Binge Eating Disorder

I admit it. I think I have a real problem. I've been trying really hard over the last six months or so, and I really believe I have developed binge eating disorder. I can't go more than two days without a binge (I'm talking anywhere from 3,000-6,000 calories with no exercise), and nothing I do can prevent them. I've tried giving myself rewards for not binging, making little contracts for myself, keeping this food blog, burying myself in my schoolwork, and exercising. Nothing works and I'm beginning to feel depressed.
I checked the scale and I have gained nearly 19 pounds. I don't know what to do except buy more self help books. Therapy isn't an option because I'm a college student and I just can't afford an extra $100-200 a week.
I need a hug :(

First of all, {hug}. I hope that helps a little. :-) Second, I really think that therapy may help you out a lot. There are many lower-cost options available. If you are religious, I would look at low-cost counseling being offered by churches around you. If not, or if you want someone who has University training as a therapist, I'd contact graduate schools around you. Students earning their licenses have to log hundreds of hours of clinical experience before they can get their license. These are qualified professionals, and usually only charge 10 to 35 dollars an hour. Good luck!

Thank you for your reply, but I just can't find the time to go to a therapy session. I'm extremely busy with my school work (I'm an art major, have a job, and assist in my school's theater department) and even 10-35 dollars an hour is steep for me because I'm paying my own way through college, along with my rent and groceries (speaking of which, this binge eating is making me even MORE broke!). I seriously don't know what to do.

I know this might sound almost foreign to you, but as busy as you are your health is very important. Does your college have an on-campus counsellor? Can you talk to your art teacher about this, perhaps? Someone within your college, quite simply, that you can go to for help. Or do you have a parent or doctor you can go and speak to to then approach the college with in the same manner?

What you are struggling with is nothing to be ashamed of. It also sounds like your binges might be stress eating given the amount of emotional weight on your shoulders! You're doing the right thing in trying to reward yourself or remind yourself not to binge, though, so don't give up on that. Write a list, first of all, of all the reasons why you shouldn't binge - more than one copy if you need - and put this list on your fridge door, on your cupboard door, above your bathroom/bedroom mirror... places you will see it and the places it's most important to see it. You've already listed a few:

• Food costs
• General costs
• Impact on happiness
• Impact on work
• Weight gain
• Additional stress

The self-help books are a good idea if you think they'll assist you. For online support sources, here are some helpful links:
Binge Eating Disorder - Something Fishy
Binge Eating Disorder - Eating Disorders Online

Links that can help you locate possible treatment that is free of cost or low-cost:

ANRED
Something Fishy: How Will I Pay?

Next time you have an urge, get out of your house and away from your kitchen. If you need to work, you could take your art work to a studio or area that doesn't have access to the fridge. You can call a friend, or you can come on CC. Write down your feelings instead of going for the cupboard. And remember, import antly, you do not have to tackle this alone!

I've struggled with bullemia since I was 12. Though I haven't had a purge episode in a year, I struggle with binging on occasion still. I've been hospitalized twice and gone through outpatient eating disorder programs both times.

You are on the right track by trying to distract yourself and rewarding yourself for good habits. A therapist specializing in eating disorders would be ideal. I understand money is an issue, so at least try finding a support group specifically for binge eating. These are typically free or low-cost. I know you are busy, but it's worth the time to get some help for this. Plus, any time you are in group is time you aren't binging.

I have trouble with binges when I am stressed out, especially when doing homework. Try studying at a library or public place. You are an artist... if it's possible try and find a place to work that isn't in your house. I realize that's difficult unless all you do is draw. Just trying to throw ideas out here.

A lot of people carry out their disorder in secret. I know this is an AA saying but I think it holds true for many things; We are only as sick as our secrets. There is no shame seeking help from others, you are far from alone in this struggle! Support groups have people in all levels of recovery and you could find it motivating to see how far others have come. The group I went to I exchanged numbers with others and we called each other for support when we were feeling like binging. Don't give up! I know you can do it!

-hug-

I have a binge eating disorder too. And I binge 2,000 - 4,000 calories almost each day with no excercise. I've tried so many ways t prevent them (read a book, bubble bath, paint nails etc) but nothing works! Because I end up actually bringing the food. I haven't weighed myself in a while because I'm scared of the scale. And my jeans feel really tight now. Although I'm not a college student, I live with my mom and sister. So my mom frequently buys unhealthy things like chips, cookies, cakes, cake mixes, bagels, peanut butter etc. And when I binge, I end up consuming most of the week's groceries and I then feel extremely guilty.

I wish I can help you, but I also need help too. I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone on this!

:)

I, too, have suffered with binge eating disorder. Stress is what I think brought mine on as I am a healthy eater. I'd be willing to bet that I could put away 5000 calories on a bad binge. I'd nearly always be sick the next day.

Anyway, what I have learned that works for me is to eat a low carb, no sugar diet. After the first week your cravings will demish. I am finally feeling that I have a normal relationship with food.

I always have junk food in my house via my husband. I just make sure that I have a lot of ready to eat (hard boiled eggs, chicken strips), protien foods around. I snack on them instead, get full and stop eating. Drinking a lot of water helps too.

I've been going through this too.  Did it develope kind of out of the blue after extreme stress?

Either way, the way I've been dealing with it is by doing a raw foods diet.  It actually has worked great.  Especially if you follow a strict one that limits the amount of fats you are allowed.  I'm on an 80% carbs 10% protien 10% fats diet and you find that you can eat and eat and eat and you'll run out of room much faster than alloted calories for the day.

The fruit keeps me satisfied (bananas and other sweet fruits) and the vegetables (celery and other salty greens) give me the salt I crave.

I also have TONS of energy.  Seriously.  I feel like a million bucks when I wake up in the morning.  My skin has been clearing up as well and I've started an excercise program because I have so much extra steam.

Hope this helps!

All my best to you. 

Carly

Sorry, but I have to disagree with the post above. When someone is struggling with bingeing the worst WORST thing they can do, in my opinion, is to then cut things out of their diet. They should aim for balance of 55-60% carbs, 10-15% protein and 25-30% fats and a little of everything. Saying "no" to something more often than not leads to bingeing - and usually on what you're denying yourself.

Everyone & every body is unique. You have to find out what works for you. For me, carbs do "something" that increases my risk to binge, same with sugar. Even natural foods, like fruit. Ballerinicarly's diet would be a disaster for me. Protein, veggies, water and sugar-free gum are keeping me "binge-free".

I had a year of extreme health issues. A major & minor surgery and then a pretty bad car accident within 6 months. The next six months I was fine, then started with this binge issue. I was diagnosed with post tramtic stress syndrome by one of my doctors.

aw honey i understand what you are going through. let me tell u my experience before trying to offer some advice... althoug i am still a binge eater.

i went away to college in the usa for a year of exchange and in the space of four months packed on about 10 kilos... literally, from binge eating out of sadness, boredom, confusion, loneliness (although i didn't know my emotions were causing it). and even though i have lost about 5 of the kilos (it took me 6 months) i still binge eat to this very day, and sometimes these binges cause me to put on another 1-2 kilos, that eventually fall off again... so i'm in this neverending cycle. but i'm not the kind of person to talk to anyone about it, not even a doctor... i can't admit it to anyone.

as for a solution... i find that the days that i don't binge eat is when i'm really really busy, and i actually do not have time to go to teh pantry and take food out. however, if i'm really in a binge-ing mood i will set time aside to binge by not sleeping... :( and if you think about why you want to eat, slow down, take some breaths and get away from the kitchen, it may help. also going outside for a walk always puts me into a better mood, or watching a movie/tv shows.

hope this helps a little, and you realise you are totally NOT ALONE, i binge eat once a week at the least :(

Obviously a lot of us are going through a similar trial. I don't know about you, but I can go for times where I'm awesome & there's times I love to eat and eat.

It's strange that I go through psychologically challenging times, whereas my brother in law who is a svelt air force "bike to work" guy can down a pan of brownies without any guilt.

I just want to say that I got down too low last time, and by dieting. for about the millionth time I gained back nearly 10lbs - I'm 123, and on my tiny frame it's totally noticable. I know that seems mild, but you have to realize I've done this about a million times so it really must appear strange to those I've known for 10 years.

Ladies, for the first time in my life I'm going to completely ditch dieting (continue calorie counting/nutritional analysis) & I've made a recommitment to muay thai kickboxing / strength training so I can finally be free of guilt for enjoying food and get into better shape physically too.

I realize this is just a corner in my road of life, but it feels good to get this all out in the open.

OP you are not alone, and not totally guilty either.