Binge eating due to Depression + Anorexia

[alicia_017]

One of the ways I handle my depressive episodes is by binge eating. This shouldn't be that big of a problem, but considering I also suffer from an eating disorder it makes my life hell. I'll eat up to 1500 calories because of depression, and then I'll fast for the next 3 days because of anorexia. After fasting I'll feel good about myself until I eat again. And because after eating I don't feel good about myself, my depression gets worse, and I binge eat. And then the cycle continues. Is anyone else in a similar position as me? And does anyone have any advice?

[neliyeti]

Hiya - i'm 49 and have been living with this pattern for most of my life.. and the depression comes and goes and then my brain finds another reason why to binge eat and then starve myself later until i binge eat again... ive found help with my psychiatrist in dealing with my relationship with my mother since childhood. had a very loving mother but quite dysfunctional in the way she loved me and taught me. As a result of those messages as well as other triggers from life, the eating disorder fluctuates. BUT Because i have ADD i was put on ritalin last year which as well as helping me focus and concentrate, brought more focus to my eating patterns and i stopped zoning out and binging as much. my advice is to get referred to a psychiatrist who can help you with the relationship patterns from childhood that might be triggering your compulsion and see if there is any intervention - psychological or pharmaceutical which can help you reduce your symptoms. IT will help reduce the guilt and depression cycle that's so easy to fall prey to. Things aren't perfect today but i suffer less than i used to. hopefully you can make a dent in your behaviours too. good luck

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Alicia,

I hope you don’t mind if I extend a caring welcome to you to the forum. You strike me as someone who has a lot of self insight because you understand what drives your binge eating. I’m glad you decided to reach out here and thank you so much for bravely reaching out 🙂

I feel there are some people on the forums who have had (or have) food related issues and/or eating disorders. So I feel there’s a lot of general empathy here.

As I’m sure many people will tell you (and you seem to know this too), eating disorders are never really directly about the food itself. It’s a coping mechanism for some form of pain and darkness.

I feel underlying issues (e.g. depression) drive and sustain eating disorders so until those issues are resolved and there are alternative coping mechanisms, you are likely to continue with the food “crutch.”

It’s completely up to you but my gentle suggestion is, if you haven’t already, to make an extended appointment with your GP for a mental health plan. You could open up about your binge eating and restricting and he/she can help you formulate a plan to help you as well as probably refer you to other professionals.

Also, there is a renowned national eating disorder organisation called The Butterfly Foundation. They have a whole range of services including a helpline and support groups (not sure if they are still running the support groups). Perhaps you might like to search for them online?

Anyway, of course those are just suggestions and you don’t have to take them on board unless you feel they are helpful. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to share those ideas, that’s all.

You are always most welcome to continue writing and sharing your story here (and venting is good too). It would be great to hear from you again but only if you want to...

Kind thoughts,

Pepper