Is this an eating disorder

alwaysworkinghard

I am pretty strict on my diet and exercise not because I really want to be healthy but because I feel extremely guilty if I mess up and I also have a lot of anxiety about food. Lately if I eat too much I’ll force myself to go work out even if I was planning on taking the day off. Or I’ll work out before I go out with friends just in case I overeat. Sometimes I work out 3 times a day all unplanned because I have compulsions from feeling guilty about what I ate. I don’t think this is very healthy but it’s affecting my daily life negatively.

diannethegeek

I'm certainly not qualified to diagnose anyone, but yes those are some red flags that something is going on in with disordered eating & exercise.

https://myfitnesspal.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/1575987-eating-disorder-resources

TavistockToad

Take a week off exercise and eat at maintenance.

How does the idea of doing that make you feel?

intrigame23

If I were in your shoes, I think I would find a therapist that specializes in eating disorders and just have a conversation with them.

malibu927

If you're concerned speak with a professional. But it does sound disordered IMO.

dsboohead

I agree with everyone else. Your relationship with food shines a big red light!

cammiecane

Definitely get in to see a therapist who specializes in EDs. The faster you get treatment, the more effective it will be. It’s great that you have the insight to see your behavior is unhealthy and is distressing you! That’s a huge deal!

tulips_and_tea

In my opinion, if a behavior is negatively affecting your life then it needs to be addressed and modified or changed. Pretty much along the lines of, if you suspect it's a problem, it probably is a problem. But, there's help available. As already mentioned, the sooner the better.

elsie6hickman

I am not a medical profession, but it sounds like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. I say this because my sister hasn't missed a day of exercise since she was 16 (she's 53 now) and when she eats almost anything, immediately following she be saying she feels like a fat cow - she is not even close to being overweight. I think you out to seek out a therapist that specializes in eating disorders - knowing that obsessing over food and exercise is only a symptom of what is really bothering you - which is probably your need for control. I really hope you will seek treatment.

happytree923

Echoing the see a therapist comments. If traditional therapy is not an option due to insurance/cost issues, research-

-free or sliding scale clinics in your area with mental health services
-new graduate social workers or counselors getting clinical hours for their licensing
-telehealth/teletherapy apps (generally cheaper than in-person therapy)

jondspen

Eating disorders from Mayo Clinic:
"Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life."

I don't know if clinical psychologists/psychiatrists would classify it as such, nor if multiple ones would even agree with one another, but I could definitely see it moving into OCD.

There is a lot of grey area, but if you feel it is negatively impacting your daily life, happiness, and causing anxiety and/or depression...regardless of a formal diagonals, I would say it is a problem that you and possibly a professional need to address.

I would suggest doing the following exercise: when you mess up, try and imagine it was a close friend who had asked you to keep them accountable. What would you say or suggest to them? Would you cut them a little slack, or would you come down hard on them also? Granted, we can be our own worse critics, but I've found doing this keeps my self-image and self-discipline in perspective. If you do this, and mentally agree you're being a perfectionist, but can't release the negative emotions, yea....you need to seek help...if nothing more than another POV to help put things in perspective.