Chandni Akhenia

It’s 11 p.m. You’ve had a long, exhausting day, and though you’re not really hungry, you find yourself standing in front of the fridge, spoon in hand, diving into a tub of ice cream. The first few bites feel magical the sweetness melting the day’s stress away. But soon after, that comfort fades and a quiet guilt settles in. Sound familiar? This moment captures what so many of us experience as emotional eating turning to food not for nourishment, but for comfort. Emotional eating happens when we use food to manage feelings instead of hunger. Stress, sadness, loneliness, or even boredom can spark cravings for something comforting. In those moments, food isn’t just food it becomes a way to soothe, distract, or feel momentarily in control. Biologically, it makes sense. When we’re stressed, our body releases cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone, which increases appetite. Eating especially something sweet or carb-heavy triggers dopamine and serotonin, giving us a quick emotion...

Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) goes far beyond hormonal imbalance or physical symptoms. While many conversations around PCOS focus on irregular periods, acne, or fertility challenges, the emotional and psychological impact often goes unnoticed. For countless women, the condition silently shapes how they feel about themselves, their bodies, and their sense of control making it just as much a mental health journey as a physical one. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age and is caused by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance can disrupt ovulation and lead to symptoms like weight gain, acne, hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles. But beyond these visible signs, PCOS triggers a cascade of emotional effects that often remain invisible. Research shows that women with PCOS are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, mood swings, and body image concerns. These aren’t just emotional reactions they’r...