Any depressed or anxious emotional eaters out there?

[Lozza_K]

Hi, my name is Lauren and I am new to this! I have had issues with depression and anxiety over the last 10 years and have just come out of a big and awful 2016 and am now left to pick up the pieces. I always seem to turn to food when times get tough - last year I was bullied in the workplace by multiple staff members in higher positions and also had to take on additional jobs as my boyfriend was out of work and I had to take on financial responsibilities. I gained 20kg last year because I turned to food to try and make me feel better. I have gone through this cycle before where I have gained and lost the weight and this year I am hoping to improve myself more and break this cycle that I seem to have started for myself. I was forced to leave my employment which was hard as the bullying got to a horrendous level (they were mental health professionals too!) I am now left starting 2017 picking up the pieces and starting over.

I am keen to know if anyone else out there uses food as an emotional tool? I would love to know ways of how you deal with this and if you have managed to find some healthy balance? My goal this year is to look after myself more both physically and emotionally and I am doing my best to take a step in the right direction. Fingers crossed!

[blondguy]

Hello Lauren, A very late Welcome to the forums and good on you for posting too!

My sincere apologies for you not having a response...we are usually quick

I do understand about turning to food as a form of comfort/coping. I had a relative pass away a while ago and found myself visiting the refrigerator way too many times....over and over again.

I wasnt aware I was doing it until my jeans didnt fit...I didnt know that my eating was a way of finding some peace and comfort to cope with what I was going through until I had a few visits with my GP

I had neglected to keep my regular counseling going a while ago until my GP gave me a 'kick' as a reminder. He has temporarily increased my anti-depressants to help me cope. He has also made sure I see him every 1-2 weeks to track my progress

There are many thousands of people that do what we have been doing where finding comfort in food. Even though it may be a pain Lauren, I hope you can pester your GP multiple times and get her/him on board to help. If you arent as lucky as I am to have a crackerjack GP, a counselor can be a huge help too 🙂

I have had similar bullying from the workplace and been patronised by others too. It can be soul destroying.

I am not necessarily pro-medication but my AD's have been a huge bonus where my recovery is concerned.

The regular visits to a doc...even just to vent can make a huge difference too

you are not alone here Lauren

my kind thoughts

Paulx