Does anyone else have anxiety?

Having counciling helped me with stress and depression...

I am 20 and was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder when I was 14 (though I started showing signs at age 10). I have tried several medications, only one of which (celexa) worked initially, but then tapered off and started to cause suicidal thoughts, so I had to go off it. I have been doing CBT therapy for almost a year now. I would highly recommend that. It has helped my anxiety a lot. I wish I had more specific advice, but it honestly took a while for my anxiety to improve, but it is still pretty terrible at times. I have also struggled with the behaviors you outlined, of being too stressed and snacking because of it, and that causing a cycle because it makes your anxiety worse.

I have struggled with anxiety in the past (not currently medicated, but am currently under an enormous load of stress with work), and I have a history with binge eating disorder, so I'm hardwired to eat when stressed or anxious.

What I do now is focus on calories. I don't have have the mental energy or time to be overly worried about macros, though I feel better with balanced meals, so I make an effort there. I follow the calories and stick to it. If I think I need sweets because stress, then I bake low-cal chocolate muffins. I can eat 5 of those for less than a candy-bar, and they are more filling and higher in protein. I'll stock lower calorie, more filling snacks - celery with nut butter instead of goldfish, etc.

But mostly, I have worked hard to get to the point where I acknowledge that the urge to eat is just an urge and that ultimately, I have control. So if I eat something, then I choose to eat it and understand the consequences. Sometimes they are worthwhile, other times, they aren't. If I have a bad day, then the next day, I shake it off and start over. That's the best I can do. Therapy may be helpful for you in this area - or it may not. When you are reaching for food, what are you thinking? Do you feel that eating helps you to control the anxiety?

Hi there, just wanted to add my solidarity, but I don't know how much help I can offer (I struggle with anxiety too). I know that I've been told I need to find ways to 'self soothe', I guess this would apply to you too, to find something soothing/calming that doesn't involve food, like visualisation, mindfulness/meditation, calming/uplifting music, going for a walk, having a bath, having a massage, etc, whatever you think would work for you. It's really hard to break a cycle of food providing comfort as it's a pretty primal thing, but nourishing yourself in other ways is a good place to start.

I suffer from CPTSD, not anxiety exactly, not depression exactly...

I don't know about you, but weight gain for me, was a way to get an instant hug when I needed one without having to try to rely on those who couldn't be bothered to see my boundaries or requests as "not about them". Asking for a physical display of support became an issue for some of those in my support circles when it became clear they wanted to prove how supportive they could be or were, or were more interested in keeping me in the hug than I was in still needing to be touched "that" much...Problem is, it's a hug that kills me cause I have to lug it around the entire day, all day, and my heart has to do all the extra work just for the five minutes of time that I want that internal emotional cushion to interact with. Secondly, I found that it became a dangerously addictive type of hug, one that could leave me feeling (stuffed) sleepy, helping me to bypass the actual physical work of stressing the muscle to release the physical pain and stress, then relying on my own ability and need to express that release through crying (I did NOT want nor feel safe being that vulnerable), in order to avoid the psychological work of thinking about the problem and finding "real" solutions (a.k.a. new friends, new boundaries with family, new place of employment etcetera) when I was simply overwhelmed and needing a break before I could find the resources to do another "rain dance" with my life.

I've found journaling far more helpful than therapy - therapy was good in helping me stay stuck I found...My therapist was more interested in keeping me a client than in really getting down to brass tacks with me about what and why I was choosing food over companionship.

If you are the kind who is capable of being open minded and re-wording things in your head as you read so that you're not choosing to take offence at others' differences or lack of awareness (or if you have some kind of religious or spiritual beliefs in the first place) I'd recommend Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" as a guide to follow for getting yourself into some meaningful journaling. Her program is 12 weeks, it took me a couple times to get through it all, has been worth the effort, and has left me with some changes that still surprise me - in positive ways.

I know that my own weight loss has nothing to do with my eating (I control that), it has nothing to do with my genetics (that's an excuse too), and it has nothing to do with medications (I don't take any). For me, my weight issues stem directly from emotional issues with trusting others to respect my boundaries - specifically men. My weight is a way to pretend I have a (male) companion (replacement family member or friend) who is willing to take the time to be a friend only, and not try to sucker his way into more by committing emotional enmeshment or co-dependency or rape. If I just don't go there, they can't use it to blame me for what they do that causes harm, right? *sigh*

I've found a way around that now that involves actual men (OMG, no, SRSLY?) Yep. I've actually managed to find at least two men now, who aren't gay, and yet, don't show any interest in me sexually. These two men work hard (I'm sure) at avoiding letting their eyes go ANYWHERE other than my eyes without first asking or having a valid reason to be elsewhere. They have learned through life experiences that members of the human race respond more positively to eye contact that doesn't have prior knowledge of body contact, when establishing trusting relationships...Neither of them says it in those words, in fact the one has said he's noticed that when women notice men looking that it always relegates those men to a different category, one that sys - you can have sex with me, but IF you do, I'm never going to take you seriously. Second, they're both "Men" who actually respect boundaries and like to know where those are so that they can feel safe and comfortable asking for what they really need too. In fact, they're both huggers, who like to know ahead of time, when to call it good, so we tap out of our hugs (agreed upon beforehand). It's been fantastic, and scary, and liberating, and inspires hope in me (which some days I resent, other days leaves me feeling terrifically enraged at those who have violated my boundaries) - but hey, at least I have people I can trust who are wiling to do the honest work with me now, and I'm getting over my issues in healthy ways.

Maybe your problem has some similarities to my own? As an "emotional eater" what is it you really need (a hug from someone who's not judging some aspect of you as "right/wrong" but instead is simply "being" there at that moment and in connection with you because you need and their grateful to be a part of your life?...), What is it that you're attempting to gain, that you don't feel safe asking for from anyone around you at this time, as a result of not having been able to receive in past in the way(s) you needed to have that need met, that you're using food to compensate for? I find that if I'm not sure what is going on, journaling is a good way to catch myself unawares and sneak up on the answer without realizing that's what I'm doing - I am rather smart, and my brain loves to help me deceive myself ^^ Having to challenge myself to think around the issues with Cameron's Course helped me to short circuit my own so smart brain enough to actually help me find answers. It might work for you as well. *shrug*

Congratulations on your successes so far; may you reach your goals a little more effortlessly each time you stretch outward.

Carry healthy snacks in your bag for when you are out and about.

I find doing something with my hands when I'm not busy at home helps. I play Scrabble (proper board game), knit or paint my nails so I can't eat.

As other people have suggested, do things for yourself that you enjoy that don't involve food or drink.

Just stepping in here to say that not everyone with GAD experiences anxiety attacks aka panic attacks. If I had, I'm sure I would be more open to medication.

I have a severe stuttering problem which is a huge red flag for my social anxiety. I've actually just starting seeing a Psychologist about it and keeping a blog.

I feel like overcoming this obstacle is much harder than losing the 200+ lbs that I had to go through......

If anyone needs any support, feel free to add me as a friend!

yes a mean woman I refer to as gossipy ho has anxiety she told me so herself. it is unchecked as far as I can see and causes her to irrationally fear six year olds and women an entire six inches shorter than her to the point of launching full scale campaigns against little boys that engage all her skills as an adult and an attorney. it's pepperdine versus a six year old and is shameful.

if you have anxiety get a handle on yours before you become something you don't want to be.

I've very recently been diagnosed with anxiety and depression issues.

I have often felt down and sad for years but could never quite put my finger on it. But when I started to have anxiety attacks I knew I had to get help. It feels like someone has their hand around my neck and there is a lot of pressure on my chest making it difficult to breathe. I get really tearful and scared and this makes my body start shaking and it just feels awful.

I have managed to visit my GP but am now waiting on a referral appointment to see a clinical psychologist.

A few things I've tried to do to help myself are to go for a daily walk (I try and go a mile), exercise when I can (do what you enjoy, dancing seems to make me feel better - I do this on the Xbox with Dance Central), not count calories (I'm now on MFP to give and receive support and log my activities), keep your hands busy (I have taken up sewing and am working on a little project) and breathing exercises.

People have said to me that although anxiety feels like it is hurting my body it actually won't kill me as it is my mind playing tricks on me. I just have to believe the feelings will ease and pass.
The best breathing technique someone showed me is 'rectangular breathing' - breathe out for longer than you breathe in.

I hope you find a method that helps you. We will get through it.