I have binge eating disorder

35% Normal
7 Comments

I'm a 5'8" 280 lb. 29 year old. I've recently been diagnosed with binge eating disorder, and I realize that I've had it as long as I can remember. Binge eating disorder is significant binge eating (for me about 2000-3000 calories in one sitting) followed by emotional distress (for me being scared I was killing myself with food and feeling stupid for keeping on doing it)feelings of lack of control, disgust or guilt (all the above for me) but without purging or fasting.
It has stemmed from the four major causes of eating disorders - all of which apply to me; Low self-worth, need to be perfect, falling short of expectations, and concern with other's perceptions (very big with me).
I'm seeing a psychologist, who has treated the underlying anxiety and depression very well, and has taught me several ways to control my binging (mindfulness, controlling apparently irrelevant behaviors, realizing my feelings) but I always backslide into a binge. Any experiences/ideas?

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35% Normal
Based on 23 votes (8 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • Karmasbitch
    9 years ago

    I wouldn't say its normal but I'm gad to hear your seeking help for it

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  • Fingersniffer
    9 years ago

    I have an addiction to working out and burning calories :(

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  • Fall_leaves
    9 years ago

    I suffered from an eating disorder since 5th grade. I'm 22 now and I can't say I've gotten over it. I've purged and completely stopped eating before. I weigh 115 at 5'7, It's been serious at times, I've passed out completely and have hurt loved ones.

    It's been my biggest fear to gain weight, I know on this site I appear normal sort of, but deep down I'm afraid to face my eating disorder. I thought I got over it but it always comes back. Distance yourself from the things that make you feel like binging/starving.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      Good luck to you. What treatment have you gotten? Has it helped? Just seeing any source of food has me thinking about eating. So driving is the worst part for me. Through therapy I've found out how I can avoid drivethrus, but things like stopping for gas, or going to the P.O. Box next to the convenience store or going grocery shopping are still major triggers. It's just so hard to avoid seeing food while trying to live a normal life.

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  • palepunk
    9 years ago

    It's about changing your lifestyle and eating foods that will keep you from feeling hungry.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      I certainly agree with changing my lifestyle. I'm trying to find the one that works. As far as the hungry part, a characteristic of binge eating is that I don't eat because I'm hungry, I eat because of my food obsession. Due to the disorder I am in fact rarely hungry.

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  • nematoadblue24
    8 years ago

    Congrats, you're human

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