Dear Friend: I know only too well what binge eating does to your psyche and self esteem. First, I want to confirm with you that it is an addiction, no ifs, ands, or buts. Once you recognize it as such, you’ll be better able to address it. Addiction of any sort requires our denial .. in order to thrive. So step out into the sunlight and see it for what it is.
Second, no shame sister. Do you know how many people struggle with addiction and denial in our life? Prolly 100% of people around you are addicted to different things, including addiction to material things to feed their delusions about themselves to feel secure. That’s all addiction is .. a striving to feel secure. You said it in your post ... eat to comfort. So don’t feel ashamed. Welcome to the human race and the human condition. You’re in good company. We’re all just doing our best. And feel proud you are now reaching out. You’re ‘woke’ as they like to say in today’s jargon. Thank you for your post b/c just last night my addiction to food reared it’s ugly head on the way home from the office after a particularly hard day. I wanted to binge. I wanted sugar coarsing thru my veins. I didn’t do it and this morning I feel free, not imprisoned. Your post reminds me of the cycle of that insanity. Over eating leads to isolating, and interferes with life. Addiction keeps us in a prison.
Third, my dear friend, the good news is there is a way out of this prison. Can I suggest you start by doing two things? Join a 12 step group for Overeaters Anonymous and read a few books about healthy eating. The group is a way for you to continue staying woke, learning there are others just like you and getting support. Maybe you can even find a healthy mentor in the group. Reading a couple books helps you to start formalizing an eating plan tailored just to YOU. I’m not going to sell you on my eating plan or any plan. You have to educate yourself - it’s all on the internet and at the library. Then you will pick what fits into your lifestyle and your personal tastes.
While you’re doing the above 2 things, you might also start keeping a journal about your emotions. Over eating or any addiction is a way to slam down and ignore our emotions. My emotion last night was full on anger for how dysfunctional my workplace is and how much workload I carry b/c of others laziness. But I don’t want to turn to addiction to cope. A journal might be a starting tool for you to cope with emotion, with the real need for comfort. You need to be validated, as we all do. Validate yourself by starting this journey of loving yourself. I know you can do it. xoxo
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