I suffer debilitating anxiety where I constantly fear my children are going to die, I have tried psychologically and antidepressants on and off for the past 25 years and it hasn’t helped, the anxiety also causes me to binge eat which is also out of control. What else could I try? 😢
3 Replies
This anxiety comes from somewhere.. did you have anxiety before this or was having children the trigger? A GOOD therapist will dig and help you uncover what led you to where you are.
So this also sounds like it's about developing those alternative ways of coping. Right now you are binge eating, which in reality is just an unhealthy way of coping. I would also ask you when this started. You need to build up your toolkit of alternatives and practice regularly. This includes learning what you can do when these negative thoughts arise.
Please do not give up on therapy, just find a good!! one and do not be afraid to search until you find the right fit for you. Not all therapists are a good fit or qualified in all areas.
If you have really tried everything, do not turn away from alternatives e.g. clinical hypnotherapist. Just make sure they hold 'clinical' registration.
Xx
Obesity will come with another entire problem of health issues. You binge eat because its comforting and takes your mind off being anxious. Sort the anxiety out first before you get further out of control. You may need different and stronger antidepressants. A new doctor and psychologist might benefit you.
Definitely seek more medical attention. I also have anxiety that is extreme at times over my cat & partner passing away. I have a tracker on partner's phone as he can't always be in contact due to his job (this was his idea, btw). You can get watches with gps watches for the kids, if they're too young for phones.
Definitely get some therapy, for the anxiety but also the binge eating. And maybe a dietician.
I started calorie counting when I was losing weight, I worked out exactly how many calories I needed (calculators on internet) & stopped lying to myself 😂
It worked super well, because I could have treats, I just had to account for them. And not list 2 biscuits if I actually had 6.
It will also give you something else to focus on.
I do have "as needed" meds for when it gets really bad; but I also got in the habit of going for a walk if I started having an attack. Either a proper walk around the block at home, or around the carpark at work. Find some exercise you can do if it hits while the kids are in bed & you can't leave - I pace up & down the balcony & up and down the stairs. It's kind of my version of "tapping" to distract myself.