Weight Loss Support Give and get support here!

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 09-07-2011, 12:24 PM   #1  
Up and at 'em...again!
Thread Starter
 
Snoofie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Smack dab in the middle, Newfoundland, Canada
Posts: 668

S/C/G: 203.4/170.4/140.0

Height: 5'0"

Default "Emotional eating" versus "emotional starvation"

I know a lot of people reach for food when they're down in the dumps/depressed...I'm wondering if there's anyone here who, instead (like me) tends not to eat much at all when they're depressed?

I've been unemployed now for fourteen months, and I'm not having much luck at all in the job search. My EI (employment insurance) ran out at the end of May, and I am now officially broke. I'm still living with my parents, because I can't afford to live on my own (they're even paying for my WW fees because I can't even afford THAT) and I feel completely and utterly useless a lot of the time.

But instead of eating *too* much (which I suppose is a good thing, really) I'm not eating *enough*. I just don't feel like eating. At all. So far today, for example, I haven't eaten a thing. And I honestly don't feel like eating. The thought of it doesn't appeal to me at all.

Is anyone else like this?
Snoofie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 12:32 PM   #2  
Moderator
 
Wannabehealthy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Home of the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins
Posts: 12,343

S/C/G: 217/179/142

Height: 5'2

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoofie View Post
I know a lot of people reach for food when they're down in the dumps/depressed...I'm wondering if there's anyone here who, instead (like me) tends not to eat much at all when they're depressed?

I've been unemployed now for fourteen months, and I'm not having much luck at all in the job search. My EI (employment insurance) ran out at the end of May, and I am now officially broke. I'm still living with my parents, because I can't afford to live on my own (they're even paying for my WW fees because I can't even afford THAT) and I feel completely and utterly useless a lot of the time.

But instead of eating *too* much (which I suppose is a good thing, really) I'm not eating *enough*. I just don't feel like eating. At all. So far today, for example, I haven't eaten a thing. And I honestly don't feel like eating. The thought of it doesn't appeal to me at all.

Is anyone else like this?
Sometimes when I'm upset about something I don't want to eat. Hopefully, that feeling won't last long, because it's really not good for you not to eat at all.

I hope things start to look up, soon!

Carol
Wannabehealthy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 12:43 PM   #3  
Senior Member
 
christine123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 318

S/C/G: size 12/size 2-4/size 4

Height: 5'5

Default

Geez I am sorry to hear about your struggles. I was also unemployed for some time this year and it was really rough on me. I hope things start coming together soon for you. Hugs!

As for not eating, it depends on the type of depression I am experiencing. Some types of depression make me want to eat and eat and eat! Some make me repulsed by food and I won't eat for long periods of time.

Maybe try sipping some protein shakes just to at least keep your energy up. I hope things turn around soon.
christine123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 12:50 PM   #4  
Dukanista
 
April Snow's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Denver
Posts: 2,547

S/C/G: high263/current257/ticker/198

Height: 5'7"

Default

I've also had times where I've been so upset I could not eat at all. I tried to get liquid calories in (Instant Breakfast, protein shakes, etc) and keep things like nuts or pretzels around so I could nibble a little.


Hope things turn around for you on your job search!!
April Snow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 01:05 PM   #5  
Vegalitarian
 
Astrild's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 269

Height: 5'8

Default

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I was really depressed last year and didn't even notice for a long time that I was eating very little. I lost a lot of weight, which felt good, but as soon as I started eating again it piled back on and then some. Try to eat at least 1200 calories, and take some of the suggestions above.
Astrild is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 01:05 PM   #6  
Senior Member
 
Dorian5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 426

S/C/G: 162/154.0/115

Height: 5'4"

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoofie View Post
But instead of eating *too* much (which I suppose is a good thing, really) I'm not eating *enough*. I just don't feel like eating. At all. So far today, for example, I haven't eaten a thing. And I honestly don't feel like eating. The thought of it doesn't appeal to me at all.

Is anyone else like this?
When I found out my highschool sweetheart that I'd been with for 3 years was sleeping with basically everyone (I had NO idea) I just stopped eating. I lost 40 pounds in 2 months, got down to almost 110. I remember it was Christmas because everyone was cooking this food I loved and they were all so excited to watch me eat it, and I would take a few bites just to make them happy. I went as far as to spit out chicken parmesan when my mother walked away -- it is one of my death row favorite foods. Just couldn't it eat.

I'm sorry that this is happening to you, it's a terrible feeling. Please DO try to eat something if you can, or perhaps drink something with some nutrients -- protein shake or ensure or even just some milk. SOMETHING so you don't wreck your metabolism or get very sick.
Dorian5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 01:13 PM   #7  
Wastin' Away Again!
 
Beach Patrol's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: on the beach
Posts: 2,313

S/C/G: 192/170/130

Height: 5'3" 50 years old

Default

I'm like that when I'm very sad. Such as when I lose someone I love or whatever. I just don't feel like eating at all when I feel sad.

But depression - real, clinical depression was different somehow. I just wanted carbs, carbs, more carbs on top of carbs. Weird. And probably part of the reason I gained up to 192 lb, I'm sure. And this is why I'm so utterly afraid to become depressed again, and it's something I fight against EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.OF.MY.LIFE.
Beach Patrol is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 01:14 PM   #8  
Senior Member
 
Esofia's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1,425

S/C/G: 128/127/110

Height: 4'11"

Default

Yep, I can go either way. Like other people have said, the not eating side happens when it's something much more serious. Try finding foods which are appealing even when you've lost your appetite (fresh, sweet, watery things work well for me - cherry tomatoes, sugar snaps [snow peas?], pitta and houmous for instance, with cherries, grapes or strawberries for dessert), and also try protein drinks. The less you eat, the harder it will get to eat, so try to get something down you at least and work from there.
Esofia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 02:10 PM   #9  
June
 
runningfromfat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Brasil
Posts: 2,620

S/C/G: 240/184/155

Height: 5'6"

Default



I'm sorry to hear that the job hunt is not going well. I hope it picks up for you soon.

Sometimes if I'm very nervous/upset I can't eat much either, especially if it's before something where I have to perform (major test, give a seminar etc).
runningfromfat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2011, 04:18 PM   #10  
Started IP 10/21/15
 
PreciousMissy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,472

S/C/G: 243/238.8/170

Height: 5'4"

Default

awww, I'm sorry to hear that you're depressed. I wish I had an instant magic fix for you.

I hope this doesn't sound too forward, but maybe volunteer your time. Sitting at home isn't going to help with the depression. Plus getting out there talking to people will help you network. Sometimes getting your resume looked at is all about who you know. I hate to say that because that type of thinking causes qualified people to get overlooked, but it does happen. Plus, while you volunteer and work you'll regain that sense of accomplishment, and the gratifying feeling of helping someone else out.

As others were saying, just try to eat something, even if you're not hungry.

Last edited by PreciousMissy; 09-07-2011 at 04:20 PM.
PreciousMissy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2011, 09:59 AM   #11  
Moderator
 
Wannabehealthy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Home of the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins
Posts: 12,343

S/C/G: 217/179/142

Height: 5'2

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by PreciousMissy View Post
awww, I'm sorry to hear that you're depressed. I wish I had an instant magic fix for you.

I hope this doesn't sound too forward, but maybe volunteer your time. Sitting at home isn't going to help with the depression. Plus getting out there talking to people will help you network. Sometimes getting your resume looked at is all about who you know. I hate to say that because that type of thinking causes qualified people to get overlooked, but it does happen. Plus, while you volunteer and work you'll regain that sense of accomplishment, and the gratifying feeling of helping someone else out.

As others were saying, just try to eat something, even if you're not hungry.
Volunteering is a very good idea! It gets you out where you can interact with people who just might know of a job opening that would suit you.
Wannabehealthy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2011, 10:22 AM   #12  
Senior Member
 
Scarlett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,247

S/C/G: 252/215/150

Height: 5'10

Default

I tend to overeat over everyday stressors but not over serious problems. ie I hate my boss vs my moms in the hospital.

I'm also unemployed and living at home. It has been a humbling experience to say the least. My situation has been keeping me crazy on track with my diet though. I keep telling myself that if I achieve my new years resolution of losing 60 pounds and reach the lowest weight I've ever been at (for my adult height), then the year will be a success no matter what happens with my career. It just gives me something positive to cling to.

Last edited by Scarlett; 09-08-2011 at 10:23 AM.
Scarlett is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:44 PM.


We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.