How to eat when depressed?

michellewong699

Hi everyone! I am new here, it is my second day!

I am one of those people that cannot stand the sight of food when I am emotionally distraught. I was clinically diagnosed with depression when I was younger and did not take any medication for it. I sought counseling for it, but discontinued it. It seems to have gone away on its own.

Last year, I was diagnosed with PMDD so two weeks out of the month, I become very depressed and anxious. Once those two weeks are over, it feels like a fog is lifted and I'm back to my normal, happy, and chipper self! Part of the reason why I want to lead a healthier lifestyle is because it is proven to minimize the impact of my PMDD.

Now, my question is: is there a way to make myself eat during these bouts of depression or a way to make food more enticing other than just forcing myself? Or are there things I can do to stimulate an appetite?

Here is a link to information regarding PMDD if you do not know about it. Thanks so much for reading this!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pmdd/AN01372

ArtGeek22

Hi! I have struggled with depression as well, but I would do the opposite, I would want to eat all things, espcially anything junky. However, my approach might work for you too. I had to get into a schedule. Breakfast between such and such hours, Morning snack at 10 AM, Lunch between such and such hours, etc. I also played around with my food, tried making things from scratch and play with flavors to keep myself entertained. Hope I helped, and good luck! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

P.S I found walking my dog helped! So maybe frequent exercise would help as well

cmriverside

I'd say, eat anything you can during that time. Exercise will help you feel better, and will probably stimulate appetite.

How about protein powder/shakes with bananas or berries or whatever kind of fruit you like. You can add a splash of oil for calories and necessary fat.

Eating a healthy mix of food will make you feel better - no matter how difficult it is - it will help balance those wacky brain chemicals.

In my opinion food, exercise, water, and sleep are the best medicine there is.

sarah44254

a schedule is really helpful

exercise helps lift mood, even PMDD mood (i've got it too, it is incredibly annoying)

exercising and eating per schedule, especially during the hard times where you just don't feel like you can do anything, should help you at least focus on the small victories you can accomplish, like 'hey, i ate breakfast and it was kind of healthy, awesome!' or 'yeah, i only worked out 20 minutes today, but i still did something!'

you can set phone alarms or other reminders to help you out.

littlebudgie

Sometimes you just have to force yourself. Sometimes I find that once I've started eating I get hungry, which is always a plus. When I'm really down, I try to treat myself to something I really enjoy, which tends to stimulate my appetite.

On the other hand, if you have absolutely no appetite, try drinking your calories. I find it easier to drink my calories when I really have no appetite (due to illness/depression) because I can spend ages with a cup of whatever and not feel like I'm taking too long. You can put tons of stuff into smoothies - fruit, veg, peanut butter, nuts, milk, yogurt.... Experiment while not experiencing PMDD to find out what suits you.

Try setting alarms on your phone to remind you when it's time to eat.

Also, talk to your doctor. There's a whole range of treatments for PMDD, ranging from simple exercise and diet, to supplements (calcium is supposed to be able to help), to medications. Given the female propensity for osteoporosis, the calcium route would probably be overall beneficial even if it doesn't help your PMDD.

michellewong699

Hi!!! Thanks everyone for your replies! It was very encouraging to hear all your advice (:

I will definitely keep a food schedule. It makes a lot of sense to do so, I don't know why I haven't thought about it before. Before I went off to college, I ate very regular meals but I my eating habits have been very sporadic since then.

Exercise and drinking smoothies is also great. I tend to "forget" to eat when I get really busy so a smoothie should be great on the go!!!

As for positive rewards, I am learning to do that slowly. I am used to punishing myself but now I am trying to turn that around and use the reward system instead. Its so crazy trying to rewire my mind to work that way, but practice makes perfect, right? (:

I'm very thankful for all of your replies! I wish you all good luck on your journeys and thank you for taking the time to help me out.

scarlet734

Hi ! I see a documental "Food matters" and in in speak about a vitamine b3 or niacine related to depresion, wach it and maybe try to consume, I really hope you´re better soon. the best