Re: Trauma eating -- Lean Mean Singing Machines

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Date Posted: 20:30:04 08/08/00 Tue
Author: missmezzo
Subject: Re: Trauma eating
In reply to: LC in Queens 's message, "Trauma eating" on 17:08:23 08/08/00 Tue

> Before I say anything about what happened to me on the
> way to work tonight, can I just say it's frustrating
> not to be able to get in on the conversation as its
> happening. It's lonely being the only night shift
> person in the group.

Sorry you are on when most of us are winding down for the day. I will try to log on from home to check in now and then, if not more often. Hang in there.
>
> OK, Pout over.
>
> Now I really need some moral support and suggestions.
>
> I just witnessed a mugging - really a case of subway
> rage, one woman being attacked by another who was
> upset that she'd cut in front of her and stepped on
> her shoes. It was violent and ugly and it happened
> right in front of me as I was getting off the train.

really sounds just awful. I am so sorry you had to take that in and try to process it. I will be sending peaceful and healing thoughts to your spirit.
>
> Aside from all the conflicting emotions I had from
> witnessing this, feeling powerless to stop it, etc., I
> had an interesting reaction once I got to work and
> called the police. (someone on the scene called 911,
> but I wanted to add any descriptive info I could if it
> would help) I started really craving comfort food -
> chocolate to be exact, and the feeling was so
> overpowering, that I ended up going to the vending
> machine on my floor and consuming an entire small pack
> (6) of oreo cookies. Now it did help a bit - not as
> much as talking to my honey, but it did help.

One, that makes sense. Food can be reassuring. On the other hand, I think it is so wonderful that you say that you could tell that cookies were less helpful than talking to a loved one. many of us, myself included, struggle to remind ourselves of that, or don't manage to remember until after the food binge. You obviously know what can really support you through the long haul.
>
> So here's my question. How do you all deal with it
> when faced with a trauma that causes you to crave
> sugar (or salt, or whatever it is you find yourself in
> need of when you're under tremendous emotional stress)?

I wish I dealt better. I often do eat. sometimes, I realise what I *really* need, be it ten deep breaths, or a quick walk, or a hug, or time to think, or to be close to my husband, or to rest, or a bath, or what ever. Not enough yet, but I am working on it.
>
> This isn't something I deal with every day - I
> generally DON'T eat when I'm extremely upset - but
> having had the reaction I'd really love to hear if
> this is unique to me, and if not, how you all cope
> with it.

Definitely not unique, sorry to say. If you don't have this reaction often, you are blessed. You have separated food from emotions at least in one area, stress, and that is terrific. But please do not feel that there is anything wrong or unusual about eating to calm yourself. chocolate in particular makes sense since the endorphines released would tend to calm you.

I hope by the time you read this you are feeling more grounded.

MM

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Replies:

Re: Trauma eating -- belle nuit, 21:26:17 08/08/00 Tue