Calorie counting apps (MyFitnessPal, Lose It, Cronometer) work well for some users short-term and become destructive for others. The same tool that helps one person build awareness damages another's relationship with food. Knowing which type you are matters.
When tracking works
Specific time-bound goal (body composition change for sport, learning portion sizes for first time). Already neutral relationship with food. Time-limited use (4-12 weeks for education, then stop).
When tracking damages
History of disordered eating. Anxious or obsessive personality. Tendency to numerical obsession. Difficulty stopping once started.
If you've tracked and felt better, tracking suits you. If you've tracked and felt worse, it doesn't. Don't push through 'because tracking is supposed to work' — there are other tools (intuitive eating, structured meals, portion plates) that may suit you better.