I've stopped eating

[leakybucket]

Posted in mental health but not much traffic.

I've stopped eating due to a break up and a spiral into depression. I haven't eaten for two days now. I need encouragement to get out of bed and make food.

What are some of your favourite foods to eat?

You are important and you need to look after you. What do you think you could manage OP? Buttery toast? Biscuits dipped in tea?

Just wander down and have a little something.

Poor you, that sounds miserable. I've been quite stressed recently (family issues) and it's easy to slip into not eating if you don't feel hungry isn't it?

I made an effort to cook, because I enjoy cooking and then ate because it felt silly to cook and not eat!

But if I were you, I'd have a piece of toast and butter, something that's comforting. I always feel a bit teary when I haven't eaten, so you might find that having something helps a little bit.

He's not worth it, you shouldn't be feeling like this over the loss of someone who never deserved you to start with. Make an appointment to see the gp, depression is very fixable and doesn't need to take over your life.

Sorry you are feeling so tender.

When I was at my worst, I still made myself eat one (ready) meal a day. Or, at least, most of it. Not great but just a little something. Take care.

What food make you feel safe? Mine are dippy eggs and toast soldiers or Heinz tomato soup with bread dunked in. They remind me of what my mum made me when I was ill as a child. You need something comforting to see you through this time.

What about watching a cooking show? All that beautifully cooked food always piques my appetite. Maybe order something for delivery?

I’m sorry you’re feeling so low right now.

I have been the same of late, and have lost a lot of weight due to anxiety. When I really can’t stomach food, meal replacement shakes have helped. Could you try those?

Oh lovely. You can do this. I once spent a few miserable weeks not wanting to eat because I was so sad. The dull pain of the break up seemed to mask hunger. I lost weight and looked awful. To get me through I drank chocolate milkshakes and ate chicken nuggets. Not sure why eating like an obese child was what I wanted to do but it was. Get a supermarket delivery if you cant face going out.

One step at a time.

Me too op
Heartbreak diet isn't good though. I last ate a meal on Saturday lunchtime.
But I've told myself that I need to have tea and toast before bed tonight and that's what I'm going to do. Join me?

Can you start off on milky drinks, cocoa or a coffee made with warmed up milk?
Hope you're feeling better soon.

When I had depression I ate a lot of shop bought sandwiches. I just couldn't face the process of preparing food or clearing up. I also bought plastic cutlery and plates for ready meals. It sounds ridiculous but it was the only way I could function.

You need to eat. Think about what's the easiest way to make this happen. Forget about nutritional quality - what do you enjoy eating that won't be a burden?

OP do you have a diagnosed eating disorder, or do you suspect it? You say in your other post you don't deserve to eat. I think everyone posting is trying to be kind but may not have understood what you mean. You need support in RL - are you taking medication or under a GP or community nurse?

Start with a glass of water, if you’ve not had enough to drink you’ll feel even less like eating. I’d also recommend the easiest possible thing to grab - crisps/biscuit? Sending a hug.

@Leakybucket, I stopped eating due to break-up stress ten years ago. It made me feel like I could control something of an awful situation but honestly, it made me feel worse. Not eating, as you know, makes you feel cold, tired and weak at a time when you're already feeling about as bad as you could possibly feel. Logic starts to go out of the window after a couple of days of not eating and you end up feeling more fragile and vulnerable than you did to begin with.

Please try a little something, even if it's just a slice of bread of toast, or a piece of fruit or yogurt. Nobody expects you to cook and eat a 3-course meal.

Same applies to @dancemom. Maybe you could get together via the message funtion on MN and have a slice of toast in each other's virtual company?

Definitely soup. Or could you face poached egg on toast? That’s my ultimate comfort food. 💐

Can you make some scrambled or hard boiled eggs? A hard boiled egg is easy to eat and has some good nutrients.

Also try things in small bites, like cheese and crackers.

Something like toast with butter and honey.

I'm betting that once you start, you will begin to feel hungry and want to eat. I have colitis and sometimes when it is flared I just don't feel like eating anything. I have to start small, with chicken noodle soup, yoghurt, toast, or crackers etc. once I get going I start to feel better and stronger.

Do you have any herbal teas like peppermint? Make a cup of tea and sip it.

You really need to push yourself to start eating and drinking. It is very dangerous not to.

I hope you feel better soon.

Oh love.

So sorry you are going through this and you have been very brave in recognising your danger signs and posting.

Make a mug of hot choc with milk and a biscuit to dip in?

Or put together a plate of tiny portions of things that are easy to eat, half a biscuit, one slice of cheese, 2 cherry toms, and just nibble them without thinking about it watching a good distracting movie.

Sending

Another thought. Get up and take a nice shower or bath. You will feel fresh and clean, which is a good feeling. You are worth it. Baby steps.

Tea and plain biscuits (Rich Tea for preference) is my go-to when I can't face eating. Or ice-lollies, bit of sugar to give you the energy to think about something more substantial. The first few bites are the hardest whatever you choose, get it over with is my advice as the longer you leave it the harder it gets. Sorry to hear about your break up, sending a hug in the hope it helps a bit.

Uber eats. You have to get up and answer the door that way because you’ve paid for it!