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How To Avoid Unhealthy Eating Habits When Under Stress Or Depression?
Question: Hi Dr. Bienenfeld,
I have gained and lost @100 lbs five or six, maybe seven times now in the past 30 years (I am 52). From XXXXXXX 2013 to May 2014, I lost 103 lbs; and since May 2014 (eight months ago), I gained it back. I eat a vegetarian lifestyle and do strenuous exercise while losing; and then I binge eat (mostly fast food and junk food) and become sedentary and severely depressed while gaining it back. Every time I lose the weight, I swear it will be the last time, but this next time it needs to be. I have never experienced any other issues or side effects from my behavior, until now.
My BP was 172/110 this week and forced me to an urgent care facility, who recommended the ER but I refused for lack of insurance and a means of payment. Although I have always suffered with anxiety, depression and headaches, I'm suffering like never before for two years; since I got hurt on the job and then fired. I'm still unemployed and fighting a legal battle with Workers' Comp for proper care and a settlement. I have had two surgeries, but the pain continues. My savings are gone, my credit card bills are mounting, and a year of back taxes remains unpaid. I feel as if everything is spinning out of control.
I found myself writing a will and preparing to die of a massive heart attack or stroke (while still over eating), rather than taking the necessary steps to correct my health issue. That scares me, because I have always been a "fighting for survival against all odds" kind of person. I am not suicidal, nor am I high strung and nervous; just pensive and accepting of pending doom.
That's not normal, is it?
I have gained and lost @100 lbs five or six, maybe seven times now in the past 30 years (I am 52). From XXXXXXX 2013 to May 2014, I lost 103 lbs; and since May 2014 (eight months ago), I gained it back. I eat a vegetarian lifestyle and do strenuous exercise while losing; and then I binge eat (mostly fast food and junk food) and become sedentary and severely depressed while gaining it back. Every time I lose the weight, I swear it will be the last time, but this next time it needs to be. I have never experienced any other issues or side effects from my behavior, until now.
My BP was 172/110 this week and forced me to an urgent care facility, who recommended the ER but I refused for lack of insurance and a means of payment. Although I have always suffered with anxiety, depression and headaches, I'm suffering like never before for two years; since I got hurt on the job and then fired. I'm still unemployed and fighting a legal battle with Workers' Comp for proper care and a settlement. I have had two surgeries, but the pain continues. My savings are gone, my credit card bills are mounting, and a year of back taxes remains unpaid. I feel as if everything is spinning out of control.
I found myself writing a will and preparing to die of a massive heart attack or stroke (while still over eating), rather than taking the necessary steps to correct my health issue. That scares me, because I have always been a "fighting for survival against all odds" kind of person. I am not suicidal, nor am I high strung and nervous; just pensive and accepting of pending doom.
That's not normal, is it?
Brief Answer:
Please seek help
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and thank you for your question.
I am so sorry that you are having so many problems. The problems that you describe with your eating and weight gain and loss can definitely take a toll on your health. It would be very helpful for you to have some long term counseling. A counselor that is trained in treating eating disorders could work with you to assist you in returning your eating to a healthier pattern. Depending upon where you live there may be counselors that you can see at no charge and I encourage you to seek one out and commit to the process of making a permanent change.
Your medical problems can also be treated and if you live in an area with a community health center you may be able to get assistance with free medical care and medications.
I think it is normal to be feeling overwhelmed with all that you have going on physically and financially but I do think that there is hope for you and I encourage you to work on getting the Workman's Comp settled and hopefully that will take care of some of your medical bills.
This is also a time that it would be helpful for you to use your social supports, friends, family, religious groups, meditation. What ever resources you can gather to help you through this difficult time will be a benefit to you.
I wish you the best and hope that you can get through this difficult time and have a good life again.
Please seek help
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and thank you for your question.
I am so sorry that you are having so many problems. The problems that you describe with your eating and weight gain and loss can definitely take a toll on your health. It would be very helpful for you to have some long term counseling. A counselor that is trained in treating eating disorders could work with you to assist you in returning your eating to a healthier pattern. Depending upon where you live there may be counselors that you can see at no charge and I encourage you to seek one out and commit to the process of making a permanent change.
Your medical problems can also be treated and if you live in an area with a community health center you may be able to get assistance with free medical care and medications.
I think it is normal to be feeling overwhelmed with all that you have going on physically and financially but I do think that there is hope for you and I encourage you to work on getting the Workman's Comp settled and hopefully that will take care of some of your medical bills.
This is also a time that it would be helpful for you to use your social supports, friends, family, religious groups, meditation. What ever resources you can gather to help you through this difficult time will be a benefit to you.
I wish you the best and hope that you can get through this difficult time and have a good life again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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