Hi everyone, I have a problem with my appetite. Long ago, I mentally refused to eat, because eating was a problem for me. There wasn’t much that I wanted to eat, my mum didn’t cook splendid food and to be honest, I never had a big appetite. But when I was in University, I just plain refused to eat, because it was an additional problem for me. I had to take time to look for something I wanted to eat, and in my head I had more important things to do. And I guess that my brain understood so well the problem that it found a solution for me. The solution was to decrease my sense of taste and smell. I always wanted to put on weight. I have been underweight for as long as I can remember. I don’t eat because I don’t want to put on weight. I don’t feel like eating because I don’t eat and smell food as well as other people do. And now I am in my forties, and eating is still a problem. I managed to put on weight, and now I’m stressed out by the fact that if I don’t eat, I will lose my weight. So you get the picture, I am a bit paranoid about this situation. I am tired of carrying this big weight, I want to get rid of it. I want to taste and smell food so that I am happy to eat. Please help if you can. Thanks for at least reading these line🙏
Hello friend, and welcome to our community! We are here to help and support you. This situation sounds very challenging and stressful, which makes sense based on what you described with your eating patterns. We are sorry to hear this is happening. Have you tried to see a mental health specialist to discuss your challenges with eating? It might be worth it to discuss, even with your primary care doctor. Eating challenges can be helped, and just requires patience and time. With love, SG
One thing that stands out is how much this has impacted both your physical and mental health over the years. It’s understandable that after so much time, eating has become tied to stress and anxiety rather than enjoyment or nourishment. It’s not unusual for our brains to associate food with problems, especially when it’s been a source of tension for so long.
It might help to start by working with a nutritionist or a therapist who specializes in eating-related issues, particularly if you feel like your sense of taste and smell have dulled over time. There could be underlying factors (like past restrictive habits or even medical reasons) that are influencing those senses. Additionally, a therapist could help you work through the mental blocks around food and build a more positive relationship with eating.
Mindfulness around meals is another approach some people have found helpful. It could involve slowly reintroducing foods that are visually appealing or have interesting textures, even if they don’t taste strong right now. Creating a relaxed, no-pressure environment around meals might also help ease some of the stress you’re feeling.
It’s never too late to begin this journey of reconnecting with food and your body in a healthier way. You deserve to enjoy food and feel at peace with it, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for support along the way. You’re not alone in this, and there are people who can help guide you toward a healthier, happier relationship with food.