Food & Anxiety

[Meowface]

Does anyone else find themselves obsessed with food when dealing with anxiety? I've had all extremes - avoiding food (and losing way too much weight), thinking about shopping lists/products all day, over eating, feeling anxious until I know what we're eating, over thinking eating out, meal planning or even when preparing food for others or even always going to the groceries. I think it's a control thing because it's something you can sort of have control over. Interested if anyone else relates to this pattern....

[MsPurple]

Hi Meowface and welcome to the BB forums

It sounds like you maybe (I'm not a professional) some form of distorted eating. I myself was diagnosed with an eating disorder years ago. It was horrible. I would obsess over food, be so scared to gain weight, would refuse to eat certain times of food, count calories, cook for others but not eat it myself etc. It is a horrible thing to deal with. But you can get help and you can get better. At the darkest part of my disorder I could never imagine getting better, or not being stressed over food. BUt it got better over time. It is better every day fighting it then losing to the bad thoughts in your head.

I suggest you discuss your concerns regarding food and your anxiety with your GP. They can refer you to a psychologist who can help. I needed help and I couldn't have gotten better without the help of my amazing psychologist.

I thought I should refer you to a few websites that maybe helpful

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-13/mental-health-conditions-in-young-people/eating-disorders

https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/

https://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/

If you have any questions regarding myself and how I go feel free to ask. I am here to help 🙂

MP

[BballJ]

Hi Meowface,

I can't say I relate directly to what you are saying but with my anxiety, when it is spiking, I find I eat a lot more food that I should to comfort myself however I do always like to know what is being eaten for dinner in advance and do get a bit anxious when I do not know. Anxiety has many faces and may just be how it manifests itself in you.

I do think it may be worth speaking to your GP about if it causing you a lot of grief as you never know what the relation could be between anxiety and thought food issues.

My best for you,

Jay