I am going through a lot of stress right now. My hubby got transferred and we moved across the country. I left my family, my job, my friends, my doctors - everything. As I sit here, unable to sleep @ 2:30 am, my stomach feels like it is going to explode. I just can't stop eating. Chocolate, bread, fruit, cheese, junk food. I am afraid to weigh myself. I am even scared to go work out because I'm afraid I'll pass out! I'm out of breath and dizzy.

Since I don't drink (rarely) or smoke (quit in '92) or overspend (cut up the cards) I'm totally using food to calm my nerves, to be "company", to offset boredom. I feel so out of control it's really frightening.

Any advice, support, words of wisdom, anything would be appreciated.

How about someone going through a lot of stress too? I have eaten WAY too much lately, and can't seem to stop either. I just started teaching kindergarten and not only do I feel stress, I feel anxiety, depression, and overwhelmed. When I get home, all I can think about is eating because that's always been the thing that calms me down and makes me feel better. It's like the more I eat, the calmer I feel.

I hate it. I am fat, unattractive, and depressed. I see no way to stop this. I've researched the area I live in and found no place that can be of help for me. Have you? Maybe research doctors in your area.

Good luck! You are not alone.
Heidi

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for the reply! Y'know, I think it is just adding to my stress that I cannot for the life of me find doctors in the specialties I need! My doctors back home told me that they've had patients who moved to the city I have and they had a very hard time finding the right care. I finally got an appt. with one doctor who wouldn't see me until October! At least my docs back home are supportive and call me to check up on me. That's a blessing.

I really feel bad for folks without insurance - that is the FIRST thing I'm asked when I call around to see who's taking new patients! Even when the doctor wasn't on my plan list I offered to be a self-pay. Two offices weren't interested in "new self-pay patients."

Oh my goodness. It just gives me a headache thinking about it. Just makes me feel more alone out here.

Hi MissKoo Try doing something with your hands, knitting, reading a book, put a puzzle together, play a video game (if you have them) anything that will keep those hands busy. I like to draw pictures, write short stories or play games in the general 3fc forums. The night people will play with you.

Just don't watch any movies or tv, they backfire on ya!

Sometimes I feel like what I am going through isn't considered a "real" problem. There are places for those who won't eat, but not much (that is, around here) for those of us who can't stop eating. If I even hint to other people that I am trying to lose weight, it's the same thing....just eat less and exercise. They have no clue what I am going through on the inside. I am in ****! I want someone to tell me what to do for MY problem. I am so stressed out and tired after spending the day with 24 4 and 5 y/o's that all I can do is self medicate with food.

I have the insurance too. I can even pay out of pocket if necessary. There just isn't any place around here for me to go. It's so frustrating. I really, really want to get better.

Heidi

Ok, everyone ... stop! Take a deep breath! Exhale all those bad things you're thinking about (you know, "in goes the good air, out goes the bad air").

You can't solve the problems of the world right now. Your main aim is to get through this night intact, and you will. You guys, at your weights, are so much slimmer than me right now. You're doing great. I'm sending out my calming rays. Go to bed and sleep peacefully, k?

Okay ladies ----

like cj said - take a deep breath

You had a bad night - that is okay - it doesn't mean that you have to have a bad week or a bad month.

I think really you need to sit back and reframe things/put things in perspective. Your friends/family/old doctors are only a phone call away. You have the 3FC forum. You have your husband. There is no reason for you to hurt yourself like this.

Tell yourself this - you are NOT going to fail in your weight loss journey. You will succeed. You need to do some positive self talk - look in the mirror and tell yourself you deserve this. Prepare your meal/menu plan and your workout plan for the week or whatever routine you have had success with. Take your time calling around for doctors --- you will find one eventually... I mean it's hard not to have that support network that you are used to but take this as an opportunity for self-development and work on really strengthening your resolve. Remember - you are the one that has the ability to improve your situation - no one else.

You need to stop using food to distract yourself from boredom/stress etc. You need to find something that you can do when you stress out/get bored and think of your move as a time to start fresh. Maybe get a journal/diary where you can write your thoughts, look up local activities, find someone to call, take a walk around your neighborhood/at a park and do some deep breathing exercises, buy some books to read, take time to write a letter to a friend, try going to a spa or doing a spa treatment at home etc.

you ladies should consider joining groups like Overeaters Anonymous -- find out if there is a group in your area or if you can join their online program...that might help. Also try reading some of the recommended books as well in the reading material section. When I had a problem controlling my eating I got a big haul of books on overeating etc. and it really ended up changing my life because I finally felt I understood what was wrong.

How are you girls doing? I know exactly how you feel. I self-medicate with food on a daily basis and even though I have made some major changes in my life (quitting a job I hated and finding one I like, working out some marital issues with DH and going to a therapist who specializes in eating disorders) I still continue to overeat and gain weight. I am 30 years old and I'm so scared that I'm going to die any day because of my weight. I am just a hair away from 300 pounds which I said I wound never reach and I have diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, sleep apnea and PCOS. I have a lap band and even that did not help because I learned to eat around it. I am scared of getting heart disease or dying of a heart attack or stroke.

I read about this program and have not decided if I'm going to do it or not but I thought I would post the info so you could see if you might want to do it. You can do the first lesson (they are 1 week each) for free and I'm doing that right now before I decide for sure. I just don't want to spend another $120 on something that may or may not work for me. If it was guaranteed to work, I would spend 10 times that as I have many times before on other weight loss programs. This one seems different as it is behavioral in nature rather than just another fad diet, etc. Just go to google and type in shrink yourself. I am in no way affiliated with the program, just giving info that I hope may help you.

Good luck and please know you are not alone. If you ever feel like talking, pm me and I will be glad to listen because I understand where you are and what you are going through.