Can you lose your appetite in depression?

[Saumya7171]

Is losing you appetite normal in depression? I barely feel hungry these days and if I do, I binge eat. I’m not suppressing my hunger though.

[PastelPink20]

Yes. First off, I’m sorry you’re experiencing this.

It’s interesting to see and devastating to lose this balanced relationship with food. To eat at the same times in the day, to enjoy what you’re eating, and to be satisfied... those are nice things.

I don’t think it’s a conscious choice. I noticed that I didn’t want to eat. I thought maybe I ate enough earlier. But, it became clear that the stress had made food not a priority and the depression made food unappetizing.

I felt nauseated at the thought of eating.

I do need to make an effort to drink less things with caffeine that are a natural appetite suppressant.

Later in the day, especially if I haven’t eaten enough throughout the day, it makes sense that I stress eat. Even though I’m not hungry. I just want to feel better. I want to do something. I don’t consciously think that; I just do it.

This natural urge to not eat or to eat, it may be something to talk to a professional about or develop some healthy strategies to figure out how to best take care of yourself. We all need food to function!

There’s sometimes when we need to force ourselves to eat because our bodies need food. And there are also times when we need to do other things to help us because our bodies are full! I don’t know the science behind what happens to our bodies appetite / hunger sensor but geez. 🤔😅

[Saumya7171 in reply to PastelPink20]

Thanks! I really need to start making an effort to eat now

[PastelPink20 in reply to Saumya7171]

I believe in you! You can do it! Even if you eat a small portion of something (and end up throwing away or saving the rest), that is better than nothing.

Whatever food can sound or be slightly appetizing for you to eat some of it, that’s worth it. Even if it’s small things or peanut butter or whatever, if you can choose things with more calories for less amount then that helps. Like ooh nutrients. But don’t stress.

Your body is like a car. Car needs fuel. You need food. If you do end up eating food that gives you nutrients you need, then it might be easier to not binge eat(?)... because your body’s needs are getting cared for? Possibly? That sounds incorrect. I’m sorry idk.

Like if I don’t eat enough, then yeah the nighttime is when all the sudden I can eat so much. Like Im not even hungry but i keep eating. I know that’s not the same as binge eating. But, I don’t know because emotions and mental headspace are such a factor in all this.

If it helps, you could try eating with people who can distract you. That makes it go by faster or you can be motivated by social pressure to help you a little.

Or you can take a longer time to eat. So, the whole “smaller meals throughout the day thing” or just take more than an hour to eat lunch. Give yourself time however you can. Idk.

But again! You can do this!!!!!!!! You deserve getting cared for! Being intentional about drinking water or eating throughout the day is the equivalent of giving your body a hug! You deserve hugs!!!!! 💕

[PastelPink20 in reply to PastelPink20]

Also, if you drink coffee or tea or caffeine, then you might try cutting back. (If you’re addicted, then wean off a little... I don’t want you to get withdrawals).

Caffeine is a natural appetite suppressant.

So, if you drink coffee and have no appetite and don’t eat until 4pm, then that isn’t good. (That was me today on accident).

[Saumya7171 in reply to PastelPink20]

Yes! I forced myself to eat. I felt full the whole time today. It kinda sucked because I knew I needed to eat and this was just a feeling. I get your point. I’ve tried to eat in small quantities so I don’t starve!

[Antares__]

Heyyy

yes, this is completely normal when someone is depressed. Depression usually appears in extremes. Loss of apetite X binge over eating is a good example. Another one would be sleeping too much X insomnia or letting your place be really messy X anxiously tiding up everywhere.

[Saumya7171 in reply to Antares__]

Hey thanks for the response!

[FearIsALiar]

This is normal!

[Saumya7171 in reply to FearIsALiar]

Makes me feel better haha