Why does anxiety cause loss of appetite & how to get it back?

[Chicken_Wings]

Every time I get bad anxiety I completely lose my appetite.
Just the smell or thought of food makes me feel sick. But after a while, my body starts to tell me it wants food, even though I can't bring myself to eat it.

The hunger pangs begin to feel a lot like the anxiety itself, so I find it makes me worse.

Does this happen to everyone? And if so why and what can you do to get food inside you?!

[Guest_1055]

Oh CW how I remember you. A massive hello to you. Hope you have been coming along okay.

Oh big hug for you.

Shelley xx

[Chicken_Wings]

Hi Shelley,

It is wonderful to hear from you again.

im having a bit of a low at the moment, not eating again. But I’m working on it.

[TigerRoo]

Hi, I read your initial post and your recent one. I am also in the early stages of your complaint too suffering from anxiety/depression and recently loss of appetite. I would just like to ask you if you are receiving professional assistance by way of a therapist and/or psychiatrist? I am seeing a therapist and psychiatrist and they have been very helpful to me all though the loss of appetite is something that had developed recently and I have an appointment on Monday 28th may. All the very best to you.

[Faye1]

Hello I am struggling myself with food where I want to what but like others have said I struggle to. Every mouthful makes me want to cry. I force myself to eat three meals a day but only healthy food and even then I have a massive surge of guilt and have to exercise to compensate. I have seen a GP a week ago so I am still in the early stages of dealing with this but I am having a bad day today and am stuck at work and feel like I can't escape my own thoughts. I admit its a relief to hear that others have the same symptoms as me and have found a way through. I really just needed to talk to someone about my feeling right now as I try and make it through the rest of the working day.

[Speak Your Truth]

Hello FayeDiamond and everyone

i have problems with eating too, and have lost weight, though not as bad as I have been. Eating a little bit of protein, no matter how small, does help me. Also eating a little of something you really like is good, but try to make healthy choices. Junk food - fatty things, very sweet things are not good choices. I live alone, but find it easier to eat if I have company.

i hope this helps. look after you

[TigerRoo]

Loss of appetite can be related to any number of things. First step - your GP. Diagnosis with then determine where you are heading. I my case anxiety/depression has been a side effect of an operation and I have need to see a Therapist and Psychiatrist. The loss of appetite has recently sprung up and I will discuss this with my psychiatrist tomorrow although I took a half of an anti-depressant pill and it appears to have gone a long way to restoring my appetite. Regardless, we all need professional advice and not 'internet' solutions. Good luck to everyone.