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TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2007
Loneliness and Overeating
"The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself."
Mark Twain
Many people have recently posted about their feelings of loneliness. Loneliness is a big issue in our society and it plays a big role in emotional eating.
Loneliness plays a big role in many types of eating but particularly night binging. My son is going to be seven next week. But I have been raising him alone since he was two months old. I used to notice that a couple of hours after dinner I would wander into the kitchen where I'd have a cookie, then I'd need something salty so I'd have a few chips or a piece of cheese, then sweet again so I'd finish a container of ice-cream. I wasn't even hungry in the first place.
So, what was happening?
For many people, and I was one of them, the night brings up a lot of anxiety and loneliness. At night I used to think about how much I missed raising my son with a partner. The house would be quiet without the noise of a toddler and my thoughts and fears would get too loud. The sound of chewing would distract me from the noise in my head. Only you can answer what you are lonely for; is it love, sex, friends, children, family?
We work in cubicles, we live in isolated apartments, and we parent our children alone. Human beings are social creatures. While we may benefit from solitude, most of us don't like to be alone. I wrote the Mark Twain quote on top because, for me, a lot of my loneliness went away as I became more comfortable with myself and my circumstances. I didn't want to be raising a child alone, but I was. I didn't always like that I was at home caring for a child while all my single friends still had their freedom, but it was a choice I made. The more I could accept reality and be comfortable with myself, the less I needed food. Now, my nights are different. I use the nights to read, watch Netflix, catch up with friends on the phone, and take care of the house.
We at Shrink Yourself understand that getting support on this journey is so important. We are currently working on creating message boards so that you can support each other. I will moderate the boards and answer any questions you have. In the meantime, please post your comments on the most current blog post.
As trite as this may sound, you are not alone, I am reading your comments and understand your struggle.
POSTED BY !MICHELLE! | 1:17:45 PM
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The Shrink Yourself Blog
The Shrink Yourself Blog, hosted by Michelle Fiordaliso, clinical director of Shrink Yourself, gives you expert info on emotional eating.
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