Think I need professional help... but too embarrassed

TreddersPT
TreddersPT Posts: 24 Member
in Motivation and Support
So, I have a pretty serious binging and purging issues, which just seem to be getting worse at the moment.
I think about food and my weight almost constantly and binge probably twice weekly at the moment. I realise that I need help to overcome this, but I'm so embarassed to see my doctor and afraid I wont be taken seriously as I'm not underweight (bmi around 20).
I also can't face telling anyone else either, friends, family or boyfriend, as everybody thinks i'm this fantastically healthy eater (which I am day to day) and then secretely binge on lots of junk at least once every week. I just think if people know wabout my issued they're going to think that I'm crazy.. I'm starting to think I am too. I just want to learn to eat and be norman and not think about food, exercise or my weight 24/7, Just feel so depressed over this.
I'm off on hoilday in a few weeks and stresing as it's all inclusive and I'm scared of my lack of self control for two weeks and the ineveitable weight gain.
Just needed to get some feelings off my chest with this post I suppose, I know nobody can force me to visit the GP or tell anybody.. just don't know what to do anymore :-(

Replies

  • Emtabo01
    Emtabo01 Posts: 672
    My best advice is tell the people you live with, now that my husband knows, I do it way less, almost not at all now. He's keeping my accountable to myself. Granted he probably thinks this is a completely ridiculous problem to have and really doesn't understand why I do it, but he loves me and helps me anyway, and STOP buying binge trigger foods for your house. If my husband needs something that bad, he can buy it himself, at least for now while I'm still getting over this.
  • CrystalDreams
    CrystalDreams Posts: 418 Member
    Its a mental thing, not a weight issue. You will be taken seriously as bulimic..... and you need to get help because its pretty damaging to your body.
  • wapan
    wapan Posts: 219 Member
    I binged a lot in my twenties. I wasn't much of a purger because I was terrible at it. I found that writing down everything I ate and calculating the calorie value helped me immensely. I had a minor binge last night and I wrote down most of it today. It sucks but seeing it written out there (and knowing that I was going to do that) probably helped put the brakes on that binge. You probably should seek some professional help, not because you have to but because it'll be the best thing you ever do for yourself. My therapist was wonderful, loving and changed my life. And good for you for writing this post. Opening up is always tough.
  • mei0007
    mei0007 Posts: 2
    First and foremost, you are not alone! Binge-eating is becoming more and more "common" (so to speak). So much so, that it is being considered as a new addition to the updated DSM (a manuel used by doctors and mental health professionals to diagnose and treat certain behaviors).

    Talking to your friends and family can be very difficult and cause a certain amount of anxiety that leads you to just continue the behavior and continue to hide what is going on. I encourage you to find a mental health counselor/therapist in your area. By talking to a counselor/therapist, you can begin to process the underlying issues behind your binge-eating, and you and your counselor can form a "plan of action" on how to decrease the negative thoughts and increase positive thinking. You and your counselor could also work towards informing your family and friends when you feel comfortable. It is very important to get support from those close to you :)

    As counselors can be a little expensive, look in your area for counselors/clinics that accept pay on a sliding scale, or perhaps if there is a university in your area that has a Masters/Doctoral level counseling program, you could see if they have a clinic where students see clients, as it can usually be very budget friendly! If you have insurance, then check with your insurance company for counselors in your area that accept your insurance.

    Best of luck!
  • HRLaurie614
    HRLaurie614 Posts: 260 Member
    I'm sorry that you're struggling with this. I would definitely talk to your doctor. You don't need to be super skinny to have an eating disorder. Also, make an appointment to see a therapist to talk through the emotional triggers that lead to the binging/purging.

    And, you do need to have people support you in your quest to develop a more positive relationship with food. Talk to your boyfriend. While not the binging/purging issue, I've been going through some other stuff and at first refrained from talking to my bf for fear it would push him away. He's been amazingly supportive.

    Hugs to you!
  • StarChanger
    StarChanger Posts: 605 Member
    I *am* a doctor and I'm telling you to go SEE yours. We aren't your "friends" or your entourage, so there is no reason for embarrassment ....we're there to help get you on a path to wellness. We definitely take things like this seriously. That being said, WE can't fix you...only YOU can fix you. You will have to face your demons in one shape or another, so be prepared for the answers, if you're going to ask the questions.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Many people who binge and purge aren't underweight. Your doctor should know that, and should take you seriously. Go talk to him or her and get a referral for someone to help you with this. If you aren't taken seriously, go get another doctor.
  • Cre8veLifeR
    Cre8veLifeR Posts: 1,062 Member
    You are definitely not alone and don't be embarrassed! There are many people who deal with binging issues. See a therapist if you can so you can figure out why you are obsessed about food and doing this. It's nothing to be ashamed of - but it IS something you can conquer. I know because I did so I feel your pain. I still remember the day it occurred to me, "wow! When was the last time I thought about food??" It had been weeks at that point and it was such a relief to feel "normal". It was hard for me to say the words "I have an eating disorder" but I did and saying it to other people I trusted, in a way, took away some of its power over me. It was a good start. Please ask for help. It's there for you and it's absolutely something you can work through.
  • Themuseinme
    Themuseinme Posts: 224 Member
    good you got it off your chest. get help, no one needs to know about it but dr or therapist/
    May try overeaters anonymous meetings too.
    being aware is the first step so you are on your way!
    Goodluck
  • elleryjones
    elleryjones Posts: 88 Member
    I agree that your first step should be to see your doctor. Binging and purging can have horrible effects on your body, depending on what kind of purging you're doing. Some antidepressants can help with the urges and good supportive counseling can be life changing. You absolutely don't have to live this way. i've been there and come out the other side. Feel free to pm me.
  • Daniele1213
    Daniele1213 Posts: 37 Member
    Please get some help. There are so many that have this problem. My son had a roommate who was absolutely beautiful, and he finally figured out she was bulimic because he would hear her purging in the wee hours of the morning after binging all night. Things ended up spiraling out of control for her. One thing led to another, she began drinking and then got caught driving and drinking on her way to work in the morning.............She was such a beautiful girl, you never would / could have imagined it. I think it is a pretty wide spread problem and admitting you have it is the first and most important step. Getting help with take a huge burden off your shoulders. God Bless you.
  • TreddersPT
    TreddersPT Posts: 24 Member
    Thanks so much for the kind words everybody :-)
    I was so close to getting that appointment today, rang the docotors but when all the lines were busy and I was put on hold, I chickened out and hung up!! gaah
    On the plus side, I had a very healthy and good day, and definetely don't have any bingey feelings this evening. I WILL try again and make that appointment!
  • Lyerin
    Lyerin Posts: 818 Member
    I'm sorry you're going through this, but you are not alone.

    Your doctor should be a neutral zone - he/she isn't there to judge you or make you feel badly. Your doctor will be able to get you the help and support that you need. You will probably need to speak to a therapist, and sometimes just speaking aloud your problem will take away a lot of "power" from that problem.

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