sounds like spider veins..can come from anything from hormonal changes (pregnancy, post/peri menopause), to weight gain, long periods of immobility, tanning..etc..LOADS of women and men get them, especially with age..its normal and nothing to be embarrased about..if you really want to go the expensive route you can laser it out with a qualified professional..but if I were self concious I would get a self tanner to mask it.
As far as the weight gain, depression has a HUGE physical impact on the body..sleep disturbances caused by depression, feelings of not wanting to be active and remaining sedentary and the overproduction of cortisol increased by stressors can all reak havoc on your body and make it extremely difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Don't forget that all of these disruptions from your regular routine (especially sleep) will also affect your metabolic rate.
My advice is get some good friends you trust, or if you're into counselling that could be an option..surround yourself with positive people and energies..if you dont know what you are depressed about..remove yourself from your environment for a while..take a step back..and really pay attention..you WILL discover what is bothering you..then take the steps to correct it..your mind and body will thank you later..
dont forget how extrememly powerful the mind is..take control and keep on your program..don't let a mental state deteriorate what youve worked so hard to acheive....and give yourself credit each night for the hard work you did in the gym..even better make a list of 10 things you know are good for you but that you might not want to do, such as exercising, eating right, cutting out sodas and caffeine..and accomplish as many a day as you can..if not all..and truly be proud of your commitment each day as you acheive them..
the thing with depression is that you need to re-evaulate the way you process thoughts and feelings...a self-congratulating routine like this is a great way to re-program positive feelings into your daily mental repetoire. Think good thoughts, surround yourself with good people, and keep training..because exercise is one of the great healers..
almost ALL of the physical changes you encounter in your body are a direct result of your mental state..slowing your body down and speeding up the aging process..
hope this helps a bit.
good luck to you.
<message edited by Rosalynd on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 3:15 PM>