Not Eating

[Sosmall]

Hi everyone,

When I am in the depth of my depression or anxiety, I find I don’t eat. The thought of food churns my stomach and makes me nauseous. This can go on for a week or more and, when it happens, it definitely impacts my ability to function as it feels like my brain is not “firing on all cylinders”. Does anyone else get this too? And are there “safe” foods that you can eat during these times?

[Metal13]

I have never experienced this with anxiety but I do have severe gerd and the only thing I feel I can eat sometimes is yogurt. I put granola in it. I don’t know if this will help you but I felt like saying this in a hope it may help.

[tommy2toes]

Good point about the fluid intake.

[Xene]

Hi, I’m kind of wondering what you mean exactly by “safe foods”?

[Sosmall in reply to Xene]

When I typed it, I was thinking of foods that were easy on the stomach (as in, easily digestible, don’t typically make people nauseous, etc.). Although I’m also curious about others’ comfort foods as well.

[Xene]

Right, thank you for explaining. Unfortunately I can’t eat solid food and have to live on food supplements either that or a feeding tube so I was going to suggest them as in Ensure, Sustagen, the types they use in hospital to try and get at least some sustenance inside you when you don’t want or can’t eat.

[Agora1]

Hi Sosmall, my daughter suffers the same when under the stress of anxiety. I always

remind her that food is not only important as a nutrient for the body but also the mind.

You'd be surprised in how eating small comfort meals several times a day can make a

difference in how you feel emotionally.

Some of the comfort easily digestible foods that the hospitals may offer are toast,

jello, scrambled eggs, hot cooked wheat cereal (according to what you diet is like.

Once you get some food into your stomach it will produce digestive juices that may

just stimulate your desire (hunger) for other foods. A Protein Shake can help with

the calories and nutrients you need between meals. Chicken Soup and Crackers is

another soothing meal to have. The most important thing is

letting your doctor know what's going on with your appetite,. His concerns will be

the impact in can have on your over all health in not eating for a week.

Start slowly and safely.

P.,S. Also using some Relaxation Meditation will help settle down some of those

tense stomach muscles. (these are on YouTube) Wishing you well. Breathe xx