When weight loss is related to anxiety, it is often because the appeal of food has gone away or the idea of having to plan a mean becomes overwhelming. Being anxious and not eating well can lead to a person losing so much weight that other medical problems can arise from lack of adequate nourishment. Always consult with your care provider to ensure any treatment, alternative or traditional, you wish to utilize to combat anxiety is safe for your particular lifestyle and individual needs.
Anxiety Begets Anxiety
Anxious thoughts can be pervasive and hard to ignore, especially if a person is being told or suspects that he is more anxious than is normal under the circumstances. Instead of the thoughts being weakened over time, they can increase to such a degree that the person becomes unable to think about anything other than what she is worried or anxious about. Being so focused on a worry may leave little time or energy for eating. Ruminating on anxious thoughts leads to more anxious thoughts, starting a vicious cycle that can be hard to break.
Unconcious Ideation
According to psychologist Carla Wills-Brandon, for some people, the issue that leads to anxiety may be so complicated that it may seem unspeakable. To carry any feeling of anxiety alone can lead to depression and an intense desire to be freed from the pain that accompanies the anxiety. If you notice a friend or loved one eating less or showing less interest in food in general without an accompanying desire to lose weight, it may be a sign of a serious anxiety disorder or depression and a passive-aggressive stance of wishing to starve to death to end the pain. Be sure to contact a care provider for support.
Theraputic Interventions
If anxiety and worry are contributing greatly to weight loss, it is highly advisable to contact a therapist. In many cases, a therapist can serve as a nonjudgmental party with whom the anxious person can discuss the worry and may be able to help the person identify the issues and emotions that are occurring so that emotional stability may be found. Some therapists may wish to work on obsessive thoughts and rumination in order to reduce the frequency of anxiety-related thoughts.
Meditation
Many people are reluctant to use pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications due to the very real fear of dependence. Millions of Americans who have abused pharmaceutical drugs that were initially prescribed to them for pain or anxiety are now finding relief with meditation, which eases their anxiety and reduces the stress that can lead to reduction in appetite and consequential weight loss. Meditation has been used for thousands of years in traditional cultures and is increasing in popularity due to it's efficacy in dealing with anxiety, depression and pain, according to Omega Institute instructor Melissa Blacker, a senior teacher and co-director at the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction professional training and education programs of University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Homeopathic Aconite
Homeopathy is a gentle, nonaddictive way to reduce acute or chronic anxiety. Homeopathy works through very small doses of medicinal plants which can be safely administered to people of all ages. Homeopathic aconite is specifically indicated for anxious feelings, trauma, worry, and shock. Aconite should only be taken in homeopathic form to avoid toxicity. For anxiety-related panic attacks, always consult with your doctor rule out other medical issues such as heart attack. Consult with your care provider if you wish to use homeopathy to treat anxiety issues to prevent possible interactions with other medications.
Nurturing the Self
In addition to getting enough sunlight, exercise and time for relaxation or meditation, it is important for the person showing signs of weight loss due to anxiety to consume healthy foods rich in nutrients. One way to do this without much effort is to incorporate fruit smoothies into the diet. Adding protein powder, yogurt and fresh fruit to milk or 100 percent juice into a blender offers a one-stop nutritional drink to stimulate the appetite and nourish the body.
References
- "Natural Mental Health"; Carla Wills-Brandon; 2007
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines";Stephen Cummings and Dana Ullman; 2004
- "The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicine"; Matthew Wood; 1997
- Omega Institute and Melissa Blacker
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