what to do under extreme stress and grieving

I am so sorry you are having such a rough time right now. HUGS . . . are you a fan of smoothies/milkshakes? You can cram a lot of calories and nutrients into a smoothie (think peanut butter, milk, protien powder) and that might help you. I hope others have some good advice for you!

I don't have much advice for you, but I'm sending happy thoughts to you and hoping you pull through this quickly! I'd try to stick with the bland foods - saltines, soups, etc - things that are easy to digest so you can hopefully keep some food in you so you can kick whatever's getting you down. Wishing you all the best!

I had a friend who (when stressed) could only stomach what we now call a "white sandwich" - white bread, turkey and mayo. Not necessarily the healthiest thing in the long run, but in the short-term, better than nothing. Also - Smoothies are good (and if you can't bring yourself to make them - pick up some protein smoothies from the grocery store).

I totally agree with what each person said.

Exercise is a great stress reliever so I would really say start there... that should help you get a bit of an appetite. I also think the shake idea is a great suggestion. I drink a product called Shakeology that has tons of vitamins in it. Message me if you want details but that would at least give you the nutrition.

But also feel what you need to feel. You will get through it. I am sorry you are going through such a tough time. :flowerforyou:

So sorry things are tough right now. Hope it improves for you soon.

As someone with an anxiety disorder, I learned various grounding techniques to reduce my high anxiety moments. You can get some ideas here:

http://www.livingbydesignonline.com/ananga-living-by-design-blog/2008/12/6/how-to-control-anxiety-with-grounding-techniques.html

I would keep up some of the exercise if you can, because it does reduce stress. Perhaps just do lighter versions.

As already suggested, perhaps focus on some liquids (broth, soups, smoothies) as those are gentler on the stomach. Eat very small amounts.

What will help your body keep food down the most will be reducing your stress level as best you can. Anxiety is hard on the body, so it's very normal that eating is difficult right now.

Hugs to you.

Go talk to your GP. If you're throwing up after eating thats not good. They will advise you and monitor you medically. They may provide you with meal replacements if its getting very bad. They can also refer you for counselling if you need it to help deal with your stress issue. My GP is old and wise and has a great way of putting things in context and giving fantastic advice.

Don't force yourself to eat full meals. Eat little and often - this should help ease your nausea.

I have a friend in a similar situation.

I want to agree with the majority of posters on here in the techniques and suggestions for eating and stress management, especially those that recommend that you talk to someone to help you cope (professional or otherwise it's up to you). As a person who provides crisis and grief counseling, I just want you to know that what you are feeling and what your body is experiencing are normal responses to extremely tramatic events. While I don't know the details, I don't need to know them to know that your body, mind, and heart are trying to respond in the best way they know how to this event. I encourage you to find healthy ways to cope, no matter what they may be, in order to deal with this situation.

Commonly, when people react with their stomaches in times of crisis, we suggest that person seek out carbs (especially things like wonderbread, rice, and plain pasta) that will help to reduce the excess acid that builds up in someone's stomach during a time of crisis. It's part of our flight or fight response, and your body is preparing to burn some energy asap to provide you with the help to deal with this. You NEED to eat. Even if you follow the BRAT diet (commonly prescribed by doctors when experiencing stomach viruses or naseau), please eat. Reducing intake will do more harm than good to your stomach and your body overall. Give that acid something, besides your own body, to work on. Otherwise, it not only eats at the lining of your stomach, but also starts to get into your muscles and cause pain (this is common in children, especially in the legs).

You will also need to find coping and stress management skills that work for you, particularly ones that address the need your body is expressing. If your mind is wondering, give it a way to focus; if your feeling restless, give it an activit to do; if you're feeling tired, REST. Some people need to walk, some need to talk, some need to escape for a while, and some need to write/draw/etc to adjust. Find what provides your body a healthy way to deal with this time in your life.

I have a link below to get you started on ideas, if you need them. You also know where to find me if I can be of more help.

Lisa

http://stress.about.com/od/copingwithcrisis/ht/coping.htm

Stress and grieving is difficult. People have posted some very wonderful advice. Definitely keep up the exercise, as the endorphins released will relieve some of the stress. Eating smaller meals frequently, bland foods. Talk with friends, post on here, keep the communication rolling. It will help. Best wishes, you will get through this and be stronger and better.....and in the future be able to help someone else in a similar situation!