Loss of apetite

[Poland1590]

Hi everyone I have been terribly anxious about a number of things going on in my life right now, im 20 years old in college with a tremendous amount of pressure and so much could go wrong. I have been waking up and throwing up cause of my anxiety and then not being able to eat more than once throughout the day i have been smoking to try and calm my nerves to no avail. I cannot afford therapy or medication either

[masa2333]

I am so sorry you have to go through this, but I can tell you from my own experience that smoking will not help and it actually worsens the anxiety. I eventually quit smoking and I feel a lot better, I find that I now have choking sensation less often and chest pain also. Anxiety can affect appetite. I am a college student and should graduate this semester and I think all stress due to college is what triggered my first panic attack. You have to believe in yourself and give yourself time to heal and learn how to cope. Find books, reliable articles, studies ect. that will help you. You can learn breathing exercises and coping strategies even without therapist, you could find it on the internet or youtube.

[Poland1590 in reply to masa2333]

Okay thank you so much, I feel like if I tried to quit smoking my anxiety would be so bad I could not handle it, its every morning, freezing shakes and naseua out of just nerves, I dont know what to do

[masa2333 in reply to Poland1590]

I know I thought so as well but you could try to convience yourself that you’re doing it for your own good. Since I developed health anxiety I didn’t question my decision once... i really smoked a lot (2 packs a day) for 5 years, so I know it is hard but it i worth it... I also found that caffeine makes me more anxious too so I’m trying to limit my intake to one coffee a day...

[Poland1590 in reply to masa2333]

I was speaking about marajuana

[Beauty987]

Sorry you are having a hard time. I understand, when I am stressed I have very bad anxiety and panic attacks. I have learned over the years, though that not eating properly can actually make anxiety worse or even cause it. I read an article that told how it happens. When you are anxious, your body goes into fight or flight and you digest food faster. Your body is searching for more fuel (food to digest). When you don't eat, the anxiety just gets worse. I used to not eat when I was anxious because I didn't feel like it. Now I actually force feed myself. I eat yogurt, lean proteins like turkey and eggs and fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts. I avoid caffeine and sugary foods and drinks and white flour, pasta and processed foods. I also take probiotics. I hope you are able to get through this.

[Poland1590 in reply to Beauty987]

Thank you so much for that advice, before today I had eaten a strawberry and one slice of toast over two days, but my eating is starting to get back to normal now. I just actually cannot stomach eating ANYTHING when my anxiety kicks in, was never a good eater to begin with. Thank you for the advice though I will be sure to take you up on it friend!

[Beauty987 in reply to Poland1590]

I know what you mean. I had never been a good eater either. I had anorexia as a teenager and have always been on a diet. I would go all day without eating. Never ate breakfast before school, work, etc. But then I was diagnosed with Adrenal Exhaustion. I know it was a result of my anxiety and not eating. Now i don't have a choice. As soon as I get up in the morning I have to start eating small meals or I will not have the energy to make it through the day.

My husband ended up at the ER on Dec. 20th, and was transferred to a larger hospital in the city. He was in the hospital until Dec. 23rd. It was one of the most stressful times of my life. The last thing I wanted to do was eat. Food was like cardboard in my mouth. But I took my own advice. I forced myself to eat yogurt, apples, almonds, craisins, etc. and I can honestly say, it helped. It took about a month for my emotions to level off again. When I have a bad episode of anxiety, I don't immediately get over it.

I hope you feel better soon.

[Calm_mama]

HI Poland!

Have you been seen by a doc? Definitely need to see a doc if you haven't! Some anxiety is secondary to another condition (like thyroid problems or anemia, which are correctable)

Assuming you've been to the doc and have primary anxiety- Are you in therapy? It's the best. Specifically for anxiety as there is a therapeutic approach that is quite effective.

I agree you need to eat, in whatever way possible. Can you do some Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast during those periods where it is extra difficult to stomach food? They are like balanced meals in a glass, and go down fairly easily (especially on ice).

I'd stop the pot - you say it isn't calming your nerves and it doesn't seem to be helping your appetite, either, right? Pot can worsen anxiety in some people.

I have my favorite anxiety recovery resources on my profile. Look around the site- lots of pearls of wisdom here Keep us posted? Hugs~

[Poland1590 in reply to Calm_mama]

Hi, thank you for the advice, this site has actually helped me quite a but and I have been able to eat better now but I have not seen a doc or been to therapy, nobody really knows I go through this but me and the people on this site. As far as the pot, I agree though if I dont I will just get even more anxious. I have regular check ups though and they say I am all healthy, though I dont exactly mention that. Thank you for the advice!