I don't know what to do
I recently found out I have a binge eating disorder. I guess I never really thought of my eating spells as binges, but looking back on them makes it more apparent. I just know that I don't know what to do with myself when I'm not eating.
As powerless as you may feel about your eating disorder, its important to know that binge eating disorder is treatable. You can learn to break the binge eating cycle and develop a healthier relationship with food. You may find that binge eating is comforting for a brief moment, helping to ease unpleasant emotions or feelings of stress, depression, or anxiety.
Sometimes the urge to binge may hit without warning. But there are things you can do to help yourself stay in control.
Accept the urge and ride it out, instead of trying to fight it. This is known as urge surfing. Think of the urge to binge as an ocean wave that will soon crest, break, and dissipate. When you ride out the urge, without trying to battle it, youll see that it passes more quickly than youd think.
Distract yourself. Anything that engages your attention will work: taking a walk, calling a friend, watching something funny online, etc. Once you get interested in something else, the urge to binge may go away.
Talk to someone. When you start to notice the urge to binge, turn to a friend or family member you trust. Sharing what youre going through can help you feel better and discharge the urge to binge.
Delay, delay, delay. Even if youre unsure if youll be able to fight the urge to binge, make an effort to delay it. Try to hold off for 1 minute and set a timer. If you succeed, try to stretch it out to 5 minutes. If you delay it long enough, you may be able to avoid the binge.
