Binge Eating when I Feel Relieved

by Carolyn
(UK)

I have noticed that I tend to binge eat when I feel on top of the world, or really relieved about something, or just because I feel as if I can afford it (especially since I recently lost six pounds, which puts me in the underweight category according to the BMI chart).

The thing is, I don't know if I'm actually binge eating because I'm relieved about something--the latest binge occurred tonight, and it coincided
with the news that I am going to be able to move out of my flat; I have been having a lot of emotional problems due to my roommates and the fact that I have depression, so moving out is one step in the 'happy' direction--or because my body is actually starved for food.

As I said, I am now in the underweight catagory (100 lbs. at 5'3"); but even though I know I'm underweight, I want to keep losing weight, which I know is indicative of an eating disorder--I had an eating disorder in the past, and it manifested itself much the way it is now, with binge eating every couple of days, then exercising and eating very little for a couple of days or a week or so before the next binge occurs. However, it is different this time in that I also now have depression on top of it, and keep having suicidal thoughts (not because of the binge eating, though).

I am seeing a counselor, but since I have only gotten to see her once (next appointment is Tuesday), I haven't been able to tell her everything she needs to know. The next time I see her, I am going to tell her about the suicidal thoughts and the eating disordered behavior.

In the meantime, what can I do to cope? I have been using the tactic of keeping ALL sweet foods (because that's what I binge on) away from me, and am about to throw out cookies that have been sent to me, because I binged on them tonight. I absolutely cannot have sweets around me, or I go nuts. I don't know if this is from the eating disorder or from the depression, though, which worries me.

I know you recommend keeping a journal, but are there any other methods you might know of?
I've never really been big into journalling. Unfortunately, I can't always remove myself from the situation, either, because the binges often happen late at night. I've also tried the guilt-yourself-in-the-morning tactic, by stepping on
the scale. But no matter what, it just doesn't seem to work.

ANSWER

Carolyn,

Thank you so much for having the courage to ask this question!

It is actually quite common to binge eat for any type of emotion; even happiness.

Binge eating is also something your body pushes when you're underweight. Your body goes into "starvation" mode and begins to send uncontrollable signals to eat. The first step would be to begin eating regular healthy meals.

Going back and forth between restricting food and binging is havoc on your health. It's a terrible cycle that continues to feed itself. Resist the urge to restrict calories after a binge. Just listen to your body and when you get the physical cues to eat; listen. Don't 'not eat' to make up for a binge. It will only set you up to binge again.

Yes, I do encourage journal writing, but it's a personal choice that is 100% up to you.

I would ask you to go ahead and try it...
It can give you a way to express and release your emotions. I found that it helped me get to the reasons that I was depressed and why I turned to food.

Here are few other things to try:

1- Eat regular healthy meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and snacks if you're hungry. Getting your body back to a healthy weight will help curb the body's signals to overeat.

2- If you want to get rid of the foods that you binge on... do it. The harder they are to get; the harder it is to binge.

3- Take time during your day to relax; meditation, breathing, anything that helps you feel centered.

4- Begin exercising: this releases "feel good" hormones (endorphins) in your brain. The same chemicals are released when we eat. This may help with your sense of well-being.

5- Be gentle with yourself. Perfection is not required. Overcoming binge eating and depression is a process. It happens one small choice at a time. Be patient with yourself and avoid negative self-talk and guilt.

6- You can keep a small cue card in your purse with your goals or positive sayings on it.
This may help remind you of what you really want.

I hope this helps. I wish you the very best!

I encourage you to share your concerns with your counselor (eating disorder concerns and suicidal thoughts).
She may be able to give your further insight.

All my Best,
Stefanie