Hi S.J. I'm sorry to read about the depression (and perhaps anxiety?) you are experiencing. I think many people who've experienced depression and/or anxiety can relate. Self-medicating with food, alcohol/drugs, shopping, and many other things are pretty common, I think. They are certainly not limited to people with bipolar disorder. I think that in the end this type of self medication usually exacerbates situations, unless only done on occasion.

I hope you will discuss what you wrote here with a psychiatrist and/or therapist. I'm worried about what you wrote in your trigger section. Or at least I hope you will also talk to a friend, family member or hotline. Please stay safe. Things will get better in time. I was able curb self-medicating with help (at least mostly), and have even lost a significant amount of weight in the past.

There are depression, anxiety, and overeating forums on PC, too. Unless you suspect you have bipolar disorder, they may be equally or even more helpful.