Compulsive Eating?

cheli
cheli Posts: 40
Hi

I was wondering if anyone knows of a good treatment for compulsive eating? I've finally realized that it's my problem (step one!) and now I'm trying to find help. I've ordered a few books by Geneen Roth, but there doesn't seem to be any programs online or anything like that that I can do. I don't have the cash to see a therapist right now (I know that's the recommended treatment).

Just wondering if anyone has battled with compulsive eating disorder and how they overcame it.

Thanks!

Replies

  • mcohan
    mcohan Posts: 116 Member
    in my opinion therapy would be the best route...i know it is expensive, but maybe your insurance will cover it. or call around and talk to soem therapists most of them are willing to make the adjustments to help you out $$. if there really is a problem that is affecting your daily activities then it NEEDS to be addressed by a proffessional. they will help you get rid of it for good, not just temporarily. good luck!
  • cheli
    cheli Posts: 40
    in my opinion therapy would be the best route...i know it is expensive, but maybe your insurance will cover it. or call around and talk to soem therapists most of them are willing to make the adjustments to help you out $$. if there really is a problem that is affecting your daily activities then it NEEDS to be addressed by a proffessional. they will help you get rid of it for good, not just temporarily. good luck!

    My insurance doesn't cover it....I use to see a counsellor for my depression....$90 a session...when I have SO much debt to pay off from school....although I'm wondering if my school offers free counselling to those who are less than part time (I'm only taking one class).
  • iRun4wine
    iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
    Don't give up checking around. My doctor recommended that I see a dietitian for a thyroid issue he found in my blood work, and when I called insurance didn't cover it and it was $90 per session:noway: . But, I shopped around and ended up getting a 45 minute session for $30 and it was great. Call your local hospitals, community centers, and any local agencies that you have, explain your situation and see if there is anything out there. Even if you're almost positive you won't find anything, what do you have to lose? 3 minutes of your time- that's it. :wink:
  • Kath712
    Kath712 Posts: 1,263 Member
    These two books literally changed my life: "Overcoming Overeating" and "When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies" by Carol Munter and Jane Hirschmann. Back when I first read "OO," there was a Yahoo group that I found very helpful (around 1997/1998). It's a pretty radical approach, but it worked for me. I had already done Overeaters Anonymous (12-step) - that was good for me at that stage in my life. But the OO program is what finally did it for me. It's been 12 years, and I've never looked back.

    Good luck to you. Let me know if I can be of any help.
  • cheli
    cheli Posts: 40
    These two books literally changed my life: "Overcoming Overeating" and "When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies" by Carol Munter and Jane Hirschmann. Back when I first read "OO," there was a Yahoo group that I found very helpful (around 1997/1998). It's a pretty radical approach, but it worked for me. I had already done Overeaters Anonymous (12-step) - that was good for me at that stage in my life. But the OO program is what finally did it for me. It's been 12 years, and I've never looked back.

    Good luck to you. Let me know if I can be of any help.

    I was looking at the OA 12 step program, but when i read that most of the 12 step program involved God and religious realizations, I decided I didn't want to go anywhere near it. Is OA really about God and religion? I really wish there was some other way to conquer overeating with a support group other than dealing with religion. I've tried weight watchers, but I don't find they really treat food as an addiction like it is for me.
  • drbubbie5762
    drbubbie5762 Posts: 1 Member
    cheli wrote: »
    Hi

    I was wondering if anyone knows of a good treatment for compulsive eating? I've finally realized that it's my problem (step one!) and now I'm trying to find help. I've ordered a few books by Geneen Roth, but there doesn't seem to be any programs online or anything like that that I can do. I don't have the cash to see a therapist right now (I know that's the recommended treatment).

    Just wondering if anyone has battled with compulsive eating disorder and how they overcame it.

    Thanks!
    cheli wrote: »
    These two books literally changed my life: "Overcoming Overeating" and "When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies" by Carol Munter and Jane Hirschmann. Back when I first read "OO," there was a Yahoo group that I found very helpful (around 1997/1998). It's a pretty radical approach, but it worked for me. I had already done Overeaters Anonymous (12-step) - that was good for me at that stage in my life. But the OO program is what finally did it for me. It's been 12 years, and I've never looked back.

    Good luck to you. Let me know if I can be of any help.

    I was looking at the OA 12 step program, but when i read that most of the 12 step program involved God and religious realizations, I decided I didn't want to go anywhere near it. Is OA really about God and religion? I really wish there was some other way to conquer overeating with a support group other than dealing with religion. I've tried weight watchers, but I don't find they really treat food as an addiction like it is for me.
    cheli wrote: »
    These two books literally changed my life: "Overcoming Overeating" and "When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies" by Carol Munter and Jane Hirschmann. Back when I first read "OO," there was a Yahoo group that I found very helpful (around 1997/1998). It's a pretty radical approach, but it worked for me. I had already done Overeaters Anonymous (12-step) - that was good for me at that stage in my life. But the OO program is what finally did it for me. It's been 12 years, and I've never looked back.

    Good luck to you. Let me know if I can be of any help.

    I was looking at the OA 12 step program, but when i read that most of the 12 step program involved God and religious realizations, I decided I didn't want to go anywhere near it. Is OA really about God and religion? I really wish there was some other way to conquer overeating with a support group other than dealing with religion. I've tried weight watchers, but I don't find they really treat food as an addiction like it is for me.

  • weird_me2
    weird_me2 Posts: 716 Member
    I found "the Beck Diet Solution" by Judith Beck to be helpful in making me more self aware of the how/why of my overeating. I won't say it cured me, but I've been able to implement a lot of the exercises regularly and I do think it helps. I've heard great things about Geneen Roth, too.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    cheli wrote: »
    in my opinion therapy would be the best route...i know it is expensive, but maybe your insurance will cover it. or call around and talk to soem therapists most of them are willing to make the adjustments to help you out $$. if there really is a problem that is affecting your daily activities then it NEEDS to be addressed by a proffessional. they will help you get rid of it for good, not just temporarily. good luck!

    My insurance doesn't cover it....I use to see a counsellor for my depression....$90 a session...when I have SO much debt to pay off from school....although I'm wondering if my school offers free counselling to those who are less than part time (I'm only taking one class).

    It may be all inclusive, as long as you are paying tuition. Call them and see if they will take you.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    You need to seek psychiatric help from a therapist who specializes in eating disorders (specifically compulsive eating, if possible).

    The problem isn't food, the problem is your mind. I know you don't have the money but the only way you are going to overcome it is by seeing a mental health professional… A book isn't going to cure you.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
  • crazyjerseygirl
    crazyjerseygirl Posts: 1,252 Member
    cheli wrote: »
    These two books literally changed my life: "Overcoming Overeating" and "When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies" by Carol Munter and Jane Hirschmann. Back when I first read "OO," there was a Yahoo group that I found very helpful (around 1997/1998). It's a pretty radical approach, but it worked for me. I had already done Overeaters Anonymous (12-step) - that was good for me at that stage in my life. But the OO program is what finally did it for me. It's been 12 years, and I've never looked back.

    Good luck to you. Let me know if I can be of any help.

    I was looking at the OA 12 step program, but when i read that most of the 12 step program involved God and religious realizations, I decided I didn't want to go anywhere near it. Is OA really about God and religion? I really wish there was some other way to conquer overeating with a support group other than dealing with religion. I've tried weight watchers, but I don't find they really treat food as an addiction like it is for me.

    Ahh, tell me about it!
    I dug around and found this recent post
    http://www.thinkatheist.com/m/discussion?id=1982180:Topic:1407910

    Basically a group of athiests/agnostics that do 12-step programs. Apparently they interpret the "higher power" as the people who have done it successfully. I don't know if I could deal with it, but if you can, there it is!
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Liftng4Lis wrote: »
    f9srokljjj5r.jpeg

    Let me rephrase!
  • crazyjerseygirl
    crazyjerseygirl Posts: 1,252 Member
    Damnit, missed it! It's still a valid post though :P
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I very rarely even look at posters names, let alone the dates posted :open_mouth:
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    cheli wrote: »
    These two books literally changed my life: "Overcoming Overeating" and "When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies" by Carol Munter and Jane Hirschmann. Back when I first read "OO," there was a Yahoo group that I found very helpful (around 1997/1998). It's a pretty radical approach, but it worked for me. I had already done Overeaters Anonymous (12-step) - that was good for me at that stage in my life. But the OO program is what finally did it for me. It's been 12 years, and I've never looked back.

    Good luck to you. Let me know if I can be of any help.

    I was looking at the OA 12 step program, but when i read that most of the 12 step program involved God and religious realizations, I decided I didn't want to go anywhere near it. Is OA really about God and religion? I really wish there was some other way to conquer overeating with a support group other than dealing with religion. I've tried weight watchers, but I don't find they really treat food as an addiction like it is for me.

    I realized this person who posted this is long gone, but in case others have the same question - yes, 12 step programs are faith-based. They say "higher power" now instead of of "God." This religious orientation never bothered me - what did was Step 1, admitting you are powerless. No, I am not powerless.

    However, if anyone is interested in trying OA, I'd encourage them to go and see if it works for them. There are many paths up the mountain.

  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
  • atypicalsmith
    atypicalsmith Posts: 2,742 Member
    As long as you have accepted that you are a compulsive overeater, that's what you will do. Instead of eating, go for a long walk or run. Instead of overeating, do some gardening. Instead of overeating, call someone who needs friend. There are lots of things you can do instead of overeating. Use your imagination, and like magic, the pounds will drop.
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