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Does anyone else try to stuff their emotions down with food?

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Posted 12/28/2011 7:13 AM (GMT 0)
It doesn't work but I seem compelled to keep trying it.
Posted 12/28/2011 11:10 AM (GMT 0)
For me it is less about eating when I am stressed as eating when I relax after stressing.
Posted 12/28/2011 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
I eat when I am happy and eat when I am sad.........I was raised to believe that food would take care of anything.   If I was feeling depressed my Dad would not know what to do to help so he would go out and buy comfort food and say, " You need to eat, you will feel better. "

And as we all know almost every celebration, party, event includes food as the main event.  Family celebrations almost always are center around the meal - which makes you feel warm and fuzzy sharing a meal with the people you care about.

You are not alone in doing this but in reality, food does not cure our anxiety or depression, it usually makes us feel bad about our choice.

Look for other ways to deal with the anxiety and you will break the habit of eating when you are upset.

Kindly,

Kitt

 

Posted 12/28/2011 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, find me a person who doesn't from time to time! Sugar is my 'fix' I have always had a sweet tooth.

My husband, who was never really that into sweets, now craves them...but can't have them as he was dx'd as a Type 1 diabetic two years ago. He has never wanted chocolate, ect. so much...because it is forbidden...

I wonder if you are having a similar reaction? I am guessing that you are somewhat limited in what/when/how you eat as compared to before your surgery?

I am sorry that this has been a struggle. People with EDs (yep been through that therapy too!) are told to find distractions, enjoyable activities...things to fill the 'void' that we think food can fill. Meditating for several minutes will often cause the compulsion to eat to lift...just a few suggestions...but I know that it is really challenging, so my sympathies are right with you!

The holidays are almost past now, and I am sure things will get easier for everybody once the schedule is back in place.:)

Hugs,
S.C.
Posted 12/28/2011 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have the reverse effect.  When I am stressed out or having anxiety issues I can't make myself eat.  Nothing tastes right and I can't swallow it.
Posted 12/28/2011 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
That's true too! It depends for me...if I am having extreme anxiety, my system shuts down and says 'no way!' to food. When I was first struggling with panic attacks...I lost 15 lbs that I really couldn't spare.

If on the other hand, if I am just dealing with the everyday GAD...food is comforting...especially the aforementioned sweets.:/

My dentist is going to be rich...

S.C.
Posted 12/28/2011 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
I'm the opposite. When I'm depressed or highly anxious, I don't have much of an appetite. If I do eat, it's mostly a lot of "comfort" foods like chocolate and pasta. I remember one time being really depressed after the death of my sister and I had barely eaten for a few days. I called out to my mom, asking if she could make me some mac and cheese (I had a broken leg as well, which wasn't helping me because I felt even more helpless) to which she happily exclaimed that she'd be glad to make me some.

But no, I never really stuffed my emotions with food. It's always been more of a lack of appetite. But I do know people who will eat more.
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