“Handling stress?”
I’m 32 years old. I have been stressed for the last couple of months but the last couple of days I can't eat. I’m trying to not have stress but I can’t help it, I need some help through counseling.
Female | 32 years old
Complaint duration: 4-5 days
Medications: None
Conditions: None
19 Answers
Councelor/Therapist|MentalHealthCouncelor/Therapist
Thanks for reaching out to us regarding your recent stress and lack of appetite. Believe it or not thats a really common problem stress can significantly suppress appetite and make eating feel physically difficult or unappealing. Here are suggestions to help
1. Remove any pressure to eat a certain amount. Focus on trying rather than succeeding. Celebrate small wins e.g., I had 5 crackers!
2. Deep Breathing Before Eating Take 35 slow, deep breaths inhale through nose for 4 counts, hold for 1, exhale through mouth for 7 counts to activate the relaxation response before attempting to eat.
This is really hard, and its not your fault. Stress physically affects your appetite. Dont force big meals. Focus on tiny sips and bites of easy things throughout the day, especially liquids. Hydration is the top priority right now. Please tell your doctor whats happening they need to know and can help you figure out the best next steps, including managing the stress itself. Be patient and kind to yourself
1. Remove any pressure to eat a certain amount. Focus on trying rather than succeeding. Celebrate small wins e.g., I had 5 crackers!
2. Deep Breathing Before Eating Take 35 slow, deep breaths inhale through nose for 4 counts, hold for 1, exhale through mouth for 7 counts to activate the relaxation response before attempting to eat.
This is really hard, and its not your fault. Stress physically affects your appetite. Dont force big meals. Focus on tiny sips and bites of easy things throughout the day, especially liquids. Hydration is the top priority right now. Please tell your doctor whats happening they need to know and can help you figure out the best next steps, including managing the stress itself. Be patient and kind to yourself
What state do you live in?
What state are you in? Thalassa Therapy, LLC Lindsay Nichols, LPC Therapy Nest 9666 Olive Blvd. Ste 370 63132 3144991060 Certified DBT Therapist Certified Trauma Therapist Certified EMDR Therapist Certified CBT Therapist Accelerated Resolution Therapist ART Polyvagal Informed EMDR Therapist IFS Informed EMDR Therapist Addiction Informed EMDR Therapist Trained in Flash Technique Trauma Therapy Substance Abuse Therapist Gottman Informed Couples Therapist
Please talk with a therapist. I don't charge. Parousia Counseling - Therapy - Colorado Springs, Colorado https://parousiacounseling.com/
It takes courage to reach out for help. I want to let you know that you are taking the right step to develop tools and skills to learn how to calm your stress and better regulate your nervous system. I can be reached at info@shariathomas.com or 678-61-9539 if you would like to start counseling. Take care for now!
First, make sure you congratulate yourself for recognizing that you have a problem. It's important that you take time to notice how you're reacting instead of just trying to push through. When you observe your behavior instead of trying to ignore it, you tell yourself, "I am important and deserving." Second, you're right, therapeutic support will benefit you. Sometimes, all it takes to reduce stress and anxiety is seeing it from a different perspective. In addition, your therapist will provide you with tools to help you navigate challenging and stressful situations so you'll gain a sense of achievement rather than a feeling of defeat. Most therapists will offer a complimentary call so you can determine your level of comfort with their approach. Honor yourself by choosing the therapist who allows you to feel safe, seen, and heard.
Understanding what is depleting you and triggering you to not eat is important. You need your strength and require nutrients to remain strong, your rational mind needs to find it's way back to you. What stress reducing activities can you participate in, what helps you stay grounded, what can be implemented right away that has worked in the past to stimulate your appetite? It's important to listen to your body, you may be misses those hunger cues? Stay curious, slow down your thoughts, breathe. When we are stressed are mind is in a very different place so why wouldn't your body be? Make food choices that are less demanding on your digestion. Stay hydrated with water, try smoothies and protein shakes. By you choosing something that is more convenient you can focus on your thoughts and feelings to get them more under control. By the way certain foods help do improve your stress, it's an opportunity for self care when you believe you lost your appetite. An appointment for counseling with a therapist can help you participate in a regular schedule arounds meals, understanding other signals besides hunger to eat and many other new ways to get your energy back to levels that allow you to make healthier decisions.
You always need to check with your physician first, to rule out any possible medical condition. I am unclear what you mean by "I can't eat" do you mean that you have no appetite or that you get sick if you eat. If you are having difficulty eating you need to make sure that you are drinking a sufficient amount of water and I would encourage you to drink something like Ensure. If you continue to not eat then you need to be evaluated by a physician or by a psychiatric hospital. You may benefit from going inpatient for 5 days to be evaluated and to explore the possibility of medication management. It sounds like you have both anxiety and depression that are present but currently you need to be stabilized before exploring something like "talk therapy." I hope this helps you out. I wish you the best.
I have some openings currently. My fee is $150 per session and $200 per session for weekends or evenings. 702-550-8773 Feel free to call, or text.
Good evening, I received your email concerning counseling for stress. My contact information is below. Please feel free to reach out via email, text or phone call. You can also go on my website to schedule an appointment. If you wouldn't mind providing me a little bit more about what you are experiencing that would be helpful as well as your name, phone number and where you are located. I am so glad you reached out and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Hi, thank you for reaching out. I'm really sorry to hear you're going through thispersistent stress, especially when it starts affecting things like appetite, can be incredibly difficult. You're not alone in this, and what you're describing is something many people face when stress builds over time. Its a good sign that youre noticing the impact and seeking help now. Counseling can offer a supportive space to explore whats contributing to your stress and help you develop tools to feel more grounded and in control again. A licensed therapist can work with you to address both the emotional and physical symptoms you're experiencing. If you're open to it, Id encourage scheduling a session with a mental health professional who specializes in stress and anxiety. You're already taking the first step just by asking for help. Wishing you relief and support as you move forward. Warm regards, Kimberly Richards, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist
I recommend using a resource like Psychology Today to search for a therapist. If you put in your zip code, then use the filters to narrow your search insurance, concern you would like to address, etc. If you are in local and would like to schedule an appointment with me please contact me call/text 913-533-7499 or email agape4allcounseling@gmail.com. If you would like more information about me please see my profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/angela-l-lake-overland-park-ks/484406
Hello,
Hope you have found a licensed psychologist in your area. Sorry for the delay in responding. Just came across your email. In case you are in FL give me a call.
Take care and remain safe.
Dr. Lata Sonpal
Hope you have found a licensed psychologist in your area. Sorry for the delay in responding. Just came across your email. In case you are in FL give me a call.
Take care and remain safe.
Dr. Lata Sonpal
Yes, of course, the first step is that you decided and it is your journey. Counseling is just like support. Find where it is stemming from and learn how to deal with it. First, talk to your main provider about a check-up. Then, get a referral to do telehealth with those like me.
It sounds like you will need a medication acutely in order to be able to engage in therapy. You will not be able to take advantage of therapy unless you are somewhat comfortable and not actively panicking.
Hi,
Good for you, good choice! You can find a counselor specializing in stress reduction fairly easily. There is so much stress this year, and fortunately many trained in dealing with it. I don’t know where you live, but that may not be relevant in this telehealth era. A good place to start would be at your local community hospital where they will likely have a list of appropriate counselors. There are also reputable non-profit referral organizations where you can search by topic (“stress”) and read bios of the people on that list. And, there are also groups that teach stress-reduction techniques/mediation/exercise, but those will not address your particular issues. Sometimes an individual counselor plus such a group is a very effective combination.
Good luck!
Peace,
Dr. Marian Shapiro
Good for you, good choice! You can find a counselor specializing in stress reduction fairly easily. There is so much stress this year, and fortunately many trained in dealing with it. I don’t know where you live, but that may not be relevant in this telehealth era. A good place to start would be at your local community hospital where they will likely have a list of appropriate counselors. There are also reputable non-profit referral organizations where you can search by topic (“stress”) and read bios of the people on that list. And, there are also groups that teach stress-reduction techniques/mediation/exercise, but those will not address your particular issues. Sometimes an individual counselor plus such a group is a very effective combination.
Good luck!
Peace,
Dr. Marian Shapiro
It sounds as if you were would definitely benefit by psychotherapy and probably also medication, at least initially. Many psychiatrists do both psychotherapy and prescribe medication when needed. Other times, the patient will see a non psychiatrist therapist for regular psychotherapy with periodic visits to psychiatrist to adjust medication. If you have not had a complete physical with blood tests, that also would be a good idea.
Sometimes by trying to be in control, stress can take the upper hand. With the focus on behavior changes and other approaches, I can assist you in feeling less stressed.
Dr. Numan
Dr. Numan
Where are you from? What insurance do you have? See this link for some help in dealing with stress...
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/about/copingwith-stresstips.html
If you live in WY, FL, or NC I am licensed and can help you - koehndj2@gmail.com
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/about/copingwith-stresstips.html
If you live in WY, FL, or NC I am licensed and can help you - koehndj2@gmail.com
