Stress and Low Self Esteem

[Madysen019]

First things first. I have NOT been on top of taking my medication. And I know that’s why I’ve been struggling so much lately. But it’s not just that.

I have been having a really low self esteem and feel fat all the time. I eat nothing but junk food because I think it “helps” with my anxiety when really I only feel worse after.

My boyfriend says I’m not fat but that I’m thick in a good way. I know he means the best by trying to hype me up about my appearance but that word just makes me feel worse.

I want to be able to cope better because my mental health has been making me not go to work when I really REALLY need the money to pay off my final months rent and bills before I go to college.

And that’s the other thing. College. It’s coming up SOO fast and my boyfriend and I won’t see each other until December and he’s leaving on a 3 week trip to Ecuador. So when he comes back we will have A MONTH to hang out.

All these things are just stressing me out.

I don’t want to stop eating because I know I need to. But it’s hard for to eat healthy.

I need some advice on how to take of my self better.....

[Hidden]

Hi Madysen019!

For me, taking my meds is a priority! It’s not hard to do and it may help you. Next, you truly are what you eat! If you eat junk all the time, you’re going to feel like junk. Foods high in sugar and carbs (which you know turn to sugar) are going to hype you up and end up being counterproductive with your anxiety. You don’t have to eat broccoli all the time, just eat sensibly and steer clear of all the junk food. Not going to work may be a direct result of not taking your meds as prescribed and your anxiety getting out of control. Do your best to stop obsessing over the future...it hasn’t even happened yet! Focusing on the future is anxiety-producing and a waste of good energy. Take life on a daily basis in baby steps and stay out of the past and future. Live in today! Don’t worry about those things in which you have no control. That’s also a waste of time because you’re powerless in those instances. Try to learn how to listen to soothing music and practice relaxing and calming down. You can do this!! Take your medicine faithfully to get maximum results! Stay out of the future! Wishing you much success on your journey!

[Hidden]

Are you craving the junk food? Junk food like potato chips is usually high in sodium. Maybe you are craving salty foods?

[Madysen019 in reply to Hidden]

Not only do I crave it, but I just eat it because it’s quick and easy. My life is pretty much getting up early and working till the afternoon, eating one meal a day and then snacking at night. I think I have an actual addiction to it because I just can’t stop.

[Hidden in reply to Madysen019]

You aren’t addicted per say. Your taste buds are used to the high salty taste. So when you eat normal food it tastes bland and unfulfilling. So you eat the junk food to get the fix your brain craves. Try eating junk food that is lightly salted or has no salt for awhile. Then substitute healthy snacks like fruit or even granola bars. Low salt almonds or pistachios are a good source of protein.