.

Amore till next week