[justmeandmyhead]

I've had problems with eating for a long time but I was doing okay. Recently I put on weight so I started to diet but it has now triggered off an episode of restricting. Ive lost some weight and created a weight goal which is far too low. Now I feel guilty whenever I eat and I'm severely restricting. I have a cpn but she deals with psychosis so I'm not sure who I should talk to about it. I'm not underweight so I don't think anyone will take me seriously. I'm really struggling with my eating and I need some advice on what to do and who to talk to. Thanks

[CANDC]

Dear Just Me, thanks for posting on PC. I think controlling weight can be tricky. Too little food and the hunger chemicals go wild. Best thing I found was diet with protein and small meals or snacks every 3-4 hours with no sugar and low carbs to keep hunger under control and keep blood sugar stable.

Keep in touch with other forums that feel appropriate to you

If a therapist or pdoc is available and something you embrace they can help.

If you want a first aid to deal with things moment to moment, this could help.

If you are starting to feel out of control, this breathing and counting exercise is aimed at refocusing your attention to a quieter place. You can't think of two things at once.
Breathing exercise
If you are feeling very anxious or angry or just want to calm down, you can try a breathing exercise that takes the attention away from the trigger of anxiety to a simple tool of counting breaths.

Find a comfortable position seated or laying down. Begin to relax your breathing. Silently count 1 on the inhale, and two on the exhale. Then silently count 3 on the inhale and 4 on the exhale. Continue up to 10 or until you lose the count then return to one. No judgement. I sometimes end up at 18 then smile and return to 1. The idea is to focus on the breath and the counting and not get sucked into the anxiety or anger trigger. Also works to quiet the mind.