Depression and stress related eating

Losing a spouse is such a very hard thing to go through. I am only guessing that you are even more depressed gaining weight. I also struggle with depression at times and I definitely am an emotional eater. I eat to relax and I just love food! What helps me is to just keep reminding myself that I WILL BE MUCH HAPPIER IF I LOOK GOOD. It will increase my self confidence and I will feel better about myself. I know it is possible as so many others have lost so much weight. Its not like I have an incurable disease! Ive been at it almost three weeks and Im not too happy with my results. I have a few good days and then i will blow it. There is always food around since I have a big family and also take care of my sick mom. Im learning that I have to be very disciplined about what I eat and count and measure everything. Hope that helps. So sorry about your loss.

I have been where you are now. It is 7 years for me. My husband was in a fatal car crash. He was lousy with money which added to my anxiety. I don't know how long it is for you but don't try to make any major changes in your life the first full year. Let the dust settle a bit. Walking is wonderful to let you mind race. I don't recommend any fad diets. That will just lead to failure in the end which you don't need on top of everything else. Cut out one bad habit, binge food, whatever at a time and find an easy exercise you like. It is one step at a time; one day at a time even when you don't feel like it. Maybe there is a support group for singles in your area. I suffered from depression before the accident which of course got worse. Talk to your doctor. Maybe you need a med. temporarily to get your brain organized. One day down the road you will realize'"hey, today wasn't so bad." Hang in there. It does bcome more manageable.

I'm so sorry to hear that. I think bereavement is unique and it's very different to other types of stress or depression. I lost a sibling recently and the months of dealing with them being ill followed by bereavement resulted in some strange emotional eating in me and weight gain. A lot of the advice on here is about gaining body confidence, but when eating is attached to grief it's a lot more complex than that. All I can say is be KIND to yourself. You've had a really hard time so don't beat yourself up for not being able to always be completely in control of your eating. When you are ready eating healthily will be a way to be kind to yourself too. I use 5HTP sometimes and think it is worth a try. Give yourself TIME and your eating will get easier as your grief does. I'm going through bereavement myself and sometimes it feels like it will never feel better, but I have to believe that it will eventually. Be brave, you aren't on your own.

Please accept my condolences. My wonderful husband died a few years ago from a medical error. I sat in shock on the couch for a year, eating and staring out the window at the sky. It's good that you have pets at home. My pets have helped me. So have my close friends. I too no longer wanted to be in the house and eventually went back to college to work on a different degree. Nature is a great healer. I found walking outside a great help the first year and still spend as much time as I can outside. Grief is natural but so difficult. Remember that your husband would not want you to become unhealthy and fall apart. Best wishes to you.

Welcome back I'm terribly sorry for your devastating loss and may your healing continue.

Glad you are feeling like it's time to move forward with your own life.....

Wishing you all the best for achieving your goals.