When Cravings Speak Louder Than Words

Why Her Cravings Began

Juanita never thought she battled addiction or emotional struggles. She worked hard and showed steady grace. But she lived with cravings she never talked about. These cravings were not about food alone. They were about comfort. They began when she moved from Africa and started life overseas. The distance, the loneliness, and the new culture left her feeling empty in ways she could not explain. Instead of sharing her pain, she turned to what felt safe and familiar, food.

When Food Became Emotional Relief

At first, her habits looked harmless. A late snack. A sweet treat after dinner. An extra plate when memories of home felt heavy. With time, the cravings grew stronger. Food became escape.
During a counseling session, she said, “Eating filled the silence inside me.” Her words showed the truth many face. She was not eating from hunger. She was eating because she did not know how to sit with her feelings.

Cravings and the Hidden Pain They Cover

For many people, cravings are not about appetite. They are about emotional survival. Some turn to food. Others turn to shopping, endless scrolling, or relationships. We reach for what feels familiar when life becomes overwhelming. Cravings send messages. They reveal hurts that need attention. They show where healing is needed. Dr. Brené Brown once said, “When we numb painful emotions, we also numb the ability to experience joy.” Juanita did not lack discipline. She lacked emotional space and support. She needed healing, not a diet.

The Shift Toward Healing and Awareness

As she began naming her emotions, everything changed. The cravings softened. They did not vanish overnight, but they no longer controlled her.
She replaced emotional eating with emotional awareness. Instead of asking, “What do I want to eat?” she started asking, “What am I feeling right now?”
This shift helped her break cycles that once felt impossible to face.

A Path to Support and Recovery

Cravings are signals, not weakness. If you reach for things out of numbness rather than need, you are not alone. Many people face quiet battles every day. Healing starts with honesty.
If you want support, or you need a safe place to talk, help is available.

For counseling or guidance, contact Dr. David Rex Orgen at 614-753-3925.

Written by Dr. David Rex Orgen, Best-Selling Author & International Mental Health Expert