Struggling with Binge Eating and Depression

hello! i am a psychologist and want you to know that MANY people considered “overweight” or “obese” clinically have clinically diagnosable eating disorders. there are 3 main eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. many fat folks (myself included) feel ashamed at binging without acknowledging that this is as serious and genuine an issue as other eating disorders. i of course cannot diagnose via a single post but would urge you (and anyone else) to seek help and mention binge eating disorder as something you’d like to be checked for. be well 💚

There are definitely 2 sides to EDs and probably more too! You can experience disordered eating and look completely “normal”

remember eating disorders aren't just anorexia/bulimia and definitely aren't based on your weight!! one of the reasons they're so deadly is because they're so competitive which makes lots and lots of people feel like they aren't valid when they most certainly are - an ed is a mindset and binge eating comes under it, one tip that's helped me is trying to notice when I'm what I call 'body hungry' and 'mouth hungry' (body hungry being is my stomach actually rumbling am I feeling a physical hunger sensation and mouth hungry being do I just feel like I want/need to eat) and if I'm mouth hungry, I try waiting 10 mins then checking if I'm still hungry and half the time you will have gotten distracted by something else and forgotten (for me anyway) and if I'm still hungry, I go and get something small - I've also found that restricting makes binging worse which is something to keep in mind - drop me a message if you want to chat x

There are absolutely more sides to eating disorders than just straight anorexia or bulimia. I have struggled with disordered eating for over 20 years. I've never fit the typical diagnostic criteria. Please look into speaking with a professional. My inbox is always open! 💜

I feel you 10000% on this. And you are right.... Most of the time you see the "skinny minnies" labeled as ED. But our issue seems less recognized by general public and some doctors. I feel the same way. Food has been my vice in life. I happy eat and sad eat. I am a very emotional eater. And then when I binge I feel like crap for a while bc I keep kicking myself in the butt. My depression tells me food will never say no, or make you feel wrong and such like that.... It's always been a comfort to me. I'll do good for a bit then fall flat on my face and binge again.

You’re totally valid! I can’t tell you if you have an eating disorder, but if you’re concerned (which you have every right to be) it’s definitely worth mentioning to a professional. You aren’t being stupid at all!! I’m happy to talk any time if you need to :)