Think I need therapy? Will it help?

sc0rpi0gal

This is my 6 or 7th proper attempt at losing weight.
Ive been fat forever. Except a period of maybe 3-6 years from 16-20 (pretty anorexic at one point due to mental illness) then 24-27 (through weight watchers). The last 5 years have seen me lose in 3 -5 month blocks then gain it all back again over 3-5 months. Its ridiculous and embarrassing. When I reach a lower weight its like something inside me says "you dont look that bad just have some chocolate you won't gain overnight, and you wont ever get above XX again like last time." Which turns into XX weight and then XX weight as I keep eating. And its real binge eating like icecreams and chocolate bars for breakfast, iced buns, muffins, cookies for lunch, takeaways for dinner. I eat sweets in the middle of the night. I hide in the dark in bed and eat. I eat chocolate bars in the shower ffs. Its f***ed. Its like I cant stop. I know I need to get this problem sorted. Im currently "dieting" again, this is my first week and Ive been 100% good and I know I'll lose. But I'm pretty sure in 12-15 weeks Ill be over it and the cycle will start all over

kommodevaran

You need therapy if you struggle with mental illness/issues.

To stop the binge/starvation cycle, you have to lose the black-and-white/all-or-nothing mindset. Or the "fat logic" as it's sometimes referred to. Don't diet, but eat food you like. Don't try to be perfect, but do get in some structure. Don't deprive yourself, but don't buy foods you don't plan to eat, either. Remember that some foods are made to be irresistible and easy to digest, and not much more. I used to be like you describe. Maybe not eating in the shower, but I would hide and sneak and never felt I had enough, and I felt miserable as my weight increased. Eating meals, cooking more from scratch, and shopping with a specified list has helped me a lot.

zoeysasha37

I think therapy is a good idea. It would likely help if you where able to get to the root of the issues. Like what is causing you to feel this way and behave like this?( I'm not asking you to answer that. I'm just giving an example)

paulgads82

Therapy changed my life and enabled me to lose weight. I don't think I'd have done it otherwise.

AllSUMLIFE

It really sounds like you're struggling a lot with your internal dialogue. I'll echo what others said above. Therapy is one of the best ways to get help in that type of situation. It was a life-changer for me.

My only word of advice is to find a therapist you feel comfortable with and who you can be completely open & honest with while they also challenge & encourage you. Therapy won't help otherwise. Don't hesitate to "try a couple out" until you find someone best suited for you.

Best of luck!
- Sarah
All+SUM LIFE

southbaysonia

In my experience, psychotherapy takes a long view. Lots of time thinking and talking about your past, family, culture, etc.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), on the other hand, helps you understand how your thoughts influence your feelings and then how your feelings impact your behavior. e.g., I was afraid of flying. Psychotherapy would have me trying to understand the root of the fear. CBT took a proactive, results-based approach. I saw that my thoughts of dying in a plane crash made me anxious and had me avoiding flying (thoughts, feelings, behavior).

When I challenged the thoughts, countered the thoughts based on the reality of safe flight, my feelings of impending doom and panic subsided and my behavior changed. In 12 weeks, I went from crying my head off at the mere thought of a flight to flying - without any meds.

I often think I could benefit from some CBT related to my weight.

Both psychotherapy and CBT can be valuable, even life changing. Glad I came across this thread.

Best.

viren19890

I won't say anything regarding therapy because I don't know but I'd give me 7 cents worth.

Cut out the word "DIET" or "CLEAN" eating from your vocabulary. Eat whatever the heck you want as long as you can maintain a deficit. It might not be healthy but you will lose weight. Chocolates /ice cream and all -nothing is bad if and when consumed in moderation. DO NOT watch/reach magazines or fitness shows which tell you this food is inherently good or bad. MODERATION and DEFICIT - that's it.

You can use crutches if you want but what will happen once you aren't able to afford all those fancy sessions? fix what's inside you -NO FOOD IS BAD just moderate and stay in deficit.

Make a routine (very important) - add any exercise you like. heck even if it's house cleaning, washing car, walking the dog. Just make a routine and dedicate time to it everyday. Motivation will only show you a path-dedication will help you walk it.

Plus do it SLOW -if you cut your calories too soon by too much binge happens and you gain weight back with vengeance (metabolic damage .. umm you can read about this online) if that happens it'll hard to repair and a tedious process.

Only need a deficit of 3500 to lose 1 lb. If you can do this - you can enjoy all your foods and slowly lose weight and keep it off because you won't be indulging in this excessive "DIETs" which aren't sustainable.

Good luck