I’ve recently found myself comforting myself with food. When I’m sad, bored, or angry, I go straight to the kitchen and eat something. I notice that I’m gaining weight, but I can’t stop myself in the moment. It continues like this for a while, then I try diets, but they don’t last long. Should I consider going to therapy, or do you think it’s possible for me to solve this on my own?
As far as I’m concerned, your relationship with food seems like it didn’t just start recently. It’s as if there’s a history to this emotional eating, but you haven’t noticed it. Perhaps something triggered it and you’ve only just realized it? I think you should think back a bit further, what has changed in your life?
So, for example, do you always eat the same types of things whenever you’re sad or angry? Do you crave sweets, salty snacks, or a specific thing all the time? Maybe figuring out where it started could help.
I used to be like that as well. Whenever I got upset with someone, I would finish a whole pack of chocolate. Eventually, I developed anxiety. At first, I tried to drink plenty of water and wait between meals, but I also went to therapy because I couldn’t overcome it on my own.
I mean, to be blunt, it would be better if you focused your mind on other things instead of dealing with food like this. In our family, for example, such things are very frowned upon. Even if there is a problem at hand, knowingly harming your health with food is actually a bigger issue, isn’t it?
You seem to have this vibe of blaming yourself even while writing this. You’ve totally entered the ‘I’ve gained weight, I’m eating but I can’t help it’ mode. But hold on, not everything is about control. Just the fact that you’re trying is important. I’m not saying therapy is a must, but getting support in a situation like this is not a sign of weakness.
Thank you for all the interest and comments. I also need to add that I actually didn’t have this problem before. I’ve noticed in the last 6-7 months that I behave like this when I’m experiencing serious stress at work or at home. I can also say that I don’t receive much support from those around me.
In such constantly recurring eating attacks, there can sometimes be high cortisol levels or insulin imbalance underneath. If you push yourself thinking it’s purely psychological, you might be overlooking a physical condition. If you can also get medical support, the process will progress better.