Over eating

[cv85]

Hi all, I'm a newbie here, first time poster. Im a 29 year old female, kinda nervous to be here but here goes. I was just wondering if anyone else out there relates to over eating on a regular basis, due to depression, or even those who have low days without having diagnosed depression.. . I don't want to get caught up with the label of 'eating disorder' and mental health illness, basically its eating to fill a void and eating to the point of feeling sick..... aka binge eating. This is my life, and once apon a time my eating was mostly in control, it has gotton worse the last few months, and I am feeling less and less in control

So, if anyone feels like sharing their story, please do. I really just am trying to feel less alone at the moment and I am not trying to judge or compare......so, Id love to hear from you, and thanks everyone.

[Zeal]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I can relate to what you're going through. I overate/binge ate in Year 12, as a coping mechanism for stress, and as a form of avoidance. I developed an eating disorder in 2012, which was spurred on by cutting out dairy, sugar, and gluten on the advice of a naturopath. My weight has been healthy as of mid-2013. I binge ate sometimes during the period I was gaining 20 kg to restore my body weight.

It took months after my weight was restored in mid-2013 to stop overeating. Currently, I eat in a similar way most days. I have favourite foods I eat the most of such as bananas, nuts, bread, rice, meat such as chicken and turkey, and cereal.  I also eat vegetables, but sometimes less than I should!
I can relate to eating to fill a void, to the point when you feel physically ill. When I used to binge eat I felt deeply unhappy and guilty about it.

Well that was my story…

Overcoming a problem with overeating and/or binge eating is not straightforward, and different strategies will work for different people. If you have particular junk foods you binge on regularly, try not keeping them in the house, if possible. If you do keep treats in the pantry, try to buy them in smaller portions (even when the jumbo packs are on special!) Buy fun-size chocolates or bars rather than blocks or large packets, for example.

When you feel the urge to overeat or binge, try distracting yourself. I was never good at this! You could try going for a walk or drive, taking a shower, watching an episode of your favourite TV show, or calling a friend.

Ultimately, in order for you to get your binge eating under control, you will need to identify and work through the emotional causes. This is not fun, but it’s necessary! Perhaps chat to your GP about this- it may help to get your thoughts and emotions out in the open, and see what advice they have to offer. The hardest thing is feeling alone. You could talk to a family member or close friend about it- if you choose a time that’s appropriate for them and you think they will be a good listener.

I hope something I have said has been helpful, or comforting! Feel free to post back :)

SM