Coping with Caregiving: The Habit of Emotional Eating
As far back as breast or formula feeding, most of us learned that a sweet taste meant care and comfort. As we grew into more sophisticated foods, we generally learned to equate certain items with happiness. Our parents picked up on these preferences and would offer these things as treats and on special occasions. Ice cream, anyone?
Somewhere deep in our subconscious, most of us learn to associate food—at least certain types of food—with nurturing, comfort and happiness. For this reason, caregivers who are overloaded with responsibilities and stressed to the max often turn to food as a source of security and reassurance. Caregivers certainly do deserve an outlet and some pampering. It’s human and actually very good to want to comfort ourselves when we are stressed or even bored, but reaching for a chocolate croissant or a bag of chips is not the ideal coping method.
Our Feelings Can Make Us Reach for Food
When a person becomes a caregiver, their world and their social circle tend to shrink. This is especially true if a care receiver requires around-the-clock supervision, is home bound or has trouble communicating. While there is usually plenty to do around the house, things can get monotonous very quickly. Being cooped up with limited sources of entertainment can cause us to snack in an attempt to fill the down time. But, instead of being stimulated, we end up mindlessly taking in extra calories without really enjoying what we’re eating.
Caregiver stress and anxiety can also drive us to raid the fridge when we’re in desperate need of something to make us feel better. Most junk and comfort foods stimulate the brain’s reward system and trigger the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for the sensation of pleasure. If we’re facing a difficult care decision or feeling upset, we can temporarily feel relief if we indulge in a chocolate bar or a bowl of mac and cheese. The only drawback is that once the chemical effects of a food binge wear off, the stress and underlying emotions remain. On top of that, we often wind up feeling guilty about our lack of self-control, resulting in an even more fragile mental state.
This cycle of “self-medicating” with food and then feeling ashamed can quickly spiral out of control and have serious mental and physical consequences. There have been studies pointing to the fact that middle-aged women are prone to eating disorders. One such study found that 13 percent of women over age 50 are living with an eating disorder. The most…
Continue to read on Agingcare about the common “solution” to stress of emotional eating:
Helpful Tools:
Wetness indicator and alert to help manage incontinence with dignity. SenecaSense Home: Discreet Support That Restores Comfort and Confidence
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love: They save work! Now Available on Amazon.
Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “…This book is for all of us; let it help you cope! Thank you to the author and everyone she spoke with!” …Dolores
