Emotional Sobriety- useful for us foodies!

Signs of Emotional Sobriety

 

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What are the Signs of Emotional Sobriety?

•  Ability to regulate strong emotions

•  Ability to regulate mood

•  Ability to maintain a perspective on life cir****tances.

•  Ability to regulate potentially harmful substances or behaviors

•  Ability to live in the present

•  Ability to regulate activity levels.

•  Ability to live with deep, intimate connection.

•  Resilience, the ability to roll with the punches

•  Ability to regulate behavior

What are Symptoms of a lack of emotional sobriety?

•  Inability to regulate strong feelings such as anger, rage, anxiety, sadness

•  Lack of ability to regulate mood

•  Lack of ability to regulate behavior

•  Not being able to gain a perspective on feelings when they are extreme

•  Lack of ability to regulate self medicating use of substances or behaviors.

•  Inability to live in the present, preoccupies with past unresolved wounds.

•  Lack of ability to regulate activity level. (chronically over or under active)

•  Inability to have deeply feeling intimate relationships.

•  Lack of resilience or the ability to roll with the punches

What are the Solutions: How Can I Come Into Balance?

•  Resolve early childhood wounds

•  Learn techniques of self soothing and make them a part of your life

•  Develop a strong relationship network

•  Maintain a healthy body, exercise, rest, nutrition, sensual pleasure

•  Find meaningful activities, work, hobbies, and passions

•  Process emotional ups and downs as they happen

•  Develop inner resources, quiet, meditation, spiritual pursuits

I think the above is so very important for us overeaters and long term WLS success. It is vital for us to find long term support in terms of support groups, therapy, and close relationships, to do learning of habits and techniques that can replace old unworkable behaviors. This is an active process- it takes a lot of worthwhile work, and when I remember to focus on it, can replace eating for comfort or boredom.

Let me know what you think....

I just want to hit someone today, do you think I am emotionally sober or am I just a hormonal *****

LIKE !!!

I think the process of WLS FORCES us to deal with a lot of emotional wounds we've swept under the rug of food addiction ....

Its painful and in the beginning , may not even seen that worthwhile ( thank God the size progression in the first year is so exciting and positive ! )

I just cant even express how much better my life is after WLS . Its funny because I'm not that crazy about my body now . But mentally ... it was a totally HUGE adjustment .

I just KNOW I deserve so much better than the chronic emotional pain and suffering I settled for in years past . I just WONT live like that any more - at ANY weight .

I love, love, love this post! I am working on healing myself and let me tell you, it sure brings up some painful moments and I know how much I love to eat when I'm hurting, so I'm glad this was here today. I need to remind myself of these words of wisdom now and then. Thank you!

I don't know about this... That's quite the list. I don't think even the most balanced people can say they are emotionally sober by this definition. It's sort of a list of failures for those of us just starting our journey. Thanks for reminding us how self actualized we aren't.

And the words emotionally sober... What's the opposite of that? Offensive that's what. Some people actually have sobriety issues, and I don't think it's fair to compare yourself to them when you've never walked a day in their shoes.

I find this helpful as something to aim for- it is helpful to have signposts and guidance. It is not about perfection; it is about progress in our journey.

The term sobriety can apply to anyone- someone who takes life straight on and clear eyed, and learns to deal with their compulsions and addictions in a workable way and not give in to them.

Us foodies certainly have compulsions- I for sure know I do. It's a daily struggle to relearn old habits, and replace them with more workable behavior. And something we simply have to do if we are going to avoid regain.