Feeling low...can't eat or sleep, whats wrong

LegacyUser

In the recent weeks a lot has happened in my life, a relationship broke up and caused a massive ripple effect through the other halfs need for drama, friends, family and work all torn through. I've been really struggling to do anything, it takes me ages to do simple things like getting dressed or taking a shower. I'm having a lot of trouble sleeping, it takes hours to fall asleep and i usually wake a good few times in the night and have been having vivid and upsetting nightmares. I haven't felt hungry in a really long time and pretty much feel bloated constantly, sometimes the idea of food makes me feel like i will vomit. Today i've eaten one bagel, it was a struggle, took about an hour and a half and felt so full after i thought i would explode, yesterday was just a half muffin, same feeling, two days before i ate nothing at all. I've been drinking a lot of water and some 7up or lucozade for a boost. I feel horrible about myself, like i should just withdraw from life altogether, i can't face getting up or going outside and feel like i am a moment away from crying all the time. Whats going on with me???

Roisy7

This sounds worrying to me as it seems like you have symptoms of depression. As it has been a couple of weeks I think you should go to your GP.

It seems to me as if you are in a vicious cycle. The bad sleeping pattern is very damaging as is the not eating.

Like you I too take emotional things in a physical way, I dropped to barely 7 stone at one point by literally worrying the weight away. But your body and mind are hugely connected and if you're not looking after one, you can't mind the other.

Is there anyway you can take time off work, holidays owed, and go somewhere for a couple of days?

Like I say, can't give a medical diagnosis but if this continues you have to go to your GP. Good luck and all the best x

LegacyUser

Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I guess it could be that its a bit of a cycle. I feel really crap about myself lately and feeling more and more worthless as the days go by. I can't manage to eat, i have no appetite and am not hungry in the slightest. One g;lass of water and i feel full, actually eating anything makes me feel so bloated i could throw up or cry. I definitely could not take time off or go away although i would love to. I will try and see my gp i guess if it doesn't change

Roisy7

feelinglow wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I guess it could be that its a bit of a cycle. I feel really crap about myself lately and feeling more and more worthless as the days go by. I can't manage to eat, i have no appetite and am not hungry in the slightest. One g;lass of water and i feel full, actually eating anything makes me feel so bloated i could throw up or cry. I definitely could not take time off or go away although i would love to. I will try and see my gp i guess if it doesn't change

Please do, it sounds horrible I hope things get better for you soon

Richy06

OP, the not eating can actually bloat you and make you feel worse. You need to eat/drink and look after yourself, or else getting out of the pit of depression you're currently in will be even harder. It just makes it worse. Get some exercise in, it'll get some positive endorphins flowing. Start trying to move on with your life from the breakup, lest you just keep retreading the same ground, over and over. Have something other than just work and the breakup to focus on, you need to get your mind on other things and away from obsessing about it, because it'll just prolong the agony.

RossFixxxed

Go to the GP now. Don't let this continue or sink its roots into you (whatever it may be). Feeling upset after hard times is normal but this seems pretty awful. Go to the doctor, it's a few minutes and may well help in a big way. The longer you leave things the worse they tend to get! Best of luck!

dellas1979

Well, when some people are stressed, they turn to food for comfort.

When I am stressed/upset/fright/shock....whatever, I actually, like you turn off food. Exact same as you describe. Its like the stress affects your stomach/digestive system. Youve got to treat it like an upset stomach.

I would stop with the fizzy drinks, and carby food (bagles/muffins etc), and eat something nutritious and small like scrambled eggs, with a piece of fruit, and a cup of tea.

Couple of hours later then a bowl of soup and maybe a small slice of toast. I would also take something with the food, like a capsule of pharmaton.

So, think small and nutritious. The major trick is to be interested in eating it, i.e., focus on eating it. Not off on another planet thinking about all the other stuff. Be mindful/present when you are eating and aware that you are eating, and why you are eating.

LegacyUser

I'm mainly drinking water, but not able to eat anything much as described. The idea of eating makes me feel like i could vomit, as if there is no room in my stomach.

Yo be clear i'm not obsessing over the relationship, so much sh!t at the end, i'm really happy to be out of it but its left a lot of devastation in my life through my ex playing chinese whispers about things i've apparently done or said which i haven't, so a few friends are no longer speaking to me.

I feel like i have nothing to get up in the morning for, this crap got dragged through my job and its uncomfortable working there now, and i've been cut off from a few friends. My best friend who has always supported me when things got tough in the relationship is moving to another continent in a few weeks and i feel like i'm really isolated and don't have anyone or anything to move on with.

I haven't really been eating for a bit over a week-10 days, i'm a bit concerned but can't manage to eat anything

Neyite

OP, I experienced similar going through a rough patch - for me it was stress. I also lost my appetite with a family bereavement.

Keep trying with easy foods to eat, whatever you think you can nibble on. There are drinks you can get in the chemists called Build-up. They are like a milkshake and are for people who for whatever reason, have difficulty eating and need to boost their nutrition.

And go to see your GP. You need to look after yourself.

dellas1979

feelinglow wrote: »

I'm mainly drinking water, but not able to eat anything much as described. The idea of eating makes me feel like i could vomit, as if there is no room in my stomach.

Well, good for you to drink water, but there is really no reason that you cant eat! Its mind over matter. Ive been there, I know what its like. I do understand. If you keep wallowing away there drinking your water, see where that gets you. Pull yourself up now, and get something to eat, because you can eat.

You need to say to yourself/brain "for 5 minutes I am going to stop the anxiety/stress whatever and eat my food". Than "I am not going to eat my food because the thoughts of it makes me sick".

If you dont pull yourself up soon, in the next day or two, even sooner based on what you are saying you are eating, yes you are going to have to go to your GP.

Is there no fight in you to get up, sit, clear head for 5 mins and eat? Is there a reason you cant do that? No "poor me" stories. Is there an actual reason why you cant eat like the above?

Galway K9

Neyite wrote: »

OP, I experienced similar going through a rough patch - for me it was stress. I also lost my appetite with a family bereavement.

Keep trying with easy foods to eat, whatever you think you can nibble on. There are drinks you can get in the chemists called Build-up. They are like a milkshake and are for people who for whatever reason, have difficulty eating and need to boost their nutrition.

And go to see your GP. You need to look after yourself.

This is not a substitute for professional advice but just bit advice. Go to a health store or Google how to increase serotonin levels. I know your pain tho...been there

neemish

OP i think the time has come for you to get some professional medical advice. Ten days without eating/sleeping properly is stressful in itself! So Monday morning off you go to your GP. If you don't know what to say print off what you have written.

I've been there in terms of not eating or sleeping. This is what has worked for me. The main thing is not to panic. Eventually you will manage to do both.

Eating- i have times when i say to myself, i don't care WHAT i am eating as long as i getting something into the system. Do you eat yoghurt/custard/semolina/soup. Something light like that. Start with having ONE teaspoonful every half or so. That's it. You don't have to have any more than that. If you manage 2 or 3, great. The main thing is no pressure. Gradually build it up. If you only eat yoghurt over the weekend, thats fine.

Re sleep: download a relaxation app. Think of night as a time of rest rather than sleep. Do a jigsaw or some ironing. Read a book or watch crap movies. The only thing I'd put off limits is the computer. Apparently its more stressful on the brain at night than we like to think. Again the idea is to rest, not to sleep. So avoid cola etc. actually warm milk would be great and a good thing for your stomach if you're not eating.

Look, you're not feeling great at the moment. Give yourself a break and be nice to yourself. Get yourself some extra support. If you feel unwell over weekend contact the out of hours dr service. And keep posting and getting support here if it helps

:-)

Overheal

try and think of a favorite childhood food. Kids cereal, or Pancakes, ice cream.

LegacyUser

I suggest you go to your g.p. maybe they can give you something to help you sleep. Soup and bread is the way to go if your appetite isn't great. Could you send an email to your friends putting your side of the story.

LegacyUser

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to go to the doctor tomorrow if i can get an appointment. I managed a half slice of toast yesterday, ate a full slice today. I haven't lost any weight or anything, i'm the exact same weight. I'm feeling tired but doing stuff although its hard. Last night in bed every part of me was sore like i had been hit by a car or something or really overdone it at the gym. And now i keep crying. Ugh i'm such a mess

To be honest with the friends that turned against me, i explained my side, i was very open and honest and gave them the opportunity to ask all the questions they wanted but they literally hung up on me or walked away from me and have refused to speak to me so i'm not sure i can really consider them friends at all anymore but i definitely won't be chasing 'friendship' like that. Just for the record i'm early 30s in case that reads like i'm a teenager!

dellas1979

feelinglow wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to go to the doctor tomorrow if i can get an appointment. I managed a half slice of toast yesterday, ate a full slice today. I haven't lost any weight or anything, i'm the exact same weight. I'm feeling tired but doing stuff although its hard. Last night in bed every part of me was sore like i had been hit by a car or something or really overdone it at the gym. And now i keep crying. Ugh i'm such a mess

To be honest with the friends that turned against me, i explained my side, i was very open and honest and gave them the opportunity to ask all the questions they wanted but they literally hung up on me or walked away from me and have refused to speak to me so i'm not sure i can really consider them friends at all anymore but i definitely won't be chasing 'friendship' like that. Just for the record i'm early 30s in case that reads like i'm a teenager!

Well good for you on deciding to go to the doctor. Lookit, it doesnt matter what age you are, emotional pain is pain. Its manifesting itself physically in you, so time to get it sorted.

LegacyUser

Didnt get to doctor today, no appointments available but will try again tomorrow. I've been getting nose bleeds the last few days too, don't know if this is related. Crying a few times today and feel like i've given up on the inside. Although i did actually eat, i had a hot dog and a hand full of popcorn. I'm pretty sure i will end up throwing it up now though. Hopefully will get this sorted tomorrow, all the advice has been really great here and i appreciate everyone taking their time to weigh in, thanks x