How Do You All Cope When You're Single, Sick, and Not Eating/Not Eating Well When You Know You Should Be?

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

I personally find one of the most challenging aspects of being single is when you're sick and unable to take care of yourself.

For the past week, I've been waking up with headaches and nausea, and I'm not sure why. While trying to figure out the culprit, it's been a slow recovery. And, oddly enough for me, I haven't been wanting to eat.

Now normally, not wanting to eat is NEVER a problem for me. If anything, I often respond to various stresses by over-indulging and have to really work at cutting myself off. Because of this, I try to limit the amount of unhealthy foods I allow into my space, and I don't do much "real" cooking because I tend to get obsessed over trying to perfect recipes -- but for very unhealthy things. (I've written about my quest for the perfect sugar cookies and fettucine alfredo before -- which led to me eating those things every day for 4-5 months.) Obviously, I have to put up several boundaries and limitations on myself to try to keep healthy.

Lately, I've had to reserve my energy for only the most necessary of responsibilities, and unfortunately, that hasn't included grocery shopping or cooking.

I find myself mostly getting by on spinach/mixed vegetables, eggs, oatmeal, and other various healthy but not very tasty staples that I keep stocked. However, none of these sound very appetizing.

For whatever reason, I crave junk foods even more intensely when I'm not feeling well, so it's very tempting to just stop for a burger and fries, or pick up a load of fat and calorie-laden, microwavable things from the store. I don't have any energy to prepare anything properly, so I'm swinging between barely eating but also fighting the temptation to buy a stash of "comfort"-style junk food and scarf it all down.

I know is probably seems like a 1st-world problem when so many people have to fight every day to barely get anything to eat at all.

But how do you all cope when you're sick -- and there's no one around to help you take care of yourself? (Especially single parents who have to look after others as well as themselves.)

* How do you handle feeding yourself, going to a doctor if needed, keeping up with medication schedules, etc?

* How do you handle the expenses, since there's no one to help pay bills if you miss work?

* Do you have medical insurance or find it's too expensive/not worth it? (I know this is a personal question -- please don't feel any obligation to answer.) One of my biggest fears is being of any kind of financial drain to my family, so I try to have measures in place that will hopefully take care of my responsibilities and not place any burden on them.

* Do you have anyone you can call for help if you're sick? (Someone to pick things up for you, help watch your kids or pet, etc.)

* Are you able to rely on your church for help in these times of need?

I'm just a single who is currently struggling -- and would like to hear what others do when faced with the same challenges.

(Everyone, including marrieds, are welcome to answer -- but the main idea behind this thread is asking what people are do when they're sick and limited, if any, means of support.)

Thank you for sharing -- any tips and advice you can give would be very helpful to others!

 

[cinder]

Well, after being sick the last time and chicken noodle soup sounded reallt good, I made a little emergency sicky kit with several packs of chicken ramen noodles and some canned chicken. Between that and the fact that I usually cook for a week at a time so there may be sufficient quantities of leftovers there should be enough food. If not fasting is supposed to be pretty good for you and I have plenty of body fat to burn in an emergency.

I've also got a pretty good job with benefits that include insurance and sick leave so the money side of stuff is pretty well covered.

Now if such a situation should arise where I need to go to the hospital but can't muster up the energy to go there or call 911, well statistically I think that's rare for someone my age and I've been looking forward to heaven for a while anyway. When parents aren't around anymore to chevk on me and boss isn't expecting me at work everyday, I'm gonna have to work on making sure someone checks I'm still alive so they find me in a timely manner if and when I die.

And with that cheerful thought, everyone have a good evening.

 

[shittim]

I've left word if the newspapers are stacking up and the buzzards are circling, call my next of kin.
It would be a challenge were it not for the indwelling Savior, who promises to keep us in health if we stay in Him.
I have gotten the legal stuff in the file, will, next of kin, power of attorney ready to be signed. So not expecting illness to befall me, He mostly takes His Own quickly and quietly after our work here is done.
Dr, James Dobson spoke of his father saying he wanted to go quietly with his family around him, he had just said grace at the Thanksgiving table when he lay down his head and left. (didn't have to face the sweet potatoes with marshmallows, ot the cranberry stuff in the shape of a dog food can?)
blessings

 

[shittim]

Mother had neighbors who had arranged to call each other and check up.
I had a deal where I could have died a couple years ago, Lord told me to take my phone, did so and was able to drag it near me and call a neighbor who answered and was able to come and help. Otherwise the adversaries plan would have been successful, He guides us all the time, we just don't perceive it , according to Job c33-v 14, once we do we can stay in 24/7/365 relationship.
blessings

 

[OLDBUTNEW]

Hey Everyone,

I personally find one of the most challenging aspects of being single is when you're sick and unable to take care of yourself.

For the past week, I've been waking up with headaches and nausea, and I'm not sure why. While trying to figure out the culprit, it's been a slow recovery. And, oddly enough for me, I haven't been wanting to eat.

Now normally, not wanting to eat is NEVER a problem for me. If anything, I often respond to various stresses by over-indulging and have to really work at cutting myself off. Because of this, I try to limit the amount of unhealthy foods I allow into my space, and I don't do much "real" cooking because I tend to get obsessed over trying to perfect recipes -- but for very unhealthy things. (I've written about my quest for the perfect sugar cookies and fettucine alfredo before -- which led to me eating those things every day for 4-5 months.) Obviously, I have to put up several boundaries and limitations on myself to try to keep healthy.

Lately, I've had to reserve my energy for only the most necessary of responsibilities, and unfortunately, that hasn't included grocery shopping or cooking.

I find myself mostly getting by on spinach/mixed vegetables, eggs, oatmeal, and other various healthy but not very tasty staples that I keep stocked. However, none of these sound very appetizing.

For whatever reason, I crave junk foods even more intensely when I'm not feeling well, so it's very tempting to just stop for a burger and fries, or pick up a load of fat and calorie-laden, microwavable things from the store. I don't have any energy to prepare anything properly, so I'm swinging between barely eating but also fighting the temptation to buy a stash of "comfort"-style junk food and scarf it all down.

I know is probably seems like a 1st-world problem when so many people have to fight every day to barely get anything to eat at all.

But how do you all cope when you're sick -- and there's no one around to help you take care of yourself? (Especially single parents who have to look after others as well as themselves.)

* How do you handle feeding yourself, going to a doctor if needed, keeping up with medication schedules, etc?

* How do you handle the expenses, since there's no one to help pay bills if you miss work?

* Do you have medical insurance or find it's too expensive/not worth it? (I know this is a personal question -- please don't feel any obligation to answer.) One of my biggest fears is being of any kind of financial drain to my family, so I try to have measures in place that will hopefully take care of my responsibilities and not place any burden on them.

* Do you have anyone you can call for help if you're sick? (Someone to pick things up for you, help watch your kids or pet, etc.)

* Are you able to rely on your church for help in these times of need?

I'm just a single who is currently struggling -- and would like to hear what others do when faced with the same challenges.

(Everyone, including marrieds, are welcome to answer -- but the main idea behind this thread is asking what people are do when they're sick and limited, if any, means of support.)

Thank you for sharing -- any tips and advice you can give would be very helpful to others!

@seoulsearch : This is a bit of a worry, isn't it, sister!!! I'm praying for you, right now!!!

 

[NightTwister]

Chicken noodle and chicken & rice soups are my usual go to when I'm sick. I always keep some on hand for times like this. I hope you get well soon.

 

[zeroturbulence]

I crave junk food when I'm sick too and I eat it. It helps me feel better. I take a lot of zinc, vitamin C and cinnamon capsules. The cinnamon capsules seem to work best because the zinc and vitamin C alone don't seem to work as well without it. I take 6 cinnamon capsules which equals 24 grams or a little less than 2 tablespoons, but don't take it in powder form because it can cause choking. Cinnamon is a natural antibiotic. Zinc and vit. C are nutrients that strengthen the immune system but they're not antibiotics. I'm usually over my sickness within 2 days. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[zeroturbulence]

CORRECTION: I messed up the math on the cinnamon capsules. Each capsule is 2 grams. So 6 capsules is only 12 grams or approx. 1 tablespoon. That's how much I take a day when I'm sick.
Here's the one I take now since I can't find them at walmart anymore.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JNFZHZ...amp=&crid=3O41J1ORA0GO8&amp=&sprefix=cinnamon

 

[Lynx]

My family is tight. We take care of each other. Or at least my dad, aunt and uncles are pretty tight. I'm included in that somehow.

But my cousins and siblings, not so much. When my dad and his sister and brothers die, I'll be pretty much alone. Honestly not really looking forward to it. But if you can't go around it you gotta go through it.

By that time I'll probably be too old to do much good for anybody, so I'll try to remember to not mind it too much. I've had a good life with a good family for all the years that I have needed them.

There HAS to be some kind of online service that will accept a daily or weekly check-in, and if you don't check in they alert somebody. I know too many people who say they need it. Somebody has to provide it somewhere.

 

[seoulsearch]

It's really interesting to hear what people's favorite remedies are. For some reason, I've never been into chicken noodle soup -- just maybe once in a very great while.

This conversation does have me wanting to pick up a few cans of bean'n'ham soup though -- thanks for the suggestions!

As I get older, I have a growing concern about people who are older and alone as well. I know God looks after us all, but we all need a little human help along the way.

Thanks very much for the prayers and well-wishes -- they're very much appreciated!

 

[cinder]

He mostly takes His Own quickly and quietly after our work here is done.

The believers being slaughtered in Nigeria would probably disagree with this. And then there's all the other stories from history about Christian martyrs.

That said yes I'd prefer to slip away peacefully and quietly too.

 

[shittim]

How about argumentative people? Are they going home quietly with His blessing, or will the devil fight to take them and it is a struggle?

 

[Lynx]

It would be a challenge were it not for the indwelling Savior, who promises to keep us in health if we stay in Him.

Now that is definitely a load of horse crap.

So all the Christians who have died of cancer were not really christians? What about the ones who have died of pneumonia?

 

[CarriePie]

Praying for complete recovery to wellness and all of smashingness soon!!


To answer how do I personally cope... When I'm ill I like to be left alone. That's my main thing. The presence of people can stress me out a lot when I'm ill, making me feel even worse. I always have something on hand I can consume: legumes, veggies, oatmeal, applesauce, etc. If I feel really terrible and don't want any sounds or shows/movies playing, I'll rest and watch critter cams. If I'm ill but capable of going for a walk, I'll do so. I've personally found that going for gentle walks help me. It just depends on how sick I am.

 

[33Michael33]

Hey Everyone,

I personally find one of the most challenging aspects of being single is when you're sick and unable to take care of yourself.

For the past week, I've been waking up with headaches and nausea, and I'm not sure why. While trying to figure out the culprit, it's been a slow recovery. And, oddly enough for me, I haven't been wanting to eat.

Now normally, not wanting to eat is NEVER a problem for me. If anything, I often respond to various stresses by over-indulging and have to really work at cutting myself off. Because of this, I try to limit the amount of unhealthy foods I allow into my space, and I don't do much "real" cooking because I tend to get obsessed over trying to perfect recipes -- but for very unhealthy things. (I've written about my quest for the perfect sugar cookies and fettucine alfredo before -- which led to me eating those things every day for 4-5 months.) Obviously, I have to put up several boundaries and limitations on myself to try to keep healthy.

Lately, I've had to reserve my energy for only the most necessary of responsibilities, and unfortunately, that hasn't included grocery shopping or cooking.

I find myself mostly getting by on spinach/mixed vegetables, eggs, oatmeal, and other various healthy but not very tasty staples that I keep stocked. However, none of these sound very appetizing.

For whatever reason, I crave junk foods even more intensely when I'm not feeling well, so it's very tempting to just stop for a burger and fries, or pick up a load of fat and calorie-laden, microwavable things from the store. I don't have any energy to prepare anything properly, so I'm swinging between barely eating but also fighting the temptation to buy a stash of "comfort"-style junk food and scarf it all down.

I know is probably seems like a 1st-world problem when so many people have to fight every day to barely get anything to eat at all.

But how do you all cope when you're sick -- and there's no one around to help you take care of yourself? (Especially single parents who have to look after others as well as themselves.)

* How do you handle feeding yourself, going to a doctor if needed, keeping up with medication schedules, etc?

* How do you handle the expenses, since there's no one to help pay bills if you miss work?

* Do you have medical insurance or find it's too expensive/not worth it? (I know this is a personal question -- please don't feel any obligation to answer.) One of my biggest fears is being of any kind of financial drain to my family, so I try to have measures in place that will hopefully take care of my responsibilities and not place any burden on them.

* Do you have anyone you can call for help if you're sick? (Someone to pick things up for you, help watch your kids or pet, etc.)

* Are you able to rely on your church for help in these times of need?

I'm just a single who is currently struggling -- and would like to hear what others do when faced with the same challenges.

(Everyone, including marrieds, are welcome to answer -- but the main idea behind this thread is asking what people are do when they're sick and limited, if any, means of support.)

Thank you for sharing -- any tips and advice you can give would be very helpful to others!

 

[AnOldLady]

@seoulsearch - I hope you are feeling much better now. It is concerning watching people having health problems who don't have someone to help them. I'll toss my hat in the bucket that wants an easy exit when I'm no earthly good, but until then, I'm going to continue to do the good things that will keep this old vehicle running until we reach the end of the road. And in situations like this where I can't be any tangible good, nothing need stop me from adding to the prayers offered on your behalf or for anyone who lets on that there's a need. It seems the right thing to do.

 

[Jared_K]

* How do you handle feeding yourself, going to a doctor if needed, keeping up with medication schedules, etc?

* How do you handle the expenses, since there's no one to help pay bills if you miss work?

* Do you have medical insurance or find it's too expensive/not worth it? (I know this is a personal question -- please don't feel any obligation to answer.) One of my biggest fears is being of any kind of financial drain to my family, so I try to have measures in place that will hopefully take care of my responsibilities and not place any burden on them.

* Do you have anyone you can call for help if you're sick? (Someone to pick things up for you, help watch your kids or pet, etc.)

* Are you able to rely on your church for help in these times of need?

I'm just a single who is currently struggling -- and would like to hear what others do when faced with the same challenges.

Whew. This is real. I admire your courage to reach out for help when you need it. You’re not alone.

Q: How do you handle feeding yourself?
A: I wouldn't necessarily say I’m lazy, just “efficient.” All of my food is relatively easy to throw together and make in a pinch. Because if it feels like too much work, I’ll go for the protein bar or something worse.

Q: How do you pay bills?
A: I live with two roommates. In fact, it was a last-minute decision and I am living in a 2-bedroom apartment with 3 people. I’ve essentially turned the living room into my bedroom. I do what I can, and occasionally ask roommates for help. Because of the car accident, I‘m on SSI so I can’t afford to live on my own, but I am days or weeks away from a phone call to go back to work part-time. Then a few months down the line I will have a car. Then I’m going to spend extra time driving for Uber/Lyft to make ends meet while saving up for college funds for the real career.

Q: Medical Insurance?
A: Due to SSI, this is pretty much taken care of for me for the time being. So I can’t be much help here.

Q: Anyone to call if I get sick?
A: I have my roommates to rely on, and I also have a mental health facility on top of making sure I have therapy and whatnot, who also help coordinate rides and care if I need it. Also, I just tend not to get sick anymore. I make sure to have vitamin C in my diet (apples, kiwi, etc), and stay active.

Q: Anyone at church to rely on?
A: Yes, but only as a last resort.

You mentioned craving high calorie, fatty junk food and that could be one of two reasons. Reason one: If you aren’t enough enough calories throughout the day, you will get ravenously hungry at night. This is your body trying To “catch up” on the calories it missed. I’d recommend getting some carrots and celery and making yourself a little snack pack to munch on when you feel hungry for a snack but not a full meal. If that snack isn’t doing anything and you’re still hungry and craving comfort foods, it could be a deeper psychological problem that needs to be addressed usually with the help of a medical professional. If you can’t afford one, maybe just talking to ChatGPT about it would suffice. ChatGPT is surprisingly effective as a free therapist.

Lastly, it hurts my heart to know you or anyone is struggling. If you need any advice or just want someone to talk to, feel free to reach out. Take care and I hope things improve. There’s a lot more to deal with when single than just being lonely. I feel you.

 

[seoulsearch]

I just wanted to say thank you again for the prayers and well-wishes -- they are greatly appreciated. I hope we can do the same for you all when you're sick and will hopefully reach out to this community.

Just as an update...

I made it to the store yesterday, and, if there are any nutritionists, dieticians, or passionate health enthusiasts in the audience, please be gentle.

I picked up a sub sandwich (my favorite "junk" food after giving up almost all fast food,) a frozen pizza (which shall be topped with as many mushrooms as it can carry,) a bag of Lay's original potato chips (I've been trying to resist for weeks, but alas,) and two bags of salad mix and assorted vegetables.

After all, isn't this what the experts mean when they talk about having a "balanced" diet??

Said junk food shall be accommodated by frozen fruit and the spinach soup I made last week.

So I definitely don't have to worry about starving anytime soon , but these were the only things that sounded good.

And I'd like to think there are some times when eating unhealthy things can be better than not eating at all.

Thank you all so much again!

 

[Sculpt]

Hey Everyone,

I personally find one of the most challenging aspects of being single is when you're sick and unable to take care of yourself.

For the past week, I've been waking up with headaches and nausea, and I'm not sure why. While trying to figure out the culprit, it's been a slow recovery. And, oddly enough for me, I haven't been wanting to eat.

I said a prayer for God to put his healing hand on you, give you wisdom and peace and find a healthy appetite. I'll keep you in my daily prayers.

Of course you could go to a doctor. You could ask advice of a nutritionist at church/friend. It could possibly be a disturbance/unbalance in your gut health, such as more of the bad guys than good. Doesn't hurt to try eating refrigerated sour kraut which helps feed the good guys.

I always recommend eating more meat, nuts, beans and fresh veg/fruit/salads. Oatmeal may be a comfort food, but has little nutrition.

If you aren't already, pay closer attention to sticking to a schedule of sleep, getting sunlight, exercise, prayer, word.

 

[Alexisnicole12]

I pray you recoup immediately and that you’re feeling better than ever tomorrow when you wake up! In Jesus Name

This post is so real. I love the other’s suggestions about having a neighbor or friend to check in. I also agree that having your favorite soups on deck is crucial. I second the idea too that fasting can accelerate the detox and it’s the perfect time to do it if you’re already missing work. If you’re dealing with phlegm having the spiciest soup some hot tea and 2-3 hot showers can definitely help pass any bad bugs!


I am not sure what you do but you’re a wonderful writer perhaps it could be a good time to find some paid tasks that incorporate that into the work. Like advertising or freelancing. I could totally see you running a stellar blog.

So many folks plug ads on those and seem to do pretty great for that rainy day.

I just wanted to say thank you again for the prayers and well-wishes -- they are greatly appreciated. I hope we can do the same for you all when you're sick and will hopefully reach out to this community.

Just as an update...

I made it to the store yesterday, and, if there are any nutritionists, dieticians, or passionate health enthusiasts in the audience, please be gentle.

I picked up a sub sandwich (my favorite "junk" food after giving up almost all fast food,) a frozen pizza (which shall be topped with as many mushrooms as it can carry,) a bag of Lay's original potato chips (I've been trying to resist for weeks, but alas,) and two bags of salad mix and assorted vegetables.

After all, isn't this what the experts mean when they talk about having a "balanced" diet??

Said junk food shall be accommodated by frozen fruit and the spinach soup I made last week.

So I definitely don't have to worry about starving anytime soon , but these were the only things that sounded good.

And I'd like to think there are some times when eating unhealthy things can be better than not eating at all.

Thank you all so much again!

So good to see you’re feeling better @seoulsearch May you enjoy all your yummy foods and your full force health be restored. I also just had a bag of Lays lol. God will bless you with extra provision to make up for any time that was on hold.

Have a Blessed Day