I think I have Binge Eating Disorder
I've been trying to lose weight for a long time now. And I've done it successfully 3 times, but piled it back on.
I'm starting to realise this is a bigger problem for me than I thought......and I think I probably have binge eating disorder. I did a questionaire and the results indicated I do. The big one for me was that I've started hiding food to eat later in the night when everyone has gone to bed.
So I'm wondering if I should be approaching this differently. The way I've lost weight in the past was with Optifast Shakes, and then with the keto diet (which worked really well for a while). But I'm wondering if I keep failing because it's something more sinister than just over-eating.
So I wanted to connect with some people who have been through this. What is the best way to treat BED to lose weight? Is "normal dieting" a bad idea? Or do you basically have to do that anyway to lose the weight? I'm now 100kgs and am developing knee injuries, so something needs to be done.
Thanks so much in advance for listening.
Hi! I'm sorry I don't have any helpful advice for you as I have BED also and have for the last 3yrs but didn't know it was an actual eating disorder until this week. So I'm currently also looking for advice or tips!
I had BED for several years before I recognized it, and confirmed with my psychologist. I can usually tell when I'me binging vs. simple overeating, but I feel powerless to stop the process, most of the time. A part of my mind disconnects and watches in horror as I eat to the point of pain, and beyond. But another part of my mind feel tremendous relief and true pleasure during the first few bites. And I keep going until I'm literally forcing myself to eat more. I just hit 300 pounds a few weeks ago, and it was devastating to me. I'm 51 years old, and I've carried extra weight my entire adult life, but shit suddenly got real.
What has worked for me in the past:
Support. A therapist, or a group, will make all the difference. This is about a LOT more than just enjoying food too much. There's something we want to avoid dealing with, some ancient psychological wound or recent pain, and we get to heal that pain, which is usually a scary and uncomfortable process. Don't do it alone.
Honesty. Be honest with people about your circumstances. Be honest with yourself about yourself. No room for lies about your food, no room for hiding. Unflinching and loving honesty.
Forgiveness. Start the self forgiveness process right now. You are not to blame. You are not weak. You are not broken. LOVE YOURSELF exactly as you are right now (I know, I always struggle with this one, too). Embrace your truth, and let go of shame. This disease grows in the dark recesses of our minds, where we tell ourselves horrible lies about ourselves. As one of my old therapists used to always say, "You gotta let that shit go."
Focus out. This work asks that you dig deep and do the uncomfortable inner work. It's super easy to get lost in that, and to identify as your disease. Find ways to support and love others around you. The more you give, the better you're going to feel about all of this, trust me. Keep giving love. And when you have run out of love to give, love a little more. Be of service.
Stop. Sleep. Rest. Meditate. Exercise. Eat good food wherever you can. Take a few wheatgrass shots. Be extremely gentle with yourself, and find ways to reduce stress. Take care of your physical body.
I've currently been out of therapy for about a year, but I'm actively looking for a new therapist that's covered on my insurance. My last therapist is no longer available. I hate this part of the process, but I'm doing it, cuz it's necessary for me right now. My binges have gotten frequent, and I'm stressing out at work about all kinds of self-worth conversations.
This is a long process. Don't worry about taking the right steps in the right order. Take any step forward. Every step counts. There are no baby steps - there are only steps. Take a couple of steps today.
That's what I've got. Hope you find it helpful.
Randy
@AquaDusk
This will surely help you
https://bit.ly/2uovcyZ
