Depression and overeating are most certainly connected. Food is viewed as comfort by many people suffering from depression, and even if it doesn’t solve their problems, it does relieve pressure for a short while. Sadly, while the comfort last for only a short while, the extra pounds gained are there to stay, and they often lead to an even deeper depression.
Withdrawal from friends and family is also a symptom of depression, and in a depressed person’s “aloneness,” she sometimes turns to food and gives in to cravings to forget her problems. When a person suffers from depression, binge eating is often seen as a solution and the eating becomes uncontrollable – permeating every corner of her life.
Emotional “triggers” that sometimes begin an overeating binge can be exacerbated by depression. Something as simple and harmless as an aroma, or even the appealing look of food, could be too much for the depressed person to resist, and this factor alone can lead the depressed person to seek isolation even more.
While depression is usually associated with bad feelings, food is often associate with well-being, and unfortunately the depressed person can find refuge in food to feel better. Chronic stress can also cause depression and lead to overeating binges. If you are constantly under stress, and you feel that you overeat to fight the daily stress, you should be aware that there are several ways you can address your problem.
One way to relieve stress is through aerobic exercise. Along with the exercise, you’ll also get the added benefit of burning calories you ingested while overeating. One of the top benefits of exercising is the production of endorphins, which naturally fight depression and promote a sense of well-being.
One of the downsides of medications usually taken for depression is that, while they are effective in fighting depression, they can also make you gain some weight. If you think medication is necessary in your case, you should talk to your doctor and also take the time to research the side effects of some available medications. It is possible that if you suffer from depression in response to a particularly difficult moment in your life, then taking medications for a short period of time could be a good idea.
You should note any time when you feel compelled to be alone to binge on food, or even when you can’t help cramming food inside your mouth to eat more.
Unfortunately, these are signs that you might be depressed. Assess your life honestly, and try to determine where you can downsize stress and get back in charge of your eating habits. Sometimes, you can easily figure out the path you need to take – but if you can’t, see your physician who may refer you to a specialist who deals with all types of eating disorders on a daily basis.
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