Binge eating.

[Le bonheur*]

I'm not sure where this would go. It could go either here, depression, or ED. But I put it here because I wasn't diagnosed with a ED and it's not really me being depressed. Anyways, I know I'm not supposed to put weight numbers so I'll work around that. I gained a lot of weight since 2009.. and it's cause I stopped cutting everyday so instead of cutting to deal with depression, I started binge eating. It's NOT cool to look at old pics and see how little I used to be and how big I am now. It's making me feel very un-beautiful. So do you guys have any ideas on how to stop binge eating? I've tried a few things but it's like I'm stuck. Again, I'm sorry if it doesn't belong here or if I'm not even supposed to post about this..

[Jas]

I could write some big spiel about how you should learn to love yourself, and eat and exercise moderately, but I know it's not that easy.

So some thoughts that might work:

-Binging tends to be done when you're alone. Solution? Don't be alone. Be a social butterfly.
-In that vein, don't EAT alone. So much less likely to overeat if you're eating with others.
-If you can't distract yourself to stop binging, it might help to plan binges once or twice a week and wean yourself off of them. If you are self disciplined enough to stick to your 'binge allowance' it might work - I know people this has worked for.
-Exercise can blunt urges, but be careful not to overdo it or you'll end up with a whole 'nother problem.
-Eating smaller portions throughout the day can curb physical hunger cues which might help... although it does sound like most of your urges are emotionally based.
-All the basic distraction methods, of course, similar to ones you were probably told when you stopped SHing (good job btw!): journaling, drawing, snapping an elastic on your wrist, calling someone, taking a shower, what-have-you....

Plenty more, but there's a few. Anyway, good luck, yeah?

[Revolution]

Hey Brittany,

First of all, remember you are not alone. I also suffer from binge eating when I am depressed, I suffer everyday trying not to. When anything bad habits, I want to eat high salt foods, and it's just a bad coping mechanism we have developed. It can turn into an eating disorder, which I am hoping it hasn't for you.

Either way, I would recommend you talk to an adult you trust to be able to have you see a professional. Binge eating is very dangerous, and can cause you to gain a very unhealthy amount of weight. This can cause very serious health problems. Seeing a doctor or therapist would be a great idea. A therapist will be able to give you more coping mechanisms to deal with, while a doctor can help you get a diet plan that can help you avoid binging by nutritionally sustaining you, along with lose the weight you have gained from your binging.

I would also recommend you check out our Alternatives to Self Harm page. This can give you some alternatives for your cutting, and can work very well for binging as well. They give you tips that can help give you the sensation of cutting, to also finding ones to distract you, which may be good for your binge habits as well. And Jas's tips are fabulous as well, all of them a great idea.

If you ever need anything, feel free to message me!

[Jas]

^I am hitting myself on the head right now. Of course the most obvious option if she is feeling this crappy about it is to get some help of a professional variety.... after years spent in treatment I tend to forget suggesting this, my bad. It's just that it seems like everyone I know with food problems has tried treatment/been through loads of it. A therapist could very well help her..... but as far as a doctor suggesting a diet plan, I'm actually going to disagree with you on that one. If she wants a meal plan, go to a dietitian... not a doctor and certainly not a nutritionist. They're in the best place to help out on that front, IF she thinks it will help. But if her eating is fairly normalized outside of the binges and they are very emotionally based she'll probably have better luck with a run of the mill counselor.

[The Morrigan]

Hey there,

I'm just going to move your thread to the ED forum since even though you haven't been diagnosed with an ED binge eating is related to it.

[Le bonheur*]

Thank you for all of your advice and Cara for moving the thread - I wasn't sure. Sorry!

I am in therapy for depression/ptsd... should I mention the eating there or find a therapist that specializes in binge eating/ED?

I also try not to be alone but I don't go to school or work so I binge while I'm home all alone for about 8, or so, hours. And then at night while everyone is sleeping. It sucks because I know noone is there to stop me.

Right now I'm not dangerously overweight and usually I can control myself.. But it's making me feel icky. :/

I'll definitely try some of the alternatives to self-harm for binging.

Thanks again and Traci, I think I may PM you sometime.