Binge eating
Hello, I've been struggle for some years with a binge eating disorder and for some time I was starting to get better until I restarted school and stress started to appear. I've noe restarted to binge eating to help me with stress and even when I'm not stressed, It just is my "safe place", it brings me comfort. It is strange but yes... I dont really know what to do, I just want it to stop. I would be grateful for your advices.
@Colo820
it sounds like you have a lot going on with the stress of school. It would be normal to go back to old eating patterns when you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. What sort of things have you tried in the past during stressful times?
@Colo820
It's pretty common to return to what has worked in the past to help us deal with stuff, and in this case stress.
What made you decide to stop binging originally?
What helped you stop binging in the first place?
Sometimes looking at where you are noticing the stress in your body and thoughts can be helpful, and then manage those symptoms can help to reduce the stress. Have you looked at what you experienced as your stress is building for you?
I'm really glad you've posted. You're definitely not alone!
@KristenHR
I gained a lot of weight which was awful and for what helped me... well... not going to school helped me (things got better during the summer holidays).
I have but I dont know how to deal with it, it is really overwhelming.
and thank you very much for answering
@Colo820
Sometimes binging is a way to manage intense situations such as being stressed due to certain aspects of school. For example, a fear of failure, fear of being away from home, worry about fitting in, and so many other things with going to school.
There are also a lot of ways to deal with stress. For some, writing - such as journaling about the stress or worry or specific feelings around the stress or situation. For some, finding a release for the stress such as certain activities or movements that release the tension in the body (it can store in the body and create a lot of uncomfortable feelings). Taking short breaks in between studying sessions - like 10 minutes every 45 minutes of studying to get up and stretch your legs, etc.
Have you noticed how you feel stress physically and emotionally? What does it feel like for you? Does it tend to arise in specific ways or reasons that you then turn to binging for? Maybe thinking about these kinds of things might help you to figure out if there might be particular releases for you that would reduce the binging. Also, your counseling center at school or even a community one or a local support group for binge eating (or even virtual) where you can find support from others who can relate.
Of course, continuing to participate here and getting support. You've taken a great step in opening up and sharing here and that's a big part of the battle sometimes, is not trying to handle this on your own in isolation. So great job on reaching out!