About EarthMother
About me:
I have worked in social services (nonprofits) for over two decades. At this point, there is little I've not heard, and therefore, I am able to give pretty grounded advice.
I like to write, and I'm currently working on my first novel. I created a 5-week workshop series for midlife women; and, I also have a midlife advice column in a small SF Bay Area paper.
Feel free to ask me whatever is on your mind &/or in your heart. I'm here, just ask!
I wish you well,
Earth Mother
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Gender: Female
Location: Berkeley, CA
Occupation: Social Worker, Fiction Writer & Poet, Workshop Leader
Member Since: April 5, 2006
Answers: 49
Last Update: June 10, 2006
Visitors: 8012
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Lately I've been having real trouble eating. When it gets to dinner time (I live in a University residence, so all our meals are provided at set times) I'm hungry, and I go and get my food - there's soup, somekind of main meal like roast pork, or pizza, or curry, and then dessert. I eat the soup fine but then when I start on the main course I gradually feel like I can't swallow, and it feels like a huge effort to eat. I can only take really small mouthfuls every few minutes and eat them really slowly. I don't have any trouble swallowing liquids though. Later on, I'm hungry of course, because I haven't managed to eat anything. Any ideas what could be causing this? And any suggestions what I can do about it - I only weigh 50kg as it is, so I can't afford to lose weight, plus not eating is making me feel weak, and I need to study!
Thanks! x
Dear Lost Appetite,
All eating "challenges" are, at the root, emotional in nature. You might not fully understand this, but trust me, they are! Most often, self-esteem issues are at the heart of these difficulties.
I suggest that you go to the university clinic and speak with the physician; this way any medical problem can be ruled out. In addition, he/she will be able to make a referral to other services, or programs, as they see fit.
I'm glad that you are not ignoring this issue, as many young people do. This is one of those major life challenges that, if you don't seek a solution now, it will only work against you (physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.) in the long run.
You might also Google "eating disorders" and see if you relate to any of the information in the literature. You might also Google 1-800 numbers for hotlines, where you could speak with an anonymous hotline counselor.
Remember, nurturing ourselves is giving freely out of love...food, rest, enjoyment, and self-care. You deserve all of the above!
I wish you well,
Earth Mother
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Thank you for your lovely, caring advice. I'm going to go and see the physician after the weekend.
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