Stress and lack of appetite

[Feelingdreadful22]

Those who have lack of appetite when stressed, how do you stay well and eat enough?

id really appreciate any tips and suggestions of how to make myself eat and what to eat.

Disordered eating all life and tend to revert to starving self in times of stress/change/lack of control.

suffering badly with anxiety, constant feeling of dread in stomach, abdomen pains, dry mouth but know not eating will make it worse.

anything I eat is like chewing cardboard.

any tips please?

I eat weetabix and bananas and soup. Allow myself any and all sweet foods. Try to drink yoghurt drinks and smoothies. Reassure myself it will get better. Very occasionally have an aperitif as appetite stimulant.

And control as many parts of my life as o can, particularly things that are good for my mental health eg exercise, being outside and seeing friends.

Anything that slips down.
Sherry is said to be an appetite stimulant.

Thanks both.

anything I try to eat feels like it’s taking an age to go down?

I avoid alcohol as alcoholism in family.

Try eating things with really strong flavour and texture. Bland, mushy stuff does nothing for me when I've lost me appetite. I find salt and vinegar crisps,and celery sticks stuffed with blue cheese or chilli flavoured nuts all tick the box for me.

@AtleastitsnotMonday Genius salt and vinegar crisps! First thing I’ve fancied in a week, not that I have any in but it’s an idea.

I struggle with compulsion not to eat, like something bad will happen when I’m anxious but really trying to not give in ☹️

OP I can empathise. I have a similar reaction during times of stress. For me, sometimes it helps to treat myself to something special eg some comfort food (instant ramen!) or maybe a a nice meal out.

Are you exercising? Something vigorous like running/swimming etc might get your cortisol down.

Maybe try small things that pack a punch like protein - chicken breast, fish, egg on toast?

And reassure yourself when you’re eating - notice the thoughts that tell you it’s dangerous to stop, rest and nourish yourself. Reassure yourself that it’s okay, nothing bad is going to happen, and the more you do that the more you’ll train your brain that the experience of eating = safe.

Soup and high protein yoghurts

My elderly DM has disordered-eating & bouts of gastro-enteritis. In between, she's 'ok' & eats just enough. But she now has one/two Complan sachets a day to make sure she gets enough nutrition on her 'off' days...

@FuncaMunca re comfort food I LOVE pizza normally but just couldn’t eat it once I’d bought it. I feel like I have a block to letting myself enjoy anything.

@Heroicallyl0st ive managed to get myself to work today and walked 10mins there and back on auto pilot. I feel vaguely sick and shakey so no real exercise.
im managing bits with the just eat just eat mantra.
the rest of the day I must have said ”stay in the moment” in my head a million times!

@Ilovemycat1 and @Mother87 Thankyou.

you wouldn’t believe I have a responsible job, I feel such an idiot 😐

Feeling sick constantly and diahorrea every morning doesn’t help ☹️

There’s that Huel stuff which is meant to be complete food in a drink.

Have you tried taking omeorazole for stomach acid op? I find this is worse when I’m stressed and gives me the runs.

@MaryBlighthouse I think I have a hull shake in the fridge, might try that.

@Haggisfish3 no I didn’t think of that, you’re probably right re acid as tmi very burny! I’ve got horrible right sided mid back pain associated with it too.

im such a moaner. Hope everyone is having a nice day.

I have Greek yogurt with honey and plain biscuits or a small bowl of cereal
My appetite vanishes so easily as I'm getting older
I can't stomach any hot drinks and stick to diluted squash