[mrstanyagregory]

Ok so I've lost some weight but I have an anxiety disorder too and have found that especially this week when I'm off work and decorating that I'm getting really stressed out about my eating, I'm just so freaked out with everything else that my weight is going to have to come second.
I am officially ditching the diet. I'm hoping to start up again when I go back to work next week but my mental health will have to come first.
I'll see how it goes.

[Rosinante]

I agree with you, that mental health is paramount.

I offer one observation from my own MH point of view, and that is that once I get a handle on my diet, my mental health improves; but that's just me.
Good luck with the decorating!

[beerab]

Even if you don't drop the diet you could at least try to be conscientious of your diet. You know, you don't need to count every calorie but at the same time don't need to eat half a pizza or a box of doughnuts

Good luck.

[MzHopeful]

I have anxiety issues as well, but I guess mine more lead into the social aspect of the realm of anxiety. I have found part of the reason I got heavy was my coping mechanism for being at high stress and anxiety levels was eating. It was a comfort thing. I have also found in times where i've lost 10-20lbs before that my anxiety decreses with the weight loss. I feel more confident, and happier.

This in no way is me trying to say you are like this as well, just thought Id share how my anxiety and weight gain/loss seem to be connected.

I hope you can find a way to balance both out. Id maybe talk to your doctor and explain that your anxiety is effecting your weight loss goals. Your doctor may be able to help.

And on a side a note I wanted to congratulate you on your 22lb weight loss! That is amazing.You should be proud of yourself. That is a great accomplishment.

[mrstanyagregory]

Thanks.
I seem to be finding that the more weight I lose the more anxious I'm becoming, apart from working I'm almost housebound now and only go out when theres someone I trust there I think it's because my anxiety is mainly social and as I lose weight and look better people might expect me to become more confident, I'm not.
I strongly believe that my weight gain was brought on (subconsciously) deliberately as a way to push people away, the fatter you are men don't want to chat you up and people don't want fat friends. (I had a bad time as a child and I suspect I want to make myself as hideous as possible so no one will hurt me again.) my docs all know how I'm feeling I have new meds and we've discussed how when my mood stabilises I'll re-start the diet. Dill not go back to how I used to eat (10 doughnuts and a Swiss roll for a snack :-O ).
When I go back to work I'll start cutting down its easier when I'm not in the house and can't get to food easily.

[angelskeep]

Tanya, I hope you feel better.

For what it's worth, I have found that there are only a few kinds of people...a few will love you no matter what. Most will not care at all. A few will hate you no matter what. Sometimes when I feel anxious around other people, I remind myself that they likely fall into the middle category and are so busy with their own lives that they don't have time to worry much about the things I imagine they are thinking about me. I know there is more to it than that, but maybe it will help you a little.

Barb

[Marci123abc]

Don't give up! I've been having a sucky day, but I just figured out s because why. It's because I am going through withdrawal. Last week there was a lot a weight loss and this week none. I haven't been able to focus on my work becauses I don't have the tools to get through it, like a donut. And I can't do my constant snacking on stuff.

[Ky30]

Hey I feel for you but YOU can NOT let anxiety win sweetie then you wont even be living your life I speak from exprience. I have had anxiety since I was a teen I use to get so sick to my stomach about going to school etc. Even as an adult I only wanted to leave the house to go to the store, take the kids to the doctors, or sometimes go somewhere to take the kids. I worked from home too. Well then my Grandma dies in 2007 and I realized I wanna LIVE my life not just live in it. So that next month husband got a job out of state I was scared to death as I have lived in the same state all my life but I did it I was scared to death but guess what I made it and nothing happened even made new friends, then I decided to learn how to drive 4 months later after we moved talk about panic central even had panic attacks thinking about it but I knew I had to do it and I learned how to drive and got my licenses and did it I just would tell myself I WILL NOT LET ANXIETY CONTROL ME ANYMORE I CONTROL IT I'm happy to say I have been med free since then I drive go out more even bought our first home working on losing my weight then going back to school because I know I will feel even more confident about myself. You CAN do this and please dont let anxiety control you once you overcome it you will be MUCH more happier.

[cat90]

Hi Tanya
What meds are you on? because they obviously aren't working :-( I have panic/anxiety attacks too. I have to take lorazepam to get on a plane but they work its a terribly debilitating illness. I can honestly say its ruined my life I hate it I love to travel but the first thing that comes to mind is i'll have a panic attack others talk about going to Hawaii and Mexico and are so excited I'd love to go then the dreaded fear comes into my head it stops me from doing a lot of things I want to do so unless I can drive there I tend not to go people look at you like you're mad its alright for them they've never experienced it and can't understand how frightening it is why is being at home stressing you out? you would think that would be the last place you would be anxious is the decorating not going so well? so you're eating or is it because you are home and feel you can't control what your eating? if so, get out of the house go for a walk or shopping. Get some fresh air clear your head. Try and relax Take it easy

[EsmeCullen]

I have panic attacks and generalised anxiety disorder.

Its hard to not reach straight for food when feeling anxious - but I keep remembering that bad food choices and not feeling better after it only makes me more anxious about my weight.

I push through it. Pick up a health magazine...remember what I am doing it for.

[xpiratex]

I agree, well done on your weight loss so far. Was it a week or 2 weeks you were off work? If you're starting back up when you go back, then I don't think there will be much difference in weight gain so if you've put on a few you know exactly what to do to get it back off again because you've already done it :] Chin up, you can do it!

[Sunshine73]

I've suffered from generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder for years now. I know it can be so incredibly overwhelming. I hope you can find a balance that will allow you to be healthier both mentally and physically.

[IslandVet]

Hi Tanya,
How I could I resist a post titled "I give up?" Hang in there sweetie, it will get better. If dieting just seems overwhelming right now, have you thought of just keeping a food journal and not counting calories? Or even just working out and disregarding diet altogether until you get yourself in a better place? Maybe something like a yoga DVD can help you relieve some stress as well. Good luck!