[Tumnus]

I've read that one of the symptoms of depression can be weight gain or weight loss. I seem to trade on and off between the two. Has anyone else experienced that? I currently experiencing gain thanks to all the carbs I'm eating. I think I want to hybernate for the winter. There's snow and ice on the roads, which I'm not comfortable driving in and it's mostly dark and dreary. I think it would be nice to be a bear right about now. Thick fur, cozy den, no obligations.

[cantstopcrying]

Got room in that cave for another? I feel the same way---except I am used to driving in the snow--which makes me hate it even more!! I used to be a severe non-eater when stressed...then I lost so much weight and was so skinny, I couldn't have a bowel movement, I could hardly function, I scared myself....now food is comfort for me....I get depressed I eat, I gain weight, I get depressed because I gained weight, I eat, I gain weight....see where this is going? I'm there with you. "Eating by the light of the moon" is a wonderful book about emotional eating. Read it, loved it, still emotional eat though.

[JudeeB]

I too eat for emotional reasons. When I am lonely and down I eat comfort foods like carbs and sweets. I eat way too much, and have 50 extra un-needed pounds on me to prove it. When I am angry I want salty crunchy stuff.

I am a compulsive overeater and addicted to sugar. It's loneliness and depression that really sets off the cycle. Years ago in a 12 step program for overeaters I learned that I see food as safer than people. I can count on ice cream to taste good. I didn't believe I could count on people for anything. So when life happens I run to the fridge instead of people or a Higher Power. After years of building a better relationship with my HP my first thought and action can still be head to the kitchen.

I've never been too depressed or sick to eat. I remember in the old days when I watched soap operas I could not believe the female characters who at the least little upset couldn't eat. Were there really people like that?

And yes I totally relate to the eat for comfort because I'm depressed, and then get more depressed because I'm gaining weight because I am overeating. Oh Yes!

You are not alone.
Judy