Stress Eating

loulee997 · January 15

My life has been a stress pit.

My dog of 14 years died unexpectedly. It's is rush at work and I'm working 10-hour days where I don't have time to pee. My new meds have made me super constipated. I renovated my kitchen after 22 years back in September. I didn't have any water in the kitchen until Dec 27th. I should be happy it's done---but the faucet and sink are defective. The dishwasher still isn't wired right. The drawer handle fell off.

The house is a mess. I'm still trying to get rid of construction stuff out of the way. It is such as small space.

And I'm just so tired.

I was doing okay until the dog died. I'm overeating.

Last night, I ate an ENTIRE thin-crust pizza by myself. Then I finished on the last of the chips. I didn't even want it but I was just so miserable. Today, I find myself doing the same thing. Just eating because I'm so sad and stressed.

My meds were helping with the binging but I had to take a break from them so I could finally use the bathroom.

I just can't stop eating.
Stress is killing me and I'm so tired. It's also 11 degrees out. I just need a break.

I know I'm the only one who can help me, but if you have any ideas,

I could use some help.

springlering62 · January 15

I can give lots of E-hugs.

I get it about the dog. Every time I’ve lost a pet, it’s been a huge hole in my heart, my life. I swear, once a week I do a doubletake because I hear something cracking seed in the corner where the bird was for years and years. I cried myself sick last month after our older, bite-y rescue bit someone on my watch and I had to decide push through versus turning him back in versus putting him to sleep? Pets own part of our soul.

Could you maybe focus on one thing at a time and try to conquer it? An elephant a bite at a time?

Could you get out for an evening, or spend some social time with others to get away from the stress?

Could you offer to walk a neighbor’s dog to have someone to cuddle?

Talking to my dog while walking (ultimately decided on “push thru” and he’s showing improvement) is a huge stress reliever for me. He doesn’t judge.

loulee997 · January 15

I have 2 younger dogs. But it is too cold for long walks for them right now. And I've done one day at a time in the kitchen for over 3 months. I've told myself things will get better. Things will get finished---but instead of getting anything taken care of--more things go wrong.

I have a few friends but they are busy themselves. They have no time to do anything social. It's dark at 5 PM. I'm working until 7 PM right now. It's cold. Work, school, and life. Plus two friends have family members in hospice.

And to be honest, driving in the dark is my least favorite thing.

I can't conquer anything. I'm waiting on contractors and electricians. I'm waiting on vendors.
I'd love to get out but I'll be working until 7 tomorrow.

I usually love to walk the dogs--but the one that died was the one who loved walking...and it's not safe to do long walks with the other 2 when it's below 12 degrees.

For the next few weeks or months, I'm stuck in this horrible limbo. At the same time, something else keeps going wrong.

sollyn23l2 · January 15

loulee997 wrote: »

I have 2 younger dogs. But it is too cold for long walks for them right now. And I've done one day at a time in the kitchen for over 3 months. I've told myself things will get better. Things will get finished---but instead of getting anything taken care of--more things go wrong.

I have a few friends but they are busy themselves. They have no time to do anything social. It's dark at 5 PM. I'm working until 7 PM right now. It's cold. Work, school, and life. Plus two friends have family members in hospice.

And to be honest, driving in the dark is my least favorite thing.

I can't conquer anything. I'm waiting on contractors and electricians. I'm waiting on vendors.
I'd love to get out but I'll be working until 7 tomorrow.

I usually love to walk the dogs--but the one that died was the one who loved walking...and it's not safe to do long walks with the other 2 when it's below 12 degrees.

For the next few weeks or months, I'm stuck in this horrible limbo. At the same time, something else keeps going wrong.

Unfortunately, things will always go wrong. I've often said life is just a series of really bad problems you have to solve. Until you die. Focus on the positive things you have. Yes, you just had a lot of stress renovating your kitchen. At least you have a home. Yes, it's 11 degrees outside. At least you can be inside and warm. Yes, your dog died. You still have 2 wonderful dogs. As for friends being busy... I mean, that's Adult life, so can't really help you there. And yes, it gets dark. But the days are getting longer now every day.

loulee997 · January 15

[/quote]

Unfortunately, things will always go wrong. I've often said life is just a series of really bad problems you have to solve. Until you die. Focus on the positive things you have. Yes, you just had a lot of stress renovating your kitchen. At least you have a home. Yes, it's 11 degrees outside. At least you can be inside and warm. Yes, your dog died. You still have 2 wonderful dogs. As for friends being busy... I mean, that's Adult life, so can't really help you there. And yes, it gets dark. But the days are getting longer now every day.[/quote]

And none that helps. I'm just sad. I'm sorry that I've been unable to just force myself to get over it...but trying to do that just hasn't worked.

I've tried looking for the rainbows...but it just keeps storming.

You've just made me feel even worse. Now I wonder why I even told anyone how much I'm struggling. Now I feel like an even bigger failure for not being able to pull myself out of it.

I wasn't going to say anything, but I'm so down and you've made me feel even worse. I'll live. But don't do this to people.

It isn't kind.

sollyn23l2 · January 15

loulee997 wrote: »

Unfortunately, things will always go wrong. I've often said life is just a series of really bad problems you have to solve. Until you die. Focus on the positive things you have. Yes, you just had a lot of stress renovating your kitchen. At least you have a home. Yes, it's 11 degrees outside. At least you can be inside and warm. Yes, your dog died. You still have 2 wonderful dogs. As for friends being busy... I mean, that's Adult life, so can't really help you there. And yes, it gets dark. But the days are getting longer now every day.[/quote]

And none that helps. I'm just sad. I'm sorry that I've been unable to just force myself to get over it...but trying to do that just hasn't worked.

I've tried looking for the rainbows...but it just keeps storming.

You've just made me feel even worse. Now I wonder why I even told anyone how much I'm struggling. Now I feel like an even bigger failure for not being able to pull myself out of it.

I wasn't going to say anything, but I'm so down and you've made me feel even worse. I'll live. But don't do this to people.

It isn't kind.

[/quote]

You're entitled to how you're feeling. They're your feelings. I can't help how you interpret what I'm saying. Please do go get some professional help, because you're clearly in a bad place.

kshama2001 · January 15

loulee997 wrote: »

My life has been a stress pit.

My dog of 14 years died unexpectedly. It's is rush at work and I'm working 10-hour days where I don't have time to pee. My new meds have made me super constipated. I renovated my kitchen after 22 years back in September. I didn't have any water in the kitchen until Dec 27th. I should be happy it's done---but the faucet and sink are defective. The dishwasher still isn't wired right. The drawer handle fell off.

The house is a mess. I'm still trying to get rid of construction stuff out of the way. It is such as small space.

And I'm just so tired.

I was doing okay until the dog died. I'm overeating.

Last night, I ate an ENTIRE thin-crust pizza by myself. Then I finished on the last of the chips. I didn't even want it but I was just so miserable. Today, I find myself doing the same thing. Just eating because I'm so sad and stressed.

My meds were helping with the binging but I had to take a break from them so I could finally use the bathroom.

I just can't stop eating.
Stress is killing me and I'm so tired. It's also 11 degrees out. I just need a break.

I know I'm the only one who can help me, but if you have any ideas,

I could use some help.

My dog's death was harder for me than my father's death. {{{{{ HUGS }}}}}

Stress, binging, and constipation are all medical issues. Do reach out to your prescriber. Are you in therapy?

I get that you're really busy at work. But if you had a melt down and were unable to work at all, they'd be worse off than if you worked less. Is this an option at all? I don't like driving at night either and reduced my hours so I wouldn't have to. I am fortunate to have had this flexibility.

The kitchen will get better at some point, I promise!

loulee997 · January 16

kshama2001 wrote: »

loulee997 wrote: »

My life has been a stress pit.

My dog of 14 years died unexpectedly. It's is rush at work and I'm working 10-hour days where I don't have time to pee. My new meds have made me super constipated. I renovated my kitchen after 22 years back in September. I didn't have any water in the kitchen until Dec 27th. I should be happy it's done---but the faucet and sink are defective. The dishwasher still isn't wired right. The drawer handle fell off.

The house is a mess. I'm still trying to get rid of construction stuff out of the way. It is such as small space.

And I'm just so tired.

I was doing okay until the dog died. I'm overeating.

Last night, I ate an ENTIRE thin-crust pizza by myself. Then I finished on the last of the chips. I didn't even want it but I was just so miserable. Today, I find myself doing the same thing. Just eating because I'm so sad and stressed.

My meds were helping with the binging but I had to take a break from them so I could finally use the bathroom.

I just can't stop eating.
Stress is killing me and I'm so tired. It's also 11 degrees out. I just need a break.

I know I'm the only one who can help me, but if you have any ideas,

I could use some help.

My dog's death was harder for me than my father's death. {{{{{ HUGS }}}}}

Stress, binging, and constipation are all medical issues. Do reach out to your prescriber. Are you in therapy?

I get that you're really busy at work. But if you had a melt down and were unable to work at all, they'd be worse off than if you worked less. Is this an option at all? I don't like driving at night either and reduced my hours so I wouldn't have to. I am fortunate to have had this flexibility.

The kitchen will get better at some point, I promise!

Already have therapy. I had to go off meds because of the side effects. Hopefully only temporarily.

I'm just going to see if I can just delete the post because this is just makes me feel worse. I knew I shouldn't have posted at all.

I'm just a little tired of how hard it all is.

loulee997 · January 16

I can't figure out how to delete the post so I'd appreciate it if people would just skip this post without replying.

AnnPT77 · January 16

I'm so sorry you're going through this, @loulee997. I don't have any great advice, but I'm sending hopes for improvement your way.

Adventurista · January 16

loulee997 wrote: »

I can't figure out how to delete the post so I'd appreciate it if people would just skip this post without replying.

You can flag your own post, choose reason to delete that it is your post. There is a comment box and you might be able to ask/have the whole thread removed.

Sorry to have made you upset.

larosita57 · January 16

Please don't delete your post. It really speaks to an experience that so many here have had, and is so human and important. I'm so sorry you are going through this. My mother died of a horrible brain cancer in October, and my already horrible eating habits got even worse. Grief sucks. I've had those "eat the whole pizza" days, and it doesn't help that it's freaking freezing outside.

You are grieving, and maybe already depressed before the sad loss of your furry family member. I think folks here are genuinely trying to help. Depression puts a gray filter on everything - everything seems unsolvable, impossible, bleak. That is your depression talking, not reality, much of the time. I say this as a therapist who has struggled with my own depression and anxiety. This pain will not last forever, although it may feel unbearable right now. I used the CBT app "Thought Diary" for a recent episode of severe anxiety and it really helped. There are other, similar apps. Filling your free time with activities that distract you and engage your mind can help too - something simple like working on a jigsaw puzzle, watching silly videos, etc. I wish you the best and hope you don't shut out the support that is being offered here.

elisa123gal · January 16

If some empathy and sympathy help... here I am. I can relate. When my little beloved dog died over a year ago.. i put back on all the weight i had just lost. Losing that little joy is what took away my desire to continue on my fitness path. I didn't purposely eat .. i just didn't care any more.
Iv'e gotten back on the path a few times.. and veer off.. but i keep trying. I have a new little dog now.. that has helped; i feel hopeful that maybe this time, I'm back on track for good.
Just keep trying... your grief is real and all you can do is your best. hang in there.

zebasschick · January 16

i put back the weight as my mother developed dementia, one cat had a rare heart condition that required expensive, frequent treatment and the other cat developed kidney disease. it was a sad and very difficult period.

your grief - the sadness and loss - will take time to process. i'm so sorry for your loss.

in the meantime, find lower-calorie foods you really like to substitute what you're eating. that way, you don't need to address your emotional eating at this point without eating too many calories. my go-tos including dannon light & fit yogurt (the cherry is my fave, the vanilla is a close second), juicy gels sugar free jello (i prefer the packs with orange and strawberry), the right pizza with a cauliflower crust can lower the pizza calories, and so on.

wishing you the best!

Stress Eating

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