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Original poster

I need some help but too ashamed to go to GP..

41 replies

Missgusting · 28/02/2010 13:58

After several years of being up and down I have realised that my life is being seriously affested by my binge eating. I feel so ashamed and disgusting.
I would really like to talk to someone who can give me some support but I can't face doing this in person. Does anyone know of an on-line support service that I can use? I have thought of writing to my doctor as a first step but dont know if this can be done.
Any advice or support would be welcome.

OP posts:
Lastyearsmodel · 28/02/2010 16:09

I can't add much to the wise words of others, but I can recommend books in a similar vein to Susie Orbach's.

Anything by Geneen Roth, esp. [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Free-Emotional-Eating-Geneen/dp/0452284910/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=bo oks&qid=1267373075&sr=8-1 Breaking Free From Emotional Eating] The same basic message as Susie Orbach but lots more detail and ways to examine your own patterns and motivations.

[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Chocolate-Yo-yo-Dieting-Weight/dp/0749927089/ref=sr_ 1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267373141&sr=8-1 Beyond Chocolate] Authors Audrey and Sophie Boss also run workshops around the country and an online/telephone support group, which might be helpful for you if you don't feel ready to talk face-to-face. It centres on removing the stress from being around food.

Good luck!

Lastyearsmodel · 28/02/2010 16:11

Duh, let's try those links again...

Anything by Geneen Roth, esp. oks&qid=1267373075&sr=8-1 Breaking Free From Emotional Eating The same basic message as Susie Orbach but lots more detail and ways to examine your own patterns and motivations.

1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267373141&sr=8-1 Beyond Chocolate Authors Audrey and Sophie Boss also run workshops around the country and an online/telephone support group, which might be helpful for you if you don't feel ready to talk face-to-face. It centres on removing the stress from being around food.

Just previewed and the links work, they just don't look very pretty.

Lastyearsmodel · 28/02/2010 16:14

PS you should change your name!

Original poster
Missgusting · 28/02/2010 16:14

thanks lastyearsmodel, that Geneen Roth book has some great reviews, I'll check it out!

OP posts:
Original poster
Missgusting · 28/02/2010 16:16

i've namechanged just for this thread. perhaps i'll be a bit less harsh on myself...

OP posts:
Fimbles5 · 28/02/2010 16:17

MissG - No the whole health profession was extremely supportive, both the GP and the mental health team. Unfortunately although I had finally taken the step to talk about my problem (which believe me took a long time) and I was encouraged to talk with others, my DH would not admit I had a problem He always supports me in everything I do, but for some reason with this I felt I couldn't seek help without his reassurance and support, and I just wasn't getting it!! and I so needed it.

notMissgusting · 28/02/2010 16:26

oh dear, thats a shame. I've been in a dilemma all day about whether to tell dp tonight. But I really do feel he wouldn't understand and would freak out. I know I'm not able to support him to support me iykwim, and so I think I might just take this first step alone. After that then maybe I'll tell him. I know he'll be devastated that I didn't tell him and that he will struggle to see that I have a problem too - I have been very good at hiding it.
How long ago was it that you went for help? Its not too late to pick up where you left off, and seeing as you were strong enough to take your first step alone then I'm sure you could do it again in time. It must be hard feeling that you don't have your dh's support but maybe he is reluctant to see the problem as he is scared or niaive on the subject?

Fimbles5 · 28/02/2010 17:35

I think you are right - it is exactly that.. its a problem admitting I have a problem iykwim. I love him to bits and we are so supportive of each other, but this problem seems to cause problems between us that I don't want. The GP suggested anti-depressants at first (which he felt wasn't a good idea, although I am reluctant to choose that route too). It was only a couple of months ago that I decided to not go ahead with the treatment although I am still reading various books on CBT techniques. Perhaps with time and now we have it out in the open between us (and can at least talk about it), I may choose to seek further help. I would be interested to hear how you get on if you decide to seek help. Good to see you have name changed. WE are not missgusting we just have a problem - see I can admit it now

notMissgusting · 01/03/2010 09:42

Well, I'm off to the doctors in half an hour. Decided to take the plunge. Feeling really nervous though!
I've written a few things down that I want to get across to the doctor, as I know I'm going to be a blubbering idiot as soon as he says 'what can I do for you?'
The things I'm most scared about is being fobbed off and coming out of there not having got any further.
I had a humiliating experience once a couple of years ago after I split with my husband and I was drinking and depressed, when a different doctor simply suggested I have a nice bath and read a book in the evenings instead. If only it had been so easy!
Hopefully today will be different...

MiffyWhinge · 01/03/2010 09:53

very best of luck, hope the doctor is helpful and supportive - let us know how it goes?

notMissgusting · 01/03/2010 10:25

thanks, I will do. Here goes!

BigBadMummy · 01/03/2010 10:33

Thinking of you!

notMissgusting · 01/03/2010 11:25

phew! I can't believe I've just done that!
The doctor was so nice and understanding, which I guessed he would be I suppose. He has referred me to the mental health team but it could be quite a few weeks before I hear back as he said they are extremely understaffed and underfunded in this area.
Good news all the same, and I do feel a lot better already. Stopped myself going to the shop on the way home for a 'reward' too...
Thanks so much to you all, I wouldn't have done it otherwise

MiffyWhinge · 01/03/2010 12:22

well done, am so glad he was helpful and hope you see someone from the team soon

notnowbernard · 01/03/2010 12:23

Brilliant

notMissgusting · 04/03/2010 11:31

Hi again, well its been a couple of days and I still feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, even if the problem remains very mush present. I decided to tell dp and although he was upset he was very supportive. He finds it really hard to understand, i dont blame him since so do i!
I can't describe how good it feels to realise I dont have to put up with this problem for the rest of my life, as I once thought I would have to since I couldn't seem to face it.
The one thing that is going to be difficult is that dp now says he finds it difficult when he knows I will be alone and some trust is hard, as I have openly admitted I have and probably would lie to cover up sometimes. Still, its a step forward from having a part of my life, right under his nose that he knew nothing about

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