Anxiety & eating

[Rachiie90]

I have been suffering with almost constant anxiety for the last few months. for the last few weeks I've been finding I get hungry every 2 hours or so. I don't think I should be hungry but if don't eat I get really shaky, lightheaded & feel like I'm going to pass out. I have had blood tests & they were all ok. now I think my anxiety is worse worrying about this happening.

has anyone else experienced this?

[JessF]

Hello Rachie, this may seem like a silly question, but feeling shaky and lightheaded is what happens usually when you don't eat enough. Anxiety can certainly affect your appetite, but it doesn't mean that your body doesn't still need food. Could this be what is happening?

[pipsy]

Hi Rachiie. Welcome here to the forums. I'm wondering if your Dr is prepared to work through this with you. You said your blood tests were clear. Perhaps your constant eating is either 'comfort' food or boredom. I would perhaps suggest you talk to your Dr about your anxiety. You are aware of your anxiety, are you aware of how it starts? Maybe if you kept a journal so you could record what starts the anxiety. Once you become aware that you're feeling anxious, perhaps the food keeps you from feeling anxious. It's a vicious, emotional merry-go-round where you seem to fluctuate between anxiety and food to control the anxiety. If it is boredom, have you considered joining a club or getting a hobby? I wouldn't suggest reading or watching t.v, both would invite eating. Are you married, can you discuss with partner how you're feeling. Perhaps ask the Dr for a referral to a therapist or psych. I would firstly suggest keeping a journal to record when (if possible) you can note when you're feeling anxious and, if possible, why? Once you know what the cause is, the food side can be controlled by eating carrot sticks, celery sticks, fruit etc. I do strongly suggest a revisit to your Dr to discuss your anxieties though.

Lynda.

[Rachiie90]

hi Jess

i feel like I am eating the same amount as normal if not more but my body doesn't seem satisfied it just wants more. I wondered if it was related to my anxiety because it's only really recently started happening.

[Rachiie90]

hi Lynda

i am currently seeing a psychologist for my anxiety, we have had 5 sessions so far. we touched on the eating issue in my last session but didn't really focus on it.

I have just started seeing a new doctor also who I feel I can trust. she had suggested changing my diet a bit to make sure I include a lot of protein & a bit more vitamin b. she also thinks it could be from stress releasing all the stored up sugar so that I am on a 'sugar high' then once that is used up my blood sugar drops quite quickly making me feel like that.

i can't seem to pinpoint what the cause of the anxiety is at this stage. (which is quite frustrating). but I think the journal is a great idea will definitely give that a try thank you 🙂

[JessF]

Hello Rachie, I'm not a doctor of course, but another thing to consider with high anxiety is that it puts your heart rate through the roof, much like exercise does. With your heart rate up, you're going to burn through a lot more energy. This could be why you're feeling like you need to eat more often. But it sounds like you're on the right track by getting diet advice from your doctor. I'd look into having some other healthy snack foods around like nuts (almonds, cashews) that are high in good fats and proteins and will help fill you up between meals.