Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Eating disorders
Binge eating support thread
emptycup · 10/06/2020 15:53
Is there an ongoing thread for binge eating support? I'm on the app so the only one I can find is from a few years ago.
emptycup · 15/06/2020 06:24
Thanks @PurpleFrames I've asked on the last main thread if it was still active but no reply.
Happy to start one though, I've come to the realisation this year I have BED but I don't really know how to start tackling it 
MamaJR2019 · 21/06/2020 10:08
I'd like to be part of this too as I have BED which has gotten worse in the last few months due to stress and the lockdown.
emptycup · 26/06/2020 12:08
Hi @MamaJR2019
It's made it worse for me too. Being at home so much and being bored.
Started the day off well putting a yogurt back in the fridge because I realised I wasn't hungry at breakfast. But then went to the shops after school and have since eaten a bag of pretzels and bought "treats".
I'm waiting for payday so I can get the book "overcoming binge eating" by Christopher fairburn. I've heard many good reviews about it
emptycup · 26/06/2020 12:10
Curious to know if anyone's family/friends/partner know they have BED?
My DH knows I like food but he doesn't know to what extent. I'm so worried about telling him
PurpleFrames · 26/06/2020 20:07
Hi empty cup x
Have you thought about joining OA (over-eaters anonymous)? I have only recently heard about it.
My family doesn't know so I can't help there I'm afraid, because I live alone. Do you want to share with your DP for support? X
emptycup · 26/06/2020 22:02
Hi 😊 I've heard of it but I don't know about joining. Is it free?
Support would be nice and just having someone to talk to. Problem is he's the kind of person where if he hasn't gone through it he doesn't really understand. He loves sweets and takeaways too so it would be good if he understood why it's hard for me to turn these things down and why I eat "his" treats
PurpleFrames · 26/06/2020 22:30
Yes it's free :) it's based on the AA model but focused around all unhealthy relationships with good both binge and starve kinds.
Can we break it down?- what is it you are most worried about? That he will not be sympathetic? Or he'll be cross? Or try and force you to do something? X
emptycup · 27/06/2020 07:13
I'll look in to it thanks!
Mainly that he won't understand or know how to deal with it. I don't know how to so I'm sure he won't. I also have other health issues so I don't want to be like oh here's another thing we have to deal with
emptycup · 27/06/2020 07:24
I don't want this to turn in to a thread about my DH, I feel the same way about telling my friends/DM. There's a lot of shame surrounding BED which is why I've turned to mumsnet for support from others who are going through it
PurpleFrames · 28/06/2020 12:33
I would be disappointed in anyone who complained about 'another' health problem.. Could it possibly be you are seeing the situation through the prism of your own hurt and anxiety?
Yesterday I ate 5 big packets of crisps and I feel so fat and shameful.., I had them in because I was planning a party but will have to go and by more now :(
emptycup · 28/06/2020 19:41
I have very low self esteem and it does bother me I'm not a normal healthy 30 year old.
It happens, all you can do is accept what happened and move on. I actually haven't done too bad this weekend, we did have a Chinese last night and I ate a bit too much which set off my gastritis so now I'm sworn off food because I'm mad at my body for keeping me up all night in pain.
Can you buy the crisps on the actual day of the party so you're not tempted to eat them beforehand?
PurpleFrames · 28/06/2020 20:43
I can relate to that... I had a big birthday last year and was crying on and off for ages because I couldn't shake the feeling I'm wasting my life...
Is there any medicine that can help the gastritis pain? I've not heard of it before.. it doesn't sound fun :(
That is my new plan- a friend has offered to come with me on the day so I don't over buy or eat beforehand. I'm greatful but feel ridiculous that I need a "minder".
emptycup · 29/06/2020 11:10
I prefer to keep it diet controlled as the medication available just masks the pain rather than heal the stomach. Overeating sets it off 🙄 half the time that doesn't stop me though!
It's so easy for people to say don't buy the food but when you shop alone there's no one to stop you. It's so good you have a friend for support though, does he/she know you have BED?
I've been trying to identify my triggers and work on them. One thing is not being prepped for meals or being too lazy to cook properly then my meals end up being crisps/sweets/ice cream. And I like to eat while driving so I'm just not buying share bags of chocolate that I can easily eat before I get home!
PurpleFrames · 29/06/2020 22:51
They don't know I have BED because that's not something I have had diagnosed but they are well aware I have a dysfunctional relationship with food that swings between binge/purge/starve.
I 100% get the food prep... so much easier to grab an ice lolly or crackers..
How have the last few days been for you? Are you working or furloughed?
emptycup · 30/06/2020 11:55
Either way it's good you have the support 😊
I've been ok the last couple of days. I am trying to lose weight so I've been counting calories. I've just had dinner and went immediately to the fridge after without even thinking! I thought to myself what am I doing?! I'm not hungry! And I actually walked away! How about you?
I don't work, I'm a SAHM which doesn't help. It's so easy to go in the kitchen whenever I want to and I got in to the habit of bingeing when DD has her nap 😔 do you work?
PurpleFrames · 30/06/2020 22:59
Great to hear you've had a good few days. What sort of calorie count are you aiming for?
I have cut out my biggest binge trigger (crisps) and trying to have a boiled sweet when I really crave sugar or else have fruit.
How lovely, how old is your dd?
Do you have any idea where your BED came from? Do you struggle with low mood or is it habit?
CRbear · 30/06/2020 23:06
I’ve recently started counselling for this. Telling people has been such an enormous weight off my shoulders. Not having to feel ashamed anymore has really helped. My GP referred me and it would have been an 8 week wait before being able to start subsidised counselling. You’re not alone! She’s made me realise that many, many people are finding lockdown particularly difficult because there aren’t many joys beyond food right now.
emptycup · 01/07/2020 12:25
@PurpleFrames well done you identifying a trigger. I think once we find out what sets us off it will make putting a stop to it much easier.
My app recommends 1300 which is enough in reality, I'm only 5'2 and I have a few stone to lose. Today I had soup for dinner which was really filling and mid morning I had 2 biscuits which is a triumph as usually I would eat the lot! I've been eating fruit too when I go to the kitchen instead of sweets or chocolate, just to satisfy that hand to mouth movement.
She is 2 and I have a DS who is soon to be 6. Do you have any DC?
I've always loved food and been a bit of a secret eater but it's always been managed, I had PND with both DC and I have PMDD now so once a month I'm very very down, I find my relationship with food is much worse then. It's just developed in to an actual problem since I've become and SAHM.
@CRbear I'm glad you have sought help. Did you go through your Gp? The counselling services in my area aren't very good unfortunately. I would probably have to go private
PurpleFrames · 05/07/2020 21:58
Unfortunately I don't have DC, I lost a child to DV. I'd dearly love to have a family. My mh is so unstable I think food has been a unique comfort.
How have things been the last few days?
What did you GP say? Sorry if you've said before.
emptycup · 13/07/2020 08:10
I'm so sorry 😔
I haven't had a good week, lots of binges and mindless eating. I've been feeling stressed so I've just been eating. Been in 2 minds whether to tell my husband but I feel like if I tell him I will just break down and I'm not the sort of person to cry in front of others. So it's easier to keep it in. He's noticed I've not been my usual self and tried taking some of the load off over the weekend.
I also weighed myself this morning and my weight is gradually going up which I'm not happy about. We have a holiday in November (if there's not another lockdown). I don't want to put a dampener on that because I hate how I look in a swimming costume.
How have you been?
PurpleFrames · 16/07/2020 21:58
Thanks x sorry for not replying sooner.
How has eating been since Monday?
I have been suffering with bad acid reflux tonight and it's put me in a bad mood- feeling guilty about my diet.
I really think telling your partner or someone close to you could help. Even if it's just to verbalise that's you need help...
ValancyRedfern · 20/07/2020 18:58
Hello. I've had Bed for 20+ years. I've been better for some periods but I'm terrible right now and in despair. Nice to meet you!
I was in OA for a few years and found it helpful to have the support but I have a lot of issues with the 12 step philosophy so didn't stay in long term. I would recommend giving it a go though.
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