Overeating When Anxious

[AliceIva]

I am 70 year old female. I am retired and live with my husband who I love. No marital problems, other than when my anxiety becomes overwhelming and I become depressed. I have a great family and have a good relationship with my adult children and their spouses and the grandchildren. I see them all frequently, even though some live far away. I had a successful career as a teacher of young children, which spanned over 35+ years. I loved being retired, as teaching had become very stressful in the last few years.

As a young female, I was a runner and thin. I could eat anything with no problems at all. Now, as an older adult, I find I can’t break the eating habits I had in my youth. I continue to walk, but can’t run because of a bad knee and plantar fasciitis in both feet. I am seeing doctors for both and do therapy for each. I notice that I overeat when I become anxious. I have successfully used meditation as a help to reduce anxiety. I also take the generic form of Lexapro, 10mg, which helps. I think my overeating from stress comes from my childhood. My mother and my sisters have had both anxiety and depression. I think I have the depression under control, but the anxiety/eating can be triggered by events such as the current Judge Kavanaugh hearing. I believe Ihave issues with my father, who’s no longer living and they way he verbally abused my mother. I can understand all this intellectually, but I still can’t control the “comfort eating.”

I have read about CBT and wonder if anyone has had succes with this as it relates to anxiety/overeating. Has anyone had similar issues for which you’ve had successful treatment?

[samjon1]

Sorry Alicelva for such fillings, I have no much idea about such situation but believe some other people on here can help

[Hidden]

I can relate to the eating , as I am also overweight and still trying to get there. Went to the doctor today and promised again to try. Exercise and eat better. Seems easy but not for me. But I have done it before and I know I can. Can you do any water exercise? It is easier on the knees and feet..

[AliceIva in reply to Hidden]

I did that thinking it would be best and somehow just water “jogging” pulled MCL in my knee. Ended up last week getting my first cortsone shit, which helped. I will try water again in a couple weeks. Thanks.

[bunnyc]

Sorry for your suffer. Several years ago my anxiety and depression got worse and I couldn’t help eating though my stomach hurt, like it would explode. Later when my life was more scheduled due to work, then it slowly disappeared. Maybe avoiding the situation that made you feel bad and stay at comfort zone could work. I wish you the best of luck with everything.

[Sccccc]

According to story you told you do not have big problems. Only you should fill ur life . I offer u travelling without make u tired. And if u feel you depression remember by your self you are on the % 4 luckiest part of women on the world. And 70 age is not to old on this time. You have more happy years on the future. Regards

[puglove0093]

Hi! I understand your frustration! I was on Lexapro for a year, and that caused me to gain weight. I am not sure if it has that effect on everyone, but you might look into it. It could NOT be you. The Lexapro made me eat A LOT and no matter how much I exercised, I still gained weight. And I feel for you with the current events. That is enough to make anyone anxious/depressed! I am praying for you, your situation and this crazy world. I hope this helped.

[YoooBaby]

Happy Sunday & Thank you so much for writing back. I really don't know how it works be on here. But it's most definitely comforting being able to talk to someone that has Acute Anxiety as myself. I haven't found much help from this issue being trying to do it on my own.