Food as an Emotional Substitute
One area I am passionate about is how we use food as a substitute for what is missing in our lives. Often we use food as a distraction, a quick fix, a band aid. Whether that is as a substitute for dealing with stress, coping with anxiety, depression, feeling bored, craving intimacy in our lives, intimacy in our relationship with ourselves and others.
I am going to focus a little on Intimacy. Intimacy is about knowing ourselves and having a deep connection with ourselves and others. A connection that is real and true. It is about us being honest with ourselves and others about what we think and how we feel and this can lead to us living a more fulfilling life. It is about us being true to ourselves and having the courage to say what we feel, which can often bring about a lot of fear in us.
It can bring up fears of not being liked, approved of, belittled, or shamed or embarrassed. It takes courage to face our fears and show who we truly are. Often when we desire intimacy and don’t have it, we lapse into suffering, pain and upset and we use food as a quick fix to feel better, to comfort us. We reach for food or other substances to stop the pain.
Learning to be more honest with ourselves and others can really help with food and other addictions and can help with anxiety, depression, self esteem and self confidence. Also think of the many physical health benefits.
If this is an area you would like to look at in your life, please feel free to make contact. Thanks for your support. Margaret Kelly Counselling and Psychotherapy Sligo Tel 0872882974
