Binge eating leading to bulimic purging episodes?

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum but just having read some posts I feel so much that I can relate to the struggles of most here.

I have been struggling with what I think is binge eating for nearly 2 years now. I know for sure it's emotionally-related and since I've been in a stressful academic program and stressful profession I think that's certainly contributed to it. HOWEVER, I could never put my finger on HOW to change my habits. I'd go through so many cycles where I'd binge for a day or two then be fine for a week and then do it again. I have found some patterns but just can't seem to shake the whole process; truly it feels like I am no longer in control when I have such strong urges to stuff myself silly.

I'm in my 20's and my parents have been super supportive through this; alas, I haven't even told my closest friends. Even when I sometimes feel hopeful I can change myself, despite some good days I just flip out and the negative cycle restarts itself. It has been so depressing that maintaining hope has been so very difficult.

I have been so desperate to stop that I now find myself hunched over the toilet ready to make myself gag and purge everything. I've tried multiple times on various occasions but with very limited succes--my body seems to be totally fighting it. I feel like I'm borderline bulimic in a way and I don't know really what's going on. I just know that I am going to seek professional help and that I think it's about time. I'm also having bad thoughts about hurting myself in some ways that are just ridiculous; I've grown so dillusioned with my problem and so hopeless at times that sometimes I just feel like dropping everything and running away and making myself suffer elsewhere. It's miserable and absolutely far from any joy or happiness.

I just wanted to know if any of you have had similar experiences.

Thanks.

Hello my friend,

I'm in a similar situation: I am 24, male, and am in a very stressful academic program too. I've been Bulimic for about 3 years now bu it's in control right now. The stress is a big contributor to the problem I'm sure you'd agree.


You definately should go to see a professional about this. A counsellor or a GP - either/or - is a good starting point. The thing is, you might already be Bulimic. You don't have to vomit after a binge in order to be Bulimic. Being Bulimic simply entails bingeing and then purging. A 'purge' can be anything that is employed to counteract the binge. It could be starving, rigorous exercise, vomitting, or something else.


You appear to be an intelligent person. I know that you'll make the right decisions on this. Being stuck in a routine is very difficult to escape from, especially during stress. Don't let it get you down. As a starting point you might try to give more time to yourself and less to your profession.


Take care,
Kevin.

Hiya

It's good to be in a place where other people understand, isn't it? Although I wish none of us were having to go through this.

It sounds like you have a binge eating problem and I would really urge you to tackle it as soon as possible and get professional help. 2 years is already too much time to give to this, I am still struggling after much longer. It was years until I realised what I did was a problem, had a name, and could be tackled. It is such a miserable thing, but making one step to fight it can make such a difference. So posting on here is a great step for starters.

bluemonday
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