Anyone else?

[A-HS]

Does anyone else struggle to have an appetite when going through bad periods of depression? I am already naturally thin and feeling the pangs of depression just makes food soo off-putting to me. I don’t share these feelings with friends anymore because they don’t understand and automatically bash me saying that “depressed people overeat” and think I’m lying about feeling depressed just because i am not turning to food. I just can’t bring myself to eat. Sometimes I’ll eat a snack around 1pm and another snack before bed. Some days I’ll actually have a meal. I just can’t find the consistency I used to have (I used to love fitness and was a regular gym goer) I know I have to eat and I know what I’m doing isn’t healthy, but I can’t bring myself to actually change it. It’s kind of like I don’t really care. How do I find motivation or my will to eat? I want my old life back. I just don’t like where I am in life right now.

[gerg]

I find that depression makes it hard to do a lot of things. Motivation is a major problem for me, it is one of the signs that I am in a low. I feel a level of confusion about things when depressed, whereas I am a go-getter when I’m not feeling down.

[Sianyreid]

Yes when im feeling low my whole appetite goes and i just have nill interest!

[SadMax]

Yes, I have also had weight loss & disinterested in food with depression. I lost about 35-40 pounds in a couple of months. The idea of cooking was off putting. The smell of food a turn off. I have gained back 10 pounds so at least it does not hurt my skinny butt to sit. Luckily I was not skinny to start.

To keep weight on I try to eat high calorie foods so I don't have to eat too much. If you can find one or two things you like it helps. Maybe nuts, or a power smoothie. Good luck. And don't be bothered by what friends think or say. Lots of people mean well but are ignorant. Keep snacking.

[carrieblevins1998]

That's me right now. The look of food is sickening to me. I just try and force myself to eat.

[Jason28]

Hi, I know how you feel, I have a complicated relationship with food, I suffer from anxiety and depression and I can't eat either, I am afraid of being sick when ever I eat but I understand that depression does affect a persons appetite, it's a struggle to eat and it takes its toll as I feel exhausted every day so your not alone, I feel I can eat at night but not during the day, stay strong this is only a phase.

[Muchneeded]

Omg! I am the same way. The only difference is I’m a big girl and love to cook. When I’m depressed I don’t do either! I don’t cook or eat and my friends hate that because they say I’m the best cook on the planet. I usually make lunch for myself and my co workers and I haven’t eaten in about 3 weeks. I might have a snack once a day but can go days without eating. So people are noticing the rapid weight loss and asking me questions about being on a diet and stuff. It’s such a battle. I know it’s not healthy but the thought of food makes me sick when I’m depressed!

[Marshall64]

I tend to lose my appetite too during depressive episodes. Have you tried protein shakes? They are easy and will give you the calories that you need.