Professional help?

amjo2693

I was just wondering if anyone in this group has sought out professional help for their binge eating. I have read a few self help books and done a lot of research online, but I still can't seem to break from the binging cycle.

autumnrunning

I once saw a specialist in mental health clinic who listened to my ramblings how i had lost a ton of weight, then gained it all back and more, then lost some, gained some, and so on. Told her about my mad binge sessions and ways i cope.

She didn't really give any advice i had not read/heard/researched before.

She said counting calories was not important for people who want to be normal and eat normally. She said if i start eating in healthy range, my weight would become what it's meant to be. She then made an example menu for me. Said that food must always be delicious(like porridge made with butter) and i should never let myself become too hungry. Sweet things should be eaten in the first half of the day. And to have all food groups represented in every meal (protein, carbs, fats).

I never went back there, to be honest i gained nothing new and it made me feel embarrased and petty how i'm an adult and can't handle what i eat.

escapepod

I got to a point where I was gaining weight rapidly and felt completely out of control, and it frightened me enough to seek professional help. I met with a therapist once a week for several months, and while it helped me better understand some of what I was doing, it didn't feel like it was helping me figure out how to stop doing it, and I didn't have any real sense of progress. I've heard a lot of people say that it can take some time and a lot of tries to find a therapist who's a good fit, but I ended up with the person I was seeing because her office was near mine, and I could get in to see her on a lunch break. I'd like to give it another try, but trying to find a way to work in regular appointments with a full time work schedule has been a barrier.

greekygirl

I have often thought about and talked about seeking a therapist but just like the others, I don't think anyone can tell me anything I don't already know - not to sound arrogant or whatever, it's just that I've read so many books and even 12 step groups and I still have this problem, so I'm afraid it will be a waste of time and money. I sometimes feel like I'm hopeless.

wllwsmmr

I have often thought about and talked about seeking a therapist but just like the others, I don't think anyone can tell me anything I don't already know - not to sound arrogant or whatever, it's just that I've read so many books and even 12 step groups and I still have this problem, so I'm afraid it will be a waste of time and money. I sometimes feel like I'm hopeless.

i'm with greeky ):

amjo2693

Thank you all for your responses! I felt like I got to a point where seeing a therapist might help, but I wasn't really convinced that it would. I agree that I probably wouldn't be told things I don't already know--what to eat, what not to eat, why I binge, or what my triggers are, etc. I don't think it would be a bad idea to see a therapist, but I do think it would be hard to schedule appointments that would work well with my schedule. I guess it's just a matter of working through things myself at this point.

amparmley0322

I sought help from a therapist and although it has taken a lot of time and hard work, therapy has helped tremendously. At first I was really frustrated because I felt like my therapist wasn't paying enough attention to my compulsion to binge eat. However, by sorting through other personal issues (some of which I was unaware of) I have finally been able to take control over my daily eating habits. It's been a long road and therapy was definitely not a quick fix (at least for me) but I am happier and healthier now. I'm still working on completely quitting binging but it's definitely getting better.

karendee4

I sought help but did not find the right fit yet. My last therapist said BED has no treatment. I have another apt with someone at the end of May. It is hard to find someone so if you decide to go that route you may have to try a few different people to get the right person for you.