Why do I choose not to eat?

Dear Reader, 

You’re definitely not alone—many people struggle with eating habits for a variety of reasons. Choosing not to eat can be related to a number of things, and only a health care provider can make a diagnosis for your specific situation. However, there are plenty of ways you can start to rethink or change your eating habits, whether you start with some introspection or lean on others for support. Read on to learn more.  

How can mental health affect your eating habits? 

As you’ve noted, your mental health can have an effect on how you eat. You’ve mentioned depression, which can affect your eating habits in a number of ways. For many people, a decreased appetite can be a side effect of depression. Others might experience anhedonia, a loss of the ability to feel pleasure. This can make food seem less appealing or exciting and might cause people to lose interest in eating altogether. And while some people have a lower appetite because of their depression, others may find that their appetite increases, and they may even gain weight.  

What other things can be connected to your decision not to eat? 

In many cases, deciding not to eat can represent an eating disorder, like anorexia (sometimes called anorexia nervosa). People with anorexia may frequently skip meals or avoid eating—usually because of a fear of gaining weight, among other psychological factors. This can be dangerous, as some people will resist treatment despite malnourishment or physical weakness. Even if you aren’t concerned about your weight loss, it might be worth having a conversation with a health care provider just to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need.  

Other people might only avoid eating in public or in social settings. Research has found varying reasons for this—sometimes it can be a symptom of an eating disorder, while in other cases it can be a manifestation of some forms of social anxiety. If you’re struggling to label your specific situation, it might help to ask yourself: 

• Are you more tempted to skip meals when you’re with friends or when you’re on your own? 
• Are there specific types of foods you tend to avoid and others that feel more approachable to you? 
• When you go without eating, how do you feel? Does it interfere with your day-to-day life? 
• Is there anything you can do in your free time that gives you a similar feeling of control? Things like video games, meditation, or a consistent routine might help mimic that feeling. 

Questions like these might help you or a mental health provider narrow down exactly what you’re going through.  

How can you start to change your eating habits? 

There are many different ways to go about changing your eating habits, depending on how you’re feeling and what kind of support network you have. For example, can you identify one friend with whom you feel most comfortable talking with about your eating? If so, they might be able to help you manage interactions with your other friends and help them to understand what you’re going through. If you feel up to it, you could try eating with just them—having a small snack with one person might feel less intimidating than something like a group meal. 

Trying to change your eating habits can be a tricky process and can take some time. If you’re worried about your health or well-being in the meantime, you might consider talking with a health care provider about options like multivitamins or supplements.  

When should you seek help with your eating habits? 

When it comes to addressing eating habits, sometimes you might need an extra bit of help. This can mean different things for different people: some may benefit from talk therapy with a mental health professional, while others might seek out support groups or recovery programs. If you’re unsure of where to start, you can check out organizations like the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). If you’re a student, your school’s health resources may be able to point you in the right direction. 

In extreme cases, such as if you lose too much weight too quickly or start to experience malnourishment, a health care provider might recommend hospitalization. Many health care centers offer day programs or overnight residential options. These programs are usually a last resort, though, and will likely only be suggested if you’ve tried a number of other treatments. 

Many people struggle with their eating habits, and seeking out answers and help is a great step! 

Best of luck,