Understanding Emotional Eating and Its Triggers

An honest look at anxiety, impulsivity, and the struggle to break the cycle

When I feel anxious, it doesn’t just sit quietly in the background. It takes over. My entire day bends around the weight of it. I stop interacting with colleagues—not out of rudeness, but avoidance. I don’t want to deal with anyone. I get snappy with my child when she needs patience, not sharp words. I’m not proud of it.

I lose energy fast. I drown in self-pity and can’t seem to shift my mind to anything brighter or more hopeful. The heaviness sticks.

Emotional Eating as a Coping Mechanism

One of the most frustrating things I do when I’m in this state is overeat. And no, not fruits or vegetables—definitely not. I reach for chocolate and way too much junk food. It’s a reflex, an impulsive attempt to silence the storm inside me.

Chocolate boosts serotonin levels, so I feel better for a while. Add in the sugar high, and it’s a temporary fix. But that relief doesn’t last.

The Crash Comes Hard

By the end of the day, I’m a mess. The sugar has worn off, and the cravings start again. I’m irritable. My husband’s frustrated. My daughter is upset. My body feels bloated and exhausted. My work is half-finished. The guilt is full-blown. The scale creeps up, and I feel myself slipping deeper into the cycle.

Then comes nightfall. I lie in bed full of self-loathing, negative self-talk, and, honestly—despair.

The Cycle Continues

And what does all this lead to? More anxiety. The next day starts off already heavy.

I wish I could end this with a “Top 5 Ways to Fix It” list, but I can’t. This isn’t a guide—it’s a confession. It’s where I am right now. I need to learn how to break this cycle, and I genuinely don’t know how.

But I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not the only one.

So if you’ve been here too—if this feels familiar—and you’ve found something that helps, I’d truly love to hear from you. Please leave a comment. Let’s figure this out together.