I Binged. Now What Do I Do?
I binged; now what should I do? I recently slipped on my eating disorder recovery and binged. It's a difficult thing to admit to the world, but I did. It can be extremely hard to bounce back after a binge. It can feel like a total failure and like it's the end of the world. Guess what, it's not. Here I share the lessons I've learned from my recent binge.
I Binged, But Relapse Is Part of Recovery
It is often said that relapse is part of recovery. I really believe in the truth of this saying. Each time a slip or binge eating disorder relapse occurs, we are given the chance to gain insight from our behavior. If we are able to analyze the events leading up to it and our feelings, there is so much perspective that can be gained.
When I binged recently I barely even realized I was doing it. It was like my brain completely shut off and I was in a different world. This world consisted solely of figuring out a way to calm my system down.
I've been stressed and tired lately which causes me lots of anxiety. This anxiety is what I needed calm from. I felt overwhelmed and didn't take the time to develop a proper plan to cope. Because I didn't have a proper plan, I turned to an automatic behavior -- eating -- and I binged. This obviously only aided in temporary relief. After the binge, I felt terrible.
However, through all of the terrible feelings and disappointment, I've gained new knowledge of how I need to take care of myself because I binged.
What to Do After A Binge Relapse
You just binged. You feel like a failure. All you want to do is hide from the world. These are the actions/feelings that need to be combated. Remember this binge is not the end of the world, it is simply a sign that some things in your life may need to be shifted.
Go back through the day or even the week and look for moments that stick out to you. Did someone make a comment that upset you? Were you not eating an adequate amount? Were you overtired or overwhelmed? These are a few things that could have potentially triggered your binge (Causes of Binge Eating Disorder).
Once you have uncovered the root of your binge, think about an alternative plan for next time these things happen. In my case, I feel as though I've taken on a bit more then I can handle. A solution for this would be cutting back on some things and allowing more time for relaxation.
I truly hope you all are doing fantastic and do not let a small step back make you feel like your progress isn't valid. Always remember to breathe and find insight from the behaviors that may surface. You are strong. You are capable. Keep fighting.
APA Reference
Bialka, G.
(2018, February 18). I Binged. Now What Do I Do?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 15 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/bingeeatingrecovery/2018/02/i-binged-what-should-i-do-now
Author: Grace Bialka
I am on day three of binging. I am a Weight Watchers member having lost over 100lbs. It seems that when I Reach a milestone loss my first impulse is to binge. Then I’m in worse shape to loose that plus get back on focus. Other triggers are Migraines.
This time there was a couple weeks depression and anxiety all in, too.
Thankfully I see my Psychiatrist tomorrow.
You are all so brave to share your stories. Thank you
I've identified the "triggers" for my binges, however I haven't found anything I can do instead of eating, that will make me feel better or help me deal with what I was feeling. Eating is "it" for me
I think this is such a huge, fantastic point to make -- "Each time a relapse or slip occurs, we are given the chance to gain insight from our behavior. If we are able to analyze the events leading up to it and our feelings, there is so much perspective that can be gained." So much can be learned and gained if we see it as that, an opportunity to learn and understand better, rather than some crushing mistake we've made. Supporting ourselves and understanding that it's a process, and a journey and slips, or detours may occur, is so important.