Interesting information I just read about binge eating (m)by Tiger Rats (Login TigerRats)"Psychologists and other clinicians have noted that individuals with eating disorders often lack important coping skills and that eating disordered behaviors are often used as substitutes for these skills. People may use disordered eating behaviors to provide themselves with comfort, numbness, attention, tension release, structure, identity, self-punishment, cleansing, protection, or avoidance strategies when more reasonable coping methods are not available. Disordered eating may also seem like a way to cope with developmental challenges such as stressful transitions (e.g., going to college), family conflict, and academic pressure. Using food as a coping mechanism is especially common with binge eaters (unlike anorexics and bulimics who use their disordered behavior as a means to become thin). Many individuals who binge have difficulty managing strong emotions, such as anger, sadness, boredom, and anxiety. Approximately half of all binge eaters are depressed or have a history of depression at the time of diagnosis. Researchers are not yet clear whether depression is a side effect or a cause of binge eating. It is clear though, that bingers often turn to food when they are upset because they have not learned or are not comfortable using other coping skills to manage these feelings in a healthy way. Binging is a way to self-soothe, and to numb emotional pain. The resulting consequence of binging, however, is a feeling of enormous guilt. The binge eater cannot deal with the resulting guilt feelings in any other way but to binge again, creating a debilitating and endless pattern of eating for the purpose of self-soothing. The relief provided by binging becomes reinforcing, and thus, they become chained to the very behavior that provides them comfort and peace." Boy did that hit home. I think it's all about managing uncomfortable emotions, at least for me. That's my challenge. Tigs from IP address 76.173.137.94 Respond to this message Return to Index
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