Decreased appetite for no reason

Dont know what is making my mood so bad that my appetite is affected. Eating feels like a chore. I think im financially stressed out that spending money on food is a problem… feel lethargic at work… Living feels like a chore. Started my 9am to 6pm corporate job and its sucking the soul out of me. Have a stable low paying job but not much time to socialize after working. Really conflicted because I hate socialising but also want company…

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Hi @Mentalhealth60,

Thank you for opening up and sharing what’s been on your mind. It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot right now, let’s break down these issues one at a time and see how we can tackle them together.

First, can you tell me more about your financial situation? Are you not getting enough money to buy food at all, or is it that the money you’re making doesn’t allow you to buy decent, nutritious food? If it’s about affording decent food, we can explore budgeting strategies or look for affordable yet nutritious food options. If it’s a matter of not having enough money for food, there might be community resources or assistance programs that can help, have you tried to explore the following portal to explore? https://supportgowhere.life.gov.sg/

Not eating well can really drain your energy and affect your overall well-being. When your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs, it’s no wonder you feel lethargic. Try to incorporate simple and inexpensive nutritious options into your diet, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Start with small changes, like adding one nutritious meal or snack a day. If meal planning feels overwhelming, look for easy recipes that require minimal ingredients.

It sounds like your corporate job is taking up a lot of your time, leaving little room for social activities. It’s totally understandable to feel conflicted about wanting to socialize but also feeling drained and worried about the costs involved. Try setting small, manageable goals for social interaction. This could be as simple as having a quick coffee with a colleague or joining a free local event. Reflect on what kind of social interactions you find fulfilling. Sometimes quality is more important than quantity, and finding one or two meaningful connections can make a big difference.

It seems like these issues are all inter-related and affecting your overall quality of life. It’s natural to feel sad and overwhelmed when dealing with multiple stressors. Prolonged stress is unhealthy, so it’s important to address these feelings.

How long have you been feeling this way? Taking the first step to seek help can be daunting, but it’s a crucial part of taking care of your mental health. If you ever feel overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, consider calling a mental health helpline. They can provide immediate support and guidance. Look into community programs that offer financial assistance, food banks, or support groups. Consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor who can provide you with personalized support.

I want to acknowledge the strength it takes to share these concerns. It’s okay to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed and it’s important to take one step at a time. These feelings are valid, and acknowledging them is the first step towards finding a solution. Focus on small, manageable changes that can improve your situation. Whether it’s improving your diet, finding a small amount of time to socialize, or addressing work-related stress, every small step counts.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. There are resources to help you develop coping mechanisms tailored to your situation. Take care, and please keep us updated on how you’re doing. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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(post deleted by author)

Hey there @Mentalhealth60 :wave: Thanks for sharing all this, sorry to hear that you have been feeling this way :frowning:

Honestly, I have also experienced something similar during college when I got stressed. Eating was a chore that I would want to quickly get over and done with, and each day was just a repeat of eat, sleep, and study…I missed hanging out with my friends but I was just too exhausted by the end of each day (physically and emotionally) to initiate social interaction. It truly was a very odd dilemma hahah. I remember feeling this way for a whole year actually, but never really did anything about it…but after speaking to a mental health professional, I learned that I was experiencing burnt out :melting_face:

From my own experience, I can imagine it must be quite draining to be going through what you are experiencing…Wondering how you have been coping with all this?

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I wouldnt say im burnt out because i dont work overtime at all. I feel conflicted to socialize because I dont like to deal with people but yet feel wired to have connection? Socializing leave me unfulfilled and unhappy. I find therapy to be too expensive and not a solution to the problems im facing hence i wont prioritize spending money on it.

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Ah I see. Thats completely fair too, it is true that therapy in Singapore can be expensive :frowning: I do know a few places that offer lower-cost prices if that ever becomes an option for you!

Im hearing you on feeling conflicted to socialize…it does make sense to desire connection with others even though socializing might not necessarily meet our emotional needs. If you are open to sharing, I am curious about whether socializing has always felt this way for you?

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Ok, at least we have eliminated one possibility that it is not overtime being the cause, but you said that your corporate job is sucking the soul out of you, can share more?

Oh, wrt therapy, there are several options that are meant to be affordable…
Have you tried Singapore Association for Mental Health 1800-283-7019 ?

I can understand if you are not open to prioritize spending, that said, if it has been bothering you for a long while, having low or no mood, it is important that you address it with professional help. Let us know your thoughts?

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I dont know, people in general tend to pass judgemental comments like at work saying i have a bad sense of style etc… i dont really like dealing with the negative side of people in this case its not easy to meet good people with good intentions in this day and age… i have past history of getting bullied/mocked a lot so its like a pain point for me and I absolutely hate it when I have to deal with nonsense like this. I find i have a better peace of mind when im alone… Im often made fun of for being socially awkward as well so its not nice to be in this kind of situation.

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Hi @Mental360,

Thank you for sharing more about what you’re going through. It’s clear that dealing with judgmental comments and negative people is really affecting you, and I can understand why, given your past experiences.

Judgment and Style Criticism: It’s incredibly hurtful when people make judgmental comments, especially about something personal like your sense of style. Remember that your style is a form of self-expression, and it’s unique to you. Their comments don’t define your worth or your abilities.

Dealing with Negative People: It’s true that finding genuinely kind and supportive people can be challenging. However, they do exist. Surrounding yourself with positive influences, even if it’s just a few, can make a significant difference. It’s okay to set boundaries with those who bring negativity into your life.

Past Bullying: The pain from past bullying is something that stays with you, and it’s understandable why certain comments or situations can trigger those feelings. Acknowledging this pain is a crucial step towards healing. You didn’t deserve to be treated that way, and it’s important to remind yourself that those experiences don’t define who you are.

Preference for Solitude: Finding peace in solitude is completely valid, especially if social interactions often lead to discomfort or hurt. Solitude can be a time for self-reflection and growth. However, it’s also important to find a balance that works for you, where you can experience connection without feeling overwhelmed.

Given these points, here are a few suggestions that might help:

  1. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel hurt by judgmental comments and to need time alone to recharge.
  2. Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself of your strengths and what makes you unique. Affirmations can help build your self-esteem and counteract the negativity.
  3. Boundaries: It’s okay to distance yourself from people who bring negativity into your life. Surround yourself with those who appreciate you for who you are.
  4. Seek Support: Consider talking to a therapist or counselor about your experiences with bullying and your current struggles. They can offer strategies to help you cope and build resilience.
  5. Explore Interests: Engage in activities and hobbies that you enjoy and that make you feel good about yourself. This can also be a way to meet like-minded people.

Remember, finding peace and happiness is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, both by others and by yourself. If you ever need someone to talk to or more advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Take care, and be gentle with yourself.

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Oh man, Im sorry you have to deal with that :frowning_face: You are right, its surely not a nice situation to be in. It is hurtful and not okay when others’ make fun or pass negative comments about our appearances…and it must feel even more painful when you have experienced similar situations in the past. I can totally see why you feel the way you do and would just prefer to avoid social interactions since they have a history of feeling unsafe to you /hugs/.

Is there anyone you have shared this with? Like a close friend, family member etc.

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Yes I did share but how people react and respond is not within my control. I dont have face to face interactions with people outside my family but I do keep in touch with my penpals via writing.

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