When Life Feels Unsteady, Eating Often Does Too

Many people can relate to wanting a more balanced, even life. We often long for things to slow down, for a greater sense of peace to be established or to just feel like things are steady. Because when we don’t feel that way in one area of life, we usually don’t feel steady in many areas. 

This unsteadiness can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms that we assume will help with any emotional turmoil we might be feeling. Some people anxious-clean the house; some seek out comfort food; some people can’t stomach the thought of eating and venture away from food entirely.

Why does the body do this? Why, when stress hits a peak, does our appetite suddenly vanish? 

Does stress cause us to lose our appetite?

Stress is something that everyone feels at some point in their life, whether it’s from struggling with finances, hard dynamics in a family, toxicity at work or overwhelming changes. It can make us feel worried, nervous, or overwhelmed, to name just a few. Not only does the stress change our moods, but it can also change appetite, causing people to eat more or less than what is usual for them.

When we are stressed, our body’s “fight or flight” response kicks in, meaning our body kicks into its innate knowledge and prepares to either fight off what it perceived to be dangerous, or to run away from it. Part of this process is the release of certain hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, which cause different reactions in our body, including how we feel about food.

For some, stress can cause a decrease in appetite where the body becomes so busy dealing with the stress that it kind of “forgets” to eat. It’s as if the body is saying, “I have bigger things to worry about right now than food.” When we’re stressed, the digestive system slows down, making us less likely to feel hungry. Adrenaline can also suppress appetite because it is preparing the body to react to a threat, not to digest food. This is why you might not feel hungry at all before going into a stressful conversation or preparing to take a big exam.

Do I have an eating disorder if I lose my appetite?

When someone loses their appetite due to significant life events like losing a job, financial insecurity, divorce or a breakup, it’s usually not immediately classified as an eating disorder. Instead, it’s often a temporary response to stress or emotional turmoil. There are a couple of things to keep in mind if you find yourself in a situation where changes in your life have caused changes in your eating. 

Big emotions

These life events can trigger a strong emotional response. The body’s reaction to significant stress, like when we’re worried or anxious, involves the release of stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline, i.e. the “fight or flight” hormone, can temporarily suppress appetite as the body is focused on dealing with the perceived threat rather than eating. During these times, the body prioritizes safety and addressing the stressor over other functions like digestion.

Psychological impact

Events like job loss or a breakup can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety or depression. These feelings can reduce motivation and interest in things that usually bring pleasure, such as eating. This psychological impact can contribute to a temporary loss of appetite. 

Additionally, when dealing with big changes or unexpected events in life, you might feel too overwhelmed to take time to prepare meals. You might eat enough to get by, skipping full meals for the sake of snacks because you just don’t have time or energy — this can also lead to changes in appetite, as your metabolism slows. 

Not an eating disorder

While a loss of appetite in response to stress is common, it is generally considered different from an eating disorder. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, involve more persistent and severe disruptions in eating behavior and have additional psychological components. 

That said, if the loss of appetite persists for a long time and you feel that it begins to significantly impact your health or daily functioning, it might be worthwhile to seek professional help to ensure it doesn’t develop into a more chronic problem.

Reach out for support

Going through the challenges of this life alone is not something any of us are supposed to do — our bodies cannot sustainably be on the lookout for threats while also maintaining homeostasis, that is, the proper level of functioning in all of our systems. 

In order to simply start the conversation of what can be done to ease out of fight or flight, you might consider the benefits of talking to someone who can help, but who can also be the listening ear you need. To get in touch with a member of our professional staff today, contact Seeds of Hope anytime by calling 610-652-4721 or fill out an online contact form.