What can I do to stop using food as anti-anxiety treatment?

Wrong forum for these kinds of questions.

Id suggest looking into what else can help relieve anxiety. Reading, working out or other hobbies may help.

Hello Jared,

Is that question from an anxiety counseling professional's advice?

If so, they should have ideas for you, like going out for a walk, hitting a punching bag or something else you enjoy.
Good luck.

I suggest seeing a Behavioral Therapist or food addiction specialist.
There is an underlying reason for this behavior and it's fantastic that you can identify it.

Hi Jared. Start with your personal physician. I always recommend with any condition that we start with our 'medical gate-keeper' (our personal physician) and go from there. Rather than diagnosing yourself (I know you're NOT doing that here) and then deciding which professional is best suited to help you, I think it's best to see your physician and allow that person to assist you and decide how best to deal with this.

I hope that this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com

Many people have reported decreased anxiety from participating in an exercise program, particularly cardiovascular modalities (running, elliptical, cycling).

I also have many friends who have reported profound decreases in anxiety through a seated meditation practice. There are plenty of studies out there that corroborate this. You might google it.

I think that being proactive and adopting beneficial strategies for addressing the sensations that are troubling you can only be a good thing.

However, you should definitely speak with your healthcare provider before starting a physical fitness routine if you are out of shape. This would be a good time to address what you are describing here. It may be that, as Susan said, you would benefit from some form of specialized counseling.

I would also add that, if drugs are recommended, you do your research. There's nothing wrong with being aware of the side-effects and getting a second opinion if the potential risks seem to outweigh the benefits. There are natural modalities that I feel are worth looking into as well.

I would suggest Michelle May MD's book, Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat. It offers a solid foundation on eating behaviors and addresses eating as a coping mechanism.