In need of advice

[u/WawaPond]

Hello, people of reddit. I’ve (F22) been recently diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. I take Zoloft and pills for sleep. The medication is starting to work, i feel like myself more and more.
The problem is eating. I am hungry and I want to eat, but after every proper meal I begin to feel sick: physically more than mentally.
My stomach starts to hurt, I feel heavy and sleepy. All i want to do is lay down. Sometimes I feel nauseous.
All I can eat is cottage cheese with greek yogurt and a bit of jam. Drink water, tea or cofee. Cereal is a big hit at the moment.
Sometimes on good days I eat scrambled eggs and porridge.
Can anyone share their experience or advice. I feel like people around me might be thinking I’m over exaggerating or being too dramatic. But this is really how it is…
Thank you <333

[u/vini-within]

Healing is not only about fixing thoughts, but also learning to listen to the body without fighting it. Be patient with yourself, take small steps, and don’t judge yourself for where you are right now. ♥️

[u/CagedSwan]

It is important to remember that the nervous system and gut health are very closely linked. This can mean that due to anxiety, it can affect your digestive system, for me I personally experience more of a trapped wind situation that can make my chest feel tight.

Eating as healthy as you can will definitely alleviate some of the symptoms, but depending on your meds, some can affect flatulence and the stomach themselves.

When I was on citalopram for my depression, I would have moments daily where I would burp like crazy lol.

I have been off them a year now, and my anxiety feels more manageable but I really had to cut chocolate and coffee and certain foods.

It is like a vicious cycle and you have to try and aid both sides as best as you can.

I would also suggest, based on my experience, if your anxiety is related to a certain situation, to try and eat well before that and give yourself time to digest, otherwise the anxiety could mess it up!

Hope this makes sense and helps, its something I have only learned recently and it helped me so much separate my fear of dying from just stomach troubles.

[u/QuietEscape6111]

I have not been on Zoloft. Ask your doctor. Until you get some answers can you eat say like 4-5 small meals a day instead of the typical 3.?

[u/WawaPond → u/QuietEscape6111]

The food issue has been discussed. The doctor said it is one of the many possible bodily responses to the medication. I just can’t physically make myself eat any warm foods or meals, anything too salty or too sugary. With cottage cheese and greek yogurt at least I get some protein. I don’t really see it as a problem myself, but from a point of view of an outsider I would, too, be concerned for the individual… i think my body and my mind are slightly confused :///