Hey friends. I’m having an emotional time in my life right now and I’m having a hard time coping because I can’t run to food for comfort. What are some ways you guys cope now that food is no longer an option?
I’m also working on setting up mental health appointments. But while I wait… I thought I’d ask just incase suggestions from others going through EXACTLY what I’m going thru will help me.
Thank you in advance❤️

I lift heavy things.

The more upset I am, the heavier the things.

It's nice to make a lot of noise while doing it too, worth seeking out a place where that's acceptable.

Music is my go-to to manage all different kinds of emotions. I have playlists that I have for times when I'm sad and want to sing along and cry it out, angry music when I feel frustrated and want to scream it out, soothing when I'm anxious, etc.

Some people write it out, walk it out, clean it out, talk it out.....

I second @Shazzie2017.....music. if I am down or stressed I start with slow, soulful music gradually increasing the tempo elevating my mood until i feel like dancing in the streets!

For positive emotions, engaging in sports, especially running, is extremely helpful for me.

Exercise, keeping busy, talking with someone, and my faith all help me through. I did a lot of work with my therapist years before surgery, but we still meet once a month to check in. Therapy is so important in this process. I'm glad you're getting it set up.

It may be quite beneficial to talk with a therapist to help you deal with your emotions and learn new coping mechanisms other than food.

Good luck,

Tek

I stretch and do some body weight exercises like wall pushups. I think about the positive things that I have accomplished in life, and imagine the new things that I will get to accomplish once all of this excess weight is off of my precious body. Sending big hugs! We are all pulling for you ?

Without food:

I find a private place so I don't spread my negative energy onto other people around me. Once I spread my negative energy I have found it takes longer to move forward. I like using forums like this and reddit and read about other peoples situations helps me relax.

I leave the house. I once told a psychiatrist that I struggled to do exercise because the weather was awful. He said its just weather, buy better clothing. So I did.

I walk here, there and everywhere. I always return happier and healthier

On 9/8/2023 at 6:56 AM, LindsayT said:

Exercise, keeping busy, talking with someone, and my faith all help me through. I did a lot of work with my therapist years before surgery, but we still meet once a month to check in. Therapy is so important in this process. I'm glad you're getting it set up.

I'm also seeing a therapist and im one month out. She's really a big help