Stress Center Peer Support

I'm new in this program and also my first week. I experience some appetite changes. Some days I'm very hungry and some day I don't want to eat at all. Those days, I eat for not feeling weak. Sometimes, I get diarrea which it's bad for my system. Is this normal?

I can't help but smile when I read your post. Not because of what you are going through, but because back in April I too was on my first week in the program and wondering/worrying about the same thing you are. YES, appetite changes are common and you will get healthy again as you learn your new skills! You are physically responding to the anxiety and or depression you might be experiencing. Before I started the program, I lost 20 lbs for lack of appetite due to my anxiety. Stick with the program and practice, practice, practice the skills you are going to learn. You're appetite will eventually balance out when your body isn't full of stress hormones and your emotions have balanced out as well. In the mean time, what worked for me on days I could not eat is protein drinks (no added sugar), mild tasting fruit like bananas, apples and non-gaseous vegies. Hang in there, IT DOES get better!

I agree with paxcas above. When I am undergoing a period of anxiety my appetite pretty much disappears. When I start feeling better my appetite returns. Even when you don't feel hungry try to eat simple foods, like bread or fruit, and drink juice.

Gisella

paxcas is right that it will get better. There are alot of changes that occur with anxiety and depression and one of the big ones is within the digestive system. Stress responses will actually supress the digestive system which can make the body break down food a little slower. This is very normal. Food may still be in the stomach and our bodies tell us ok no we don't need anymore food because we already have some here.

As for the diharrea it does happen with alot of people and sometimes this is a response to a high level of anxiety which this might be what you are experiencing and it might not. I wouldn't be too concerned with the diharrea unless you're having it more than twice a week for more than 2 consecutive weeks.


Mike

by the way there may be a correlation to the foods you eat as well. It wouldn't be a bad idea to do a food journal to see if there are any patterns.


Mike