Telling professor about my bingeing?

What kind of idea did you get that this professor, who is interested in teaching his subject, would know or care anything about an eating disorder? What would you expect him to be able to even say? Just because he knows a lot about his area of expertise at your college, doesn't mean he is into anything like this. Why go in specifics? Maybe he doesn't even have time to listen to details of this problem of yours. Try to think of others too. Just come up with a brief medical reason for your absence. That's all that is necessary. He doesn't need to know all the details of your eating disorder. This is your problem that definitely needs a lot of work to solve. He's not the one to solve it, or give advice on it. How could he possibly do that? Does he study stuff like this? No He just cares if you can do the work necessary in the course. It's not high school where they send you to the guidance counselor.

Professors, in my experience, and I went to about 8 years of higher ed, will accommodate health issues. They prefer to know about them in advance if possible, and for students to be proactive in addressing the issue. I think you should tell him you had to miss class because of an ongoing health issue and that you are getting treated for it and that you may have to miss future classes unexpectedly. You don't need to go into any details about it. Think of this as a professional relationship, not a friendly one. He might have a specific way that he wants to deal with it. Maybe he wants you to email him before a class you will miss, maybe he doesn't want that info and is way laidback, maybe he wants some official documentation.

Your school probably has some protocol for dealing with health issues, and they might be legally mandated depending upon where you are located. Your school's health center or office of student affairs or students with disabilities office can help advise. (I mention students with disabilities because it sounds like you are dealing with an eating disorder, which falls under the mental health aspect of that organization. I hope I haven't offended you with this assumption.)

What does your counselor think about you missing class because of your bingeing? They might have advice.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Did you take laxatives? I don't understand the instant bathroom problem or needing to be in the bathroom for 8 hours.
I agree with Amy_kee not to go into details with your problem with the professor.
You made a point to say he's Jewish, does that matter? I would go. Honestly it sounds like you're trying to avoid class and using the binging as an excuse to appease your mind.

It doesn't take laxatives to keep you in the bathroom for a whole day or two after a really bad binge. I never take laxatives and almost every time I binge nowadays I can count on having to spent major time in the bathroom.

TMI warning, I guess:
You can get really painful bloating and gas and have to run to the bathroom over and over again because even if you don't have the runs, more than just gas can come out The urgency is another huge factor as well and already a few times I have not made it to the bathroom on time. Binging can cause major abdominal discomfort (even back aches sometimes), especially if you already have some GI issue or if you also engage in other behaviors like starving that add to the trauma 'in there'. It can make you very lethargic, nauseous, headache-y; it can make your whole body ache and give you 'hot flashes' and sweats and all kinds of uncomfortable things. I have missed classes too because sometimes it's really not possible to go or to function/get anything out of it even if you are able to physically go.

To the OP -- binge eating disorder is a very real health issue and you should be able to get appropriate accommodation. It's good that you are already addressing it. I agree that you need to email or tell your professor about your health issues, but it doesn't need to be specific. Explaining that you have an eating disorder is specific enough and you don't even HAVE to say anything more than "health issue". I would highly recommend you to get some sort of supporting documents from your therapist and anyone else who is aware of your problem (your PCP, for example) so that you have some sort of "evidence" to back you up in case your professor or school requires it to verify the legitimacy of your issue. Another thing to look into is to see whether the student affairs department at your school has some sort of program in place to help students who require accommodation; I don't know exactly what qualifies, but it won't hurt to ask. If you are able to do that sort of thing, it could make it much easier to deal with any problems that arise out of it in the future.

Get yourself to class. Tell your Prof you will be leaving frequently for emergency bathroom breaks. Tell your lab partner that also. Do the very best you can. Perhaps a normal focus will help you in the long run.

Hope you feel better. :flowerforyou:

oh my god... this happens to me too! usually on weekends i binge (i had 7000 calories on Sunday due to being so hangover and miserable)
On Monday i had some kind of presentation in my Chinese class. Before i used to skip classes when i binge the night before, because i felt sick and bloated and i would spend the day in my bed.
But on Monday i forced myself to wake up early, i did feel gross in class and it was much harder than staying in bed but hopefully this will motivate me enough NOT to do it ever again!
I suggest you do the same. It's not about punishing yourself, it's about realising how many aspects of your life are going to be worsened by bingeing.
That day i haven't eaten until dinnertime, and by Tuesday i was fine.
Best of luck to you!!

Whether you do go to class or not, it might still be an idea to let your professor know you are having some health issues, for future reference. You don't have to be specific. From my experience people are fine if you let them know something's going on, but can feel messed around if you consistently skip class or are late with assignments etc. Better to do it now than wait till you are in trouble. Not saying you will skip class in the future but if what your professor might be thinking is stressing you out then it might be worth addressing now before it becomes more of a problem, if you see what I mean. Am guessing you want to minimise the amount of stress in your life right now.

I would not tell him - just tell him you have been ill or are having some health issues. People who don't have eating disorders don't understand - they think we just don't have willpower or can just "stop."

Stay positive- at least you are aware of your issues and are trying to deal with them. That is the first step. I've been battling binge eating for about 20 + years and am trying to learn new ways to dealt with triggers.I have never told anyone outside this forum that I am a binge eater - not even my grown kids or husband knows. I will never tell them either - well maybe one day when I can honestly say I have over come it.

OMG. Your so right about that. If you have never had an eating disorder many will not understand. I hardly ever speak of it.

It's the same as you would handle calling out sick with an employer. The full details of what you're going through is none of their business. You can let him know you're having some health problems and leave it at that. If the number of your absenses somehow puts you in violation, you may need to talk to someone higher up and/or provide a doctor's note as proof.

Glad you hear you're going to therapy!

Well, aside from the disturbing "He's Jewish but otherwise OK" statement...

DO tell him something is up. You don't have to go into details, but go see him and tell him you are having health issues. Most university counseling services will write or email a prof at your request if you are missing classes.

DO NOT just flake out/stop showing up without explanation. Stop that. It does not make us predisposed to help you. In fact, it lets us know that you do not think our time is worthwhile. If you stop showing up and then weeks later email to say "I've been having health issues" you will get an oy vey and an "F".

FIFY

When you go talk to him you might want to take a little nosh for him. Maybe a bagel or something. I hear "those people" like that kind of thing.

I am a college professor. Unless they are looking for help, I do not like it when students overindulge in their personal lives. It comes off as an excuse to get special treatment and free passes for not handling their responsibilities. If you are missing class and you need to make up assignments, you need to provide a note from a medical professional. Otherwise, you are just asking your professor to make exceptions for you. I tell my students that college is not only a place to learn but it is also 'dress rehearsal' for your real job. Most companies would not allow you to miss days for binge eating. If you are not actively seeking help for your condition, you can't expect your professors to help you by allowing you to miss assignments and class. You have to get help. Most colleges and universities offer free counseling and/or referral programs for students. Please seek help immediately for your eating issues. Your health and education are at risk.

I am a college professor. Unless they are looking for help, I do not like it when students overindulge in their personal lives. It comes off as an excuse to get special treatment and free passes for not handling their responsibilities. If you are missing class and you need to make up assignments, you need to provide a note from a medical professional. Otherwise, you are just asking your professor to make exceptions for you. I tell my students that college is not only a place to learn but it is also 'dress rehearsal' for your real job. Most companies would not allow you to miss days for binge eating. If you are not actively seeking help for your condition, you can't expect your professors to help you by allowing you to miss assignments and class. You have to get help. Most colleges and universities offer free counseling and/or referral programs for students. Please seek help immediately for your eating issues. Your health and education are at risk.

+1. Former adjunct here. And please consider the impact on your lab partner. Depending on how much material you have already missed, you may want to consider withdrawing or requesting an incomplete for the class. Your health must be your priority. Please get well.