I suffer with stress and anxiety daily and find i try and cope through either over spending or over eating!?

Question

im not sure why i have developed these coping mechanisms, but even though i know i shouldnt, i will binge eat or spend money i havent got.

does anyone else do this and how do you stop!?

Answer 1

You could try replacing your current coping mechanism with something that isn't bad for you - like going for a walk, having a bath maybe, listening to some music or reading. Make a decision that when you start to have feelings of stress and anxiety you'll do whatever the activity is that will help to calm you.

And, if you're really struggling not to over eat or over spend, make sure you don't have access to a lot of money. Just take what you need to cover what you decide at the start of the day that you're going to buy. Leave credit cards at home!

Answer 2

Look into some healthier activities like taking a yoga class or massage therapy, even counseling.  You have developed negative coping strategies, but can learn to substitute more positive ones.  A therapist would be the preferred way to figure out why you are having anxiety in the first place, but as said, there are other steps you can take to improve how you handle stress on your own.

Answer 3

Your gonna hate my answer mate.  

A sheep will fall in a pit, but a pig will wallow in it.

So are you a sheep or a pig? Ask yourself, don't ask me and don't worry life doesn't last forever for those who answer "pig".