Most honest thing I've said

[Michdau1]

This may not sound like a big deal but it is for me. I love helping other ppl but really struggle to help myself one it comes to one particular issue. FOOD!!! Specifically comfort eating. I am such an emotional eater and it is 100% my coping mechanism. I've worked on my anxiety, PTSD, OCD etc for many years and have got to a better place overall which I am so grateful for and proud of too. I've discovered why I comfort eat and the extent of it. I understand how it affects my physical and mental health. I also have severe mobility issues so unfortunately exercise is it an option for me. Basically I've put on 7 stone since 2012 which is shocking and I look and feel bike. My self image is the lowest it's ever been and I need to find a way up from here. I guess my questions are 1) has anyone else got over comfort eating and how did you do it? 2) can anyone else relate to this cause it's seriously affecting my life. Thanks in advance friends xxx

[Michdau1]

I feel Vile not bike 🙈🙈🙈

[hypercat54]

H I can relate to that. It's common to comfort eat but the way to stop it is to tackle the issues that lead you to overeat and eat the wrong things. Then you have a chance to start changing it. Counselling can help with this. x

[Michdau1 in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you xxx

[You_Are_Loved]

I definitely can relate to the helping people more than helping myself. I tend to always be concentrating on how others feel and how I can help them but not how I feel.

[Michdau1 in reply to You_Are_Loved]

Maybe we just stretch ourselves too far sometimes xxx

[Snowyowl23]

Something that has helped me with comfort eating is to stop and ask myself (even outloud) ‘am I hungry right now?’ Like do I feel the physical discomfort of hunger pains? If not then I’m probably

Not ‘hungry’ but looking for a distraction. If that’s the case I’ll drink a glass of water or some other low calorie beverage and find something else to distract me. Hope this helps best of luck to you 🦉🦉

[Michdau1 in reply to Snowyowl23]

Thank you so much. I'll definitely try the water and the question to myself. Good advice xxx

[Kkimm in reply to Snowyowl23]

Sounds a good idea

[Magicdreamer]

I completely understand what you're saying as I experience the same especially when I'm at home with the folks. I'm now learning to comfort myself by soothing and running my hand on my chest like I would a child. It works for me because instead of comfort eating I recognise what's needed and then sooth. I still have my moments and smoke when I could be soothing but this all takes time and retraining. A good cry also helps Were all learning and you no different from me so thank you for sharing. Xxx

[Michdau1 in reply to Magicdreamer]

Thanks for the kind words and support. It means a lot to me. I've been feeling very alone with the eating and weight gain aspects of my anxiety but you have helped me loads XXX

[Magicdreamer in reply to Michdau1]

You're welcome. I also have low self esteem so totally understand. God bless. Xxx

[Michdau1 in reply to Magicdreamer]

😘😘😘

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Let’s turn your thinking around a little. First, you’re amazing for not being in denial and being brave enough to discuss. But, just like turning negative to positive words and thoughts this time we can no longer call it ‘comfort’ eating. Oh even saying that releases good feelings. It’s ‘self-harm’ eating. Of course you know the right foods to eat but when you ‘self-harm’ eat you’re not doing the best you can for you or the people who love you. You know when that is. You know what it is. I know mine. I never say that food comforts me. Just typing it gave me a rush and I thought about chocolate. I say out loud ‘I want to self-harm eat’. It’s the only time I say to switch a positive in my head with a negative but truthful word.

You’re more than this. There are so many humans that will hurt you. You don’t need to hurt yourself. You’re much too precious for that.

Strength, love, and peace to you

Doaty

[Michdau1 in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Thank you so much for your truthful and constructive words. They are very wise. I can honestly say that I think U've just helped me have an epiphany 🤗 You are so right when you say to change it from comfort to self harm as the food no longer even brings me comfort. Only guilt and feelings if self loathing. Tomorrow is a new day tho ❤️Thank you xxx

[NeuronerdDoaty in reply to Michdau1]

You’re so welcome. I want you to be healthy💛

[Michdau1 in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

I wish you all the best too XXX

[newbie56]

Michdau, i really do understand the "need" for comfort. It's sad and can be overwhelming at times, but the desire can be overcome. Two things work for me. A chronic kidney issue has necessitated a strict diet. The past 2 years have been difficult because I LOVE all junk food, especially sweets. But can't have them or I'll just want more. I'm almost 79 so you'd think I'd have learned self control by now. Lol... What helps me is prayer, yes Michdau. GOD wants what's best for us, so I ask Him for balance when I eat because I've suffered with a lack of control. I've lost 30 lbs and I'm at my best weight now.

Please consider this avenue of prayer a great way to start. After you loose a few lbs, it will be easier

Your story has touched me and helped me reinforce my goal. That is, to be healthier. You can do this ! Agape & Blessings.

[Michdau1 in reply to newbie56]

Thank you and keep well XXX

[marheart]

It's so much easier for me to help others than to help myself.

About 5 yrs ago I got rid of 94 lbs., on purpose. Didn't want to hide under that fat anymore.

My life changed in many ways. Anxiety came to live with me.

The real me was tired of complaining to myself about my self image. Now I still concentrate on others more than myself. However, any progress in the positive direction is positive.

I don't care what I think others think about me. I have serious health issues so I concentrate more on me than I do on others.

Don't wait like I did. Take charge of your life now to be the person you want to be. We only have today. Honor yourself for some thing good that you do each day.

Today I let the dirty dishes pile up in the sink and took a nap. That's how I honored myself today.

[Michdau1 in reply to marheart]

Well done on your success. You should be really proud of your achievements. It's really nice if you to share the advice so you are paying it forward. I love that. Thank you XXX

[marheart]

Thank you for the support. Much needed. Much appreciated.

Struggling with late onset Anxiety is exhausting and depressing.