I'm refusing to eat and I am not sure why

[Gender Phoenix]

I can't bring myself to eat, to cook, to do much of any thing.

 

I have plenty of food, and I've been drinking soda but I just can't get myself to eat much and when I try my stomach feels upset but I think that might be psychological.

 

My depression and anxiety have been heightened lately while I'm also worried about my friends.  But I haven't ever gone so long, eating so little.  I have a fast metabolism and I'm getting progressively sicker.  How do I get the willpower to eat?

This is new to me.  I've never done this before, I've never stopped eating like this.

[VickySGV]

If it is really bothering you and you are getting sick to your stomach, call your regular doctor.   Also get in touch with your therapist, because it is following a pattern that happens when I am in my depressive episodes. 

 

While you are waiting for an appointment, probably via video or phone visit, divide your daily food into five portions that are smaller than your usual 3 meals, and eat the food at 5 times instead of 3.  Spacing meals out like that gives you the same nutrition, but you will feel satisfied and not stuffed.  I am diabetic and that is the best way to balance my blood sugar during the day too.

 

Your concern for your friends is understandable but if you have not had proper nutrition, you will not be able to do things for them that you want to do, and they need you to do.

[Gender Phoenix]

I'll try smaller spaced out portions.

Thank you for responding.

 

I had fainted twice from not getting enough calories for my high metabolism.

 

Its had been 2 or 3 days of that when I posted the opening. I've eaten small amounts since, not enough..

 

I'll try to do better.

The situation involving my friends got drastically worse before it got before it got any better, but I think where fine now for the most part.  My friends are like family, like a foundation.  I've not built up my own self esteem or willpower high enough yet and I know I need to because their friends not therapists, I can lean on them but I can't rely on them for my own happiness.

[VickySGV]

I am glad you are feeling better and the friends are doing better as well.  I can understand the problems that seeing people you love in severe distress can do to your eating and stomach. You are very right, that no matter how helpful to you they are, they are not your mental health care team whom you do need to listen to. 

I have to carry glucose tablets in my purse for first-aid use if I feel in danger of fainting or falling.  They are just a quick acting candy that raises my blood sugar just enough to get me to a healthy meal or snack safely.  Call your doctor and see if maybe you should get them or a quick protein source for emergencies.  I get the glucose in bottles of 50 for a couple of $$$ OTC.  The smaller, more frequent meals though are something that every one can use as a safety precaution. 

 

Take care, you are the ONLY YOU you have got.

[Dana Michelle]

What about trying milk and vegetable juice? That way you can get protein, calories, and nutrients quickly and don't have to cook or prepare food. It would probably be better to have solid food but if you need to eat but really don't have the energy to cook and eat, milk and vegetable juice will at least give you some nutrition.