Binge Eating Disorder - Cork

LegacyUser

Having posted here before and being suggested to check out bodywhys.ie it has become very clear to me that I have binge eating disorder.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterised by periods of binge eating or overeating. The person affected by binge eating disorder may diet frequently, however they will not engage in purging behaviour (getting rid of food) after a binge. Over time this can, but may not always, result in significant weight gain.

I binge without purging, my weight is an issue, I'm a few stone overweight and amazingly not worse than I am, because I do have short good spells of eating and exercise a few times a week, it's stopping me ballooning, but really I need to lose weight and desperately trying to.

Binges almost always occur in secret, and an appearance of ‘normal’ eating is often maintained in front of others. The food that is eaten is usually filling and high in calories. It tends to be food that people regard as fattening, and which they are attempting to exclude from their diet. The food is usually consumed very quickly, and is seldom tasted or enjoyed.

As I said here before, it is secret. My OH isn't privvy to me doing this. I will eat in the car at petrol stations or at times if I have the house to myself I will stock up on high calorie crap food and eat that at home, being careful to leave no trace, empty bin bags etc.

While in binge eating disorder there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets, and often feelings of shame or self-hatred surface after a binge. A person affected by binge eating disorder may find themselves trapped in a cycle of dieting, binging, self-recrimination and self-loathing. They can feel particularly isolated which can contribute to the prolonging of their experience.

Sometimes I feel so so bad about my life when I binge, self loathing, self pity. And I do feel it's a vicious cycle.Can maybe get a healthy great week of eating then crash and binge eat for a half hour. Not savouring the food usually, just stuffing it in. Eating it fast, eating when I'm already full.

I've left in all applicable behaviours;

Behaviours may include
• Out-of-control eating
• Eating more than the body needs at any one time
• Eating much more quickly than usual during bingeing episodes
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating large amounts of food, even when not hungry
• Eating alone (often due to embarrassment at amount of food being eaten)

Emotional and psychological symptoms may include
• Feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness
• Feelings of guilt and shame
• Depression and related symptoms
• Low self esteem
• Dissatisfaction with body image
• Feeling out of control
• Anxiety

Physical symptoms may include
• Weight gain

I know medical advice cannot be given here but wondered if anybody had any experience of dealing with this and overcome it? I am in Cork.

I am in a position where I need to sort this without my OH knowing about it. I know that sounds awful but she has been so good with helping me diet and cooking healthy for me etc I am ashamed of this behaviour and cannot tell her I've been doing it. So it will be hard to get to a counsellor discreetly but I need to try I think.

I see there's a hypnotist in Ballincollig who says he deals with phobias and habit based problems and includes BED on his website who I might try. I am so worn by this.

genie_us

Hi there

I'm not sure if I would call myself a binge eater, but I do recognise a lot of what you posted in myself. I would call myself an emotional eater

Since my teens I struggled with my weight. When I was 14 we moved house and although I didn't really know it at the time I found it hard to deal with. I used to sneak food into my room and eat it, although didn't really make an effort to hide evidence, but it was just to help me feel better. Of course I did for a while, then felt horrible, and then started piling on weight etc.

This pattern - not necessarily sneaking food, that seemed to have stopped on its own - continued right into my 20s and even now (mid 30s) if I have a really bad day my first thought is, eat some chocolate. What I realised is that food is my crutch, my coping mechanism. I had to find another way to deal with emotions that didn't involve eating to try and make myself feel better.

A few years ago I had a wake up call regarding my weight, something clicked in me, and I lost it all. Healthily - I exercised and changed my diet. I found exercise to be a great release although not straight away - I hated it for ages! Still not a massive fan to be honest haha I'd rather lie down and watch a movie, but saying that, if I don't exercise now I miss it.

Don't get me wrong - I'll still polish off my fair share of crisps and chocolate no bother or guilt, but now I understand why and when I feel the need to do it and I can try and control it.

I might be rambling now but my point is, can you ask yourself why you feel the need to do this? Is there a source of stress or anxiety elsewhere in your life?
I don't think you need to feel ashamed at all OP. I understand you might not feel comfortable talking to someone close about it, but don't be afraid of that, they might surprise you. You have recognised there's a problem and now you want to get help, and you can. It might be a big weight off your shoulders just to confide in someone you love and trust.

Bumblebeef

Hi Op,
I've been a binge eater for years, when I lived in the UK I was able to get some treatment from a specialised eating disorder service, but now that I'm back in Cork, I honestly don't know where to go here! One book that was recommended to me again and again is overcoming binge eating by Dr. Christopher fairburn. It's like a step by step programme that you can follow. You can buy the book online or in bookshops (I bought it in Waterstone's!)i have just started it, but so far it actually seems really good. It also really goes into why a person binge eats. I know well that the very nature of the disorder is secretive and that just enhances the sense of shame about the whole thing. So it can be good to reach out and look for support from those close to you or from a professional. (I know I'm harping on about the book a bit but i do think it would be a good resource for someone in a supportive role (like your Oh perhaps and get a better understanding about the issues you face. I've never been in touch with bodywhys so I can't comment on them, but I understand that they are meant to be helpful!. I don't know if what I said is helpful at all and sorry for really long post. But I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone! Take care!!