Depression And Eating

Note: This article defines depression as feeling blue or feeling down. It does not address clinical depression. If you feel you are clinically depressed, we advise talking to a medical professional immediately.

Do you eat when you're depressed? Many people eat when they're down or depressed.

It feels natural to turn to chocolate or pizza when you're down in the dumps. There's a reason they call it 'comfort food'.

Reaching for food as a pick-me-up isn't a problem if you only do it once in a while. The problem comes when this becomes a regular habit. It can result in extra weight, feelings of guilt and other health problems.

Over the long run, eating when depressed only adds to your problems - and can make you even more depressed.

Eating when depressed actually does have some biological roots. When you're depressed your body may release cortisol - which is a stress hormone that makes you crave sugary, high calorie foods like chocolate, pizza, ice cream,etc.

These foods help to raise the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin in a calming neurotransmitter that makes you feel happier.

So craving these foods may be your body's way of stopping the release of stress hormones (which can do damage over the long run) and starting the release pleasure hormones.

But does that mean we load up on chips, fried chicken and haagen-dazs when depressed?

Not necessarily.

When you're depressed eating does not solve the real problem. As stated above, it can actually add to your depression in the form of weight gain, health problems and frustration.

Also, when you eat in response to feeling blue, you lose the chance to grow and mature.

Instead of eating, try asking yourself why you feel down. Is it because of a specific problem in your life? Can you do something to fix this problem directly?

Is there something you can do to soothe yourself without eating - a healthier way to lighten your mood?

Can you call a friend, journal about your experience, see a funny movie? What can you do that will make you feel really, truly happy and refreshed?

When you try to deal with your depression in a healthier way, you actually grow. You learn new, healthier ways of coping with a blue mood. Plus you grow in the confidence that you can handle feeling down without eating.

If you tend to eat when you're depressed, realize that this is not the healthiest way to cope. You deserve better. And you can break the habit of eating when you feel down.

Learn other ways to pick yourself up when faced with a blue mood. Your confidence will soar, your waist will get smaller and you'll feel a lot happier!

Want to learn to stop emotional eating? We recommend the Shrink Yourself online program.

Personal, private, in the comfort of your own home, this online program helps you lose weight by learning to handle your emotions without eating.

Click here for more information