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Is appetite loss common in depression?

46 Answers
Last Updated: 10/05/2021 at 2:20pm
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Psychologist

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Top Rated Answers
beautifulFreedom65
September 12th, 2016 1:01am
yes, very. I didn't even care about eating and your body begins to notice. I don't know why it happens but its common in most cases. It's like eating is a blur and you'd rather not have your stomach full. Actually not eating cases you to become more depressed. It's like the depression is taking over your body and making you feel more miserable....interesing isn't it?
iWalkBesideDylan
June 10th, 2015 4:38pm
Yes it is. Both an increase and/or decrease in appetite are classic symptoms of depression. A fluctuating appetite also.
supportiveFish77
March 29th, 2016 10:52am
Yes. For some people it is. If you are facing severe weight loss, i suggest you seek help from a professional immediately.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2015 6:32pm
Changes in eating can be a symptom of depression, be it a loss or gain of appetite. It is important to remember to stay healthy by eating at least three meals a day. You may want to keep a journal of when and what you eat to help monitor your eating habits.
Anonymous
January 11th, 2016 10:08am
Loss of appetite is quite common in depression. Due to the loss of appetite the individual suffering from depression can grow weak or get into poor and faulty eating habits.
Anonymous
December 22nd, 2015 2:37am
Yes - very common. Try to eat at least an instant meal shake or bar during your rough times. These are easy, low effort ways to get at least the minimal nutrition you need. Also - be aware that if you are undernourished, it actually makes it easier for the depression to overpower you in your weakened state.
PrincessPea247
August 22nd, 2015 1:50pm
Often the symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. So one person may display one symptom and another person may not. Appetite loss (or general changes in appetite) can be a symptom of depression but I would suggest that if you are concerned about it that you talk to a doctor about it.
BeautifulRoseQuartz
May 21st, 2015 5:40pm
Yes, when you lose your appetite from depression it becomes very hard to get back on track because of the lack of energy and interest you see in daily life tasks.
SpaceLaces
August 31st, 2015 9:11am
Depression can affect your appetite in a lot of ways. You may start eating 10 times the amount you normally do or you may not eat at all. Even if you feel like you can't eat you should still try. Not eating only makes it harder to deal with.
PoliteOcean
August 31st, 2015 7:58pm
While there are many different feelings or things that can happen with depression, not everyone is the same. The best thing to do if you are having an issue with depression is to seek the advice of a trained medical professional , including counselor or therapist.
mysteriousWillow50
April 10th, 2015 7:03pm
Appetite loss, or increased appetite are both common in depression. However, not everyone will experience the changes...but it is one of many common symptoms.
Charysma0417
March 27th, 2018 12:12am
From my experience it can be... it differs from person to person and from situation to situation. The severity of the depression also seems to have an effect on it.
sadietricia
July 30th, 2018 12:07am
Yes! There have been days when I don't even feel like eating my favorite foods. It is a real thing!!
miraan3
August 2nd, 2018 1:18pm
Yes it is often a difficult side effect of depression. I struggle to try to eat every day to prevent further weight loss. I have read so many suggestions about eating when depressed but none of them help me. I am hoping that medication will help me soon.
Anonymous
February 5th, 2019 11:19am
Depends on the person. When I was in my darkest place with depression I was eating like crazy. I couldn't stop eating but there are people who cannot eat anything, barely a full meal a day when are depressed so...it all comes to what tipe of person you are. Depression like any other disease, has different takes on differend people. If I have an appetite and still be depressed, doesn't mean that the person next to me should be the same. So... it all comes down to what tipe of person you are, if you usually cannot eat when you are sad and stressed, definitely you won't have an appetite when depressed.
Kaiweena
October 5th, 2021 2:20pm
Definitely. During my depressive episodes I didn't feel like getting up, moving, or doing anything. Eating was a constant struggle because I either ate too little or ate way too much in a little time. Over time I found foods that I'd enjoy anytime, no matter what I felt or how I felt. That way, when I did have another depressive episode, I had something to eat or snack on so I don't completely get drained of energy and get sick. I hope your journey gets better, don't forget, healing is a process! Find those food items that you love and try to eat a small amount periodically. You got this!