Emotional eating

[xyz1000]

Hello
Just wondered if anyone has experience of dealing with this? Can offer any advice?
My almost 17 year son has been spending a lot of money just lately. He told me on Friday that he has a problem with food. He can't stop buying it for comfort eating and using it to feel better. He said it has been since Aug , but I feel it has got bad since Aug but has probably been going on for a lot longer.
Since the start of term (has only just told me ) but his long term girlfriend has been thinking about splitting up with him, hence the stressful situation that he can not cope with.
I don't know what to do next. Should I go to the Gp with him? Talk to his school? I have been trying B-eat today a helpline but it is busy.
Where can I get him some help?
Thanks

[AdoraBell]

Don't know where is best to get help as I'm overseas, but the fact that he knows what he is doing and, more importantly why he is doing it, is really positive.

Obviously until he knows what the GF's plans are he will be stressed, could he ask/tell her to make a decision by X date?

My DD has discovered that by chewing gum she is eating far less junk as her mouth is literally occupied and so she's not reaching for the things she would otherwise eat for comfort. He could try that in the short term, maybe?

[xyz1000]

Thank you Adorabell for your reply and that's a good idea about the gum. I will get him some. I have been making sure he has a huge lunchbox each day with healthy bits in.
I have contacted his school today to ask if they have a cousellor. They do and are hopefully going to fit him in tomorrow. I am pleased that it is so quick. hopefully they have some experience of helping teenagers with this issue.

[Heyho111]

It's great he's told you about his prob as it means he's recognised it. Can you tap into his school / college councellor. They will have one and be able to support him with his worries/ stress.

[sweetfluffybunnies]

Could you suggest to your son that maybe the reason he is feeling so stressed is that he is not in control of his situation with his girlfriend, and that once that is settled he might feel better. She is wrong to keep him hanging on like this, it is actually quite cruel.

For teens, relationships should be about having fun and once that has gone, it's really better to just end things and move on. If she is thinking about ending it, then obviously the relationship is on the wane, and I really think it would help your son to take the initiative and finish it sooner rather than later.

I know this might sound harsh, but it's what i have told my teen dd under similar circumstances, and it has helped.

Your son also needs to work on finding coping methods besides eating, but that is a longer term issue of course, and he will mprobably find that easier once he is feeling less stressed about his girlfriend.

[AdoraBell]

Glad the school counsellor is going to see him.

[xyz1000]

I don't think he would finish it. All he says is he wants to be with her.
I am listening to all your ideas and am very graceful for the advise.
Your right about it not being ok to leave him hanging on.
The issue is because he stayed on at school and she left to go to collage but now they don't see as much of each other. She is wanting more of his time. But they don't live that close either.
It all sounds a headache to me so I can image how he is feeling .
Thank u again

[AdoraBell]

Sounds tough on him.