Increasing Sex Drive And Getting Harder Erections, Naturally

Increasing Sex Drive And Getting Harder Erections, Naturally

Have you ever wanted sex to last longer than you could go? If you answered yes, then you are probably among men who encounter the same problem in bed.

Indeed, the inability to last longer is something that many men regard as their biggest sexual problems. While most may view erection as dependent on sex drive, this is not always the case- sometimes the drive is present but the penis just does not cooperate. A decrease in sex drive and a not-so-firm erection can be caused by several factors.

First on the list and the most popular among the biological problems of a man is a low libido. Libido is considered the sex drive of the body and is primarily influenced by the brain, which, in turn, dictates what the body does. Generally speaking, the conditions of the libido are dependent on the four sexual stimuli distinguished by doctors:

  • visual stimulus, which depends on the physical appearance
  • tactile stimulus, which depends on touch- particularly in the sensitive areas like the nipples and penis
  • auditory stimulus, which is the main reason behind the success of phone sex
  • olfactory stimulus such as titillating perfume scents

When a man's libido rises, according to the aforementioned stimuli, the sex drive correspondingly follows and increases.

Another biological cause of erection problem is premature ejaculation, wherein the man comes too soon even though his partner has not reached an orgasmic state yet. This situation usually results in sexual dissatisfaction and frustration, which eventually causes break-ups among some sexually active relationships. Of course, this situation does not naturally happen without reasons. Premature ejaculation is commonly brought about by the excitement. His excitement causes him to ejaculate quickly because even before he begins penetrating his penis, his sexual fantasies stimulate his sex drive. Premature ejaculation can also be caused by sexual taboos. In some cultures, sex is prohibited so men are forced to ejaculate quickly. More commonly in North America, ejaculating too soon can be the result of frequent masturbation or anxieties.

Sex drive and erection problems can also be influenced by erectile dysfunction or what doctors call weak erection, wherein the penis is often flaccid and is always unable to attain erection. Unknown to many men, erectile dysfunction is not only manifested in not having an erection in the first stages of the sexual experience. Conditions wherein the man is able of erection but does not sustain until his partner reaches orgasm can also be counted as instances of erectile dysfunction. Because of the extent of such sexual problem, it is not surprising that this particular erection dilemma is rampant among men nowadays.

Fortunately, today, lots of supplements and methods are produced to revitalize men and improve their sexual performance. Compared to penis pumps and other penis enhancement devices, doctors recommend more supplements and pills that are helpful in any erection problem. Usually, these supplements, like VigRX Plus™, are rich in natural ingredients such as Saw Palmetto Berry, Extract, Asian Red Ginseng, and others---all of which smoothen blood circulation, increase stamina, and produce more energy hormones.

Experts combine these natural ingredients in just one capsule to produce a supplement that contains the necessary factors to help a man become stronger and long-lasting in bed, naturally. Pills like VigRX Plus™ can relieve men of their erection problems, given that they keep to their intake schedule. These supplements typically have ingredients such as Epimedium Leaf Extract, Icariin, and Cuscuta Seed, all of which help enhance the libido, promote erectile function, and treat premature ejaculation.

If the customer is lucky enough, he can also take advantage of the benefits of other contents in penis enhancement pills, including blood flow increase, revitalized performance in bed, and other aphrodisiacal effects. According to Dr. Khalid Alzwahereh of VigRX Plus™, the herbs contained by such supplements have the ability to help balance the cardiovascular and the nervous systems, which are the main parts that keep the body healthy.

The results of natural sexual enhancement pills like VigRX Plus™ are not without proof. Users of such supplements and even doctors have been sending in testimonies and great reviews about these products, deeming them as the kind of solution that people were looking for. Even professional endorsers have experienced positive changes, not only in their sexual lives, but also in their relationships with other people. Luke Adams, for instance, has achieved a longer-lasting and much firmer erection with his frequent use of VigRX Plus™. His libido also increased and so did the duration and volume of his ejaculation.

With these claims, modern pills and supplements really must work to increase sex drive and get harder erections for men. By just adhering to the regular consumption of penis enhancement pills like VigRX, men do not need to experiment on tools like penis pump or undergo a surgery to increase their libido and achieve hard erections. Instead, they can simply go for the safer, less-hassle method.

 


 

APA Reference
(2009, December 11). Increasing Sex Drive And Getting Harder Erections, Naturally, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 10 from https://www.healthyplace.com/support-blogs/myblog/Increasing-Sex-Drive-And-Getting-Harder-Erections%2C-Naturally

Last Updated: January 14, 2014

Scrupulosity: Obsessed with Religion

HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Here's what's happening on the HealthyPlace site this week:

Scrupulosity: Obsessed with Religion

To understand scrupulosity, you have to realize that religion is a central theme of the obsessions rather than the root cause of this OCD related disorder. Scrupulosity is an over-concern for doing things correctly or perfectly in order to follow religious practices, to please God, or to avoid disrespect from others or from one's own self. Eventually, it leads to excessive guilt and anxiety and the practice of religion becomes a joyless exercise.

Symptoms of scrupulosity can include:

  • excessive prayer
  • worry that one might say or do something blasphemous
  • fear of having sinned (forgotten the sin) and not having repented for it
  • fear of having committed "the unpardonable sin," i.e. difficulties with doing confession or rituals "correctly"
  • over-analysis of what "moral behavior" entails
  • intrusive thoughts the person considers blasphemous or sinful in nature that leads to tremendous uncertainty, anxiety, guilt, disgust, or shame.

Here's an example of scrupulosity: Imagine someone who feels like they have to say a particular prayer just right. That person might make the family sit and wait at the dinner table as the scrupulous person continues to repeat the blessing until satisfied.

So how do you know if a person has crossed the line from being pious, extremely religious, to obsessed with religion?

Maryland psychiatrist, Dr. Carol Watkins, explains it this way:

"How flexible is the person and are they getting something out of their practice? They should not be getting stuck in a particular ritual. And is their observance a cause of anxiety?

You don't want to pathologize someone if they're just exploring their spirituality," she says.

Those suffering from OCD are generally aware that their obsessions are irrational and unlikely. With scrupulosity, there is less awareness that the obsessions are of an irrational nature because they are so closely related to their belief system and are intertwined in the individual's religious life. "This fact can negatively impact the prognosis for treatment success," says California psychologist, Jeff Schanowitz. "One's own well-being and God's approval are seen as being at stake, thus creating more resistance in the patient. A cooperative effort between a person's religious leader and therapist sometimes proves to be an effective treatment."

Share Your Mental Health Experiences

Share your experiences with scrupulosity or any mental health subject, or respond to other people's audio posts, by calling our toll-free number (1-888-883-8045).

You can listen to what other people are saying by clicking on the gray title bars inside the widgets located on the "Sharing Your Mental Health Experiences" homepage, the HealthyPlace homepage, and the HealthyPlace Support Network homepage.

If you have any questions, write us at: info AT healthyplace.com

"A Look Inside Scrupulosity" On HealthyPlace TV

One day, it dawned on Kenneth his problem wasn't spiritual, it was medical, and that spawned the start of his recovery. His story, from disabling blasphemous thoughts to a significant recovery, on this week's HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show.

continue story below

Join us Tuesday, December 8, at 5:30p PT, 7:30 CST, 8:30 EST or catch it on-demand. The show airs live on our website. Kenneth will be taking your questions during the live show.

In the second half of the show, you get to ask HealthyPlace.com Medical Director, Dr. Harry Croft, your personal mental health questions.

Coming in December on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show

  • ADHD and Depression

If you would like to be a guest on the show or share your personal story in writing or via video, please write us at: producer AT healthyplace.com

Click here for a list of previous HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Shows.

back to: HealthyPlace.com Mental-Health Newsletter Index

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2009, December 8). Scrupulosity: Obsessed with Religion, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 10 from https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-newsletter/scrupulosity-obsessed-with-religion

Last Updated: September 5, 2014

My Personal Experience with Scrupulosity
Posted on:

My name is Kenneth Burchfiel (not to be confused with my dad, who is also Kenneth Burchfiel). I'm 18 years old, and a student at Middlebury College in Vermont. It's difficult for me to say when scrupulosity, or religious obsessions and compulsions, first appeared. On Christmas 2007, I received a book with a modernist take on Christianity and the gospels; that seemed to spark an intense period of doubt, searching and longing for answers.

What It's Like Living with Scrupulosity

These were certainly religious obsessions, but I don't know if a psychologist would call that scrupulosity. I do know that by early January 2009, I was experiencing a rather intense case of scrupulosity. I would apologize to God for extended periods, sometimes crying, for apparent sins like an unwanted thought that crossed into my head.

I would like to mention here that religion itself does not cause scrupulosity; the disease, a variant of obsessive compulsive disorder, stems more from neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain. Religion is simply the "theme" OCD assumes.

From January to late February, when I found out I had scrupulosity, I was very much in a disordered state, perhaps even delusional. I felt an immense and frequent urge to repent for sins, which was my way of dealing with the anxiety that scrupulosity created.

Getting Treatment for Scrupulosity

Eventually, I acquiesced to my parents' urging that I see a psychiatrist (OCD Treatment: Treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). They knew the state I was in. My dad saw me apologizing to God over a dozen times during dinner, making conversation all but impossible, and lying on the floor crying one day. I did not realize that the disease was a medical and not spiritual problem (though it certainly had spiritual consequences); that was why I had avoided going for help. That fact led to my recovery.

The psychiatrist suggested to me that I had a mood disorder. This struck me as odd, for I still felt this disease was spiritual. But once I got home, and started looking into the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (and namely scrupulosity). I was stunned to see how my symptoms of blasphemous thoughts (which appeared in my head without warning) and compulsions matched up so well with those on the site. I was never formally diagnosed with OCD, as that can cause complications in itself, but I certainly have suffered from it, and have worked with two psychiatrists to overcome my symptoms.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder resulted in many compulsions of mine, naturally, and put a number of disturbing thoughts into my head. But the hardest symptoms to deal with were the constant feelings of guilt and sadness.

OCD took all the joy and fun out of life. Instead of being elated that I got into Middlebury College, to which I had applied Early Decision, I was quiet and almost indifferent about it. I didn't really listen to music for a good segment of time. Depression likely arose from my OCD.

I did tell a small group of people about my experiences with religious obsessions and compulsions. Everyone was understanding, though my father, who has his reservations about Christianity, felt that religion was the source of my symptoms before learning about OCD. My psychiatrist happened to be Catholic, and that may have helped convince my dad that neurotransmitter issues, not religion, was the problem. I know it hurt my parents to see me in that state, although everyone I talked to was compassionate and sympathetic, even if they weren't able to fully understand my experiences.

Overcoming Scrupulosity, OCD

I want everyone to know treatment for OCD can help. With guidance from a number of sites and an excellent book, I went through exposure-response prevention therapy, a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which I would expose myself to the blasphemous thoughts I experienced--first by letting them come on their own, then deliberately thinking them, then even writing them and saying them out loud--to create a manageable level of anxiety in my head. I would then either delay my repentance or not repent altogether, which allowed my mind to get accustomed to the anxiety on its own. This is a fairly common and widely accepted treatment method for OCD. It truly turned my life around.

Eventually, the thoughts no longer had control over me. I still repented for non-sinful things, and I still do, but my symptoms are fairly mild at this point. Also beneficial were a series of medications I took and continue to take. Finally, I cannot overestimate the influence of my friends' and family's prayers for me, which God answered in a powerful way.

Finally, I would like to emphasize that religion is not the cause of scrupulosity; rather, genetics and neurotransmitters play an important role.

(Ed. Note: This post was written by Kenneth Burchfiel, our guest on the Dec. 15, 2009, HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show on scrupulosity. Kenneth is a contributing writer for suite101.)

The Sin of Scrupulosity - Intense Guilt over Moral or Religious Issues
Posted on:

Kenneth had an intense case of scrupulosity, apologizing to God for long periods, even crying, for apparent sins. Watch his story of living with scrupulosity.

At some time or another, we all worry that we've done something wrong and there's going to be a price to pay. For most of us, we deal with it and move on. Those suffering with scrupulosity, however, are obsessed about religious or moral issues and experience intense, painful guilt.

Here's an example of scrupulosity I came across on the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website. A therapist relates this story:

I pass by a picture of my kids and think, “Satan: they are my gift to you,” my new client John, a wonderful husband, father of three and successful businessman tells me. “Why would I think that? I would never sell my soul to the Devil.” On another day, he says in shame, “We are cutting shapes out of construction paper at the table and I’m thinking the Devil will make me lose control…In church finally, I’m feeling hope and then I think maybe God wants me to harm someone. I would never sell my soul; that is the last thing God would want.”

A form of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), scrupulosity involves an overzealous concern that behavior or thoughts may in some way be displeasing, or disrespecting to God.

"Repetitive and excessive prayer continue to plague those persons with this type of OCD. Scrupulosity also can involve the need to adhere to a strict code of values or rigidly follow the ethics of a law abiding citizen." -Steven Phillipson, Ph.D., Clinical Director of the Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy.

Hit with Scrupulosity While Searching for God

Kenneth is an 18-year old college student, who just two years ago was searching for some meaning in God. On Christmas Day 2007, he received a book on Christianity and the gospels. By 2009, "I was experiencing a rather intense case of scrupulosity; I would apologize to God for extended periods, sometimes crying, for apparent sins like an unwanted thought that crossed into my head."

As his mental health deteriorated, his parents urged him to see a psychiatrist. How did things turn out? Join us Tuesday night on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show on Dec. 15, at 5:30p CT, 6:30 ET.

Unfortunately, Kenneth's video is no longer available. You can watch videos about scrupulosity right now at Scrupulosity Videos: Understanding Religious Obsessions.

Share Your Experiences with Scrupulosity

Please share your experience - whether as a family member or loved one of someone with a mental illness. What has it been like for you and how are you coping? Leave your comments below.

It's all Alice in Wonderland.

hahaha..sooooo many drugs...this pill will make you grow taller, this one will make you grow shorter.  I hate taking these drugs.  I hate having to take meds for the rest of my natural born life.  I hate being broken.  I hate the generations that came before me that gave me this.  I hate myself for having this.  Sometimes I feel like it would be better to just say screw it and not take the meds.  Sometimes I want to never go back to the doctor again.  I don't want to keep failing in life but I don't want to deal with dealing with this. I want to call a do-over in my life.  I walk around now and look at the people around me and think "why me?" I look at my family and friends and realize that the can never understand what I am going through.  I feel like I will always be alone in this.  I guess I'll just hold on until the next manic episode and I'll feel a million times better..or until I get a new prescription.

APA Reference
(2009, December 6). It's all Alice in Wonderland., HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 10 from https://www.healthyplace.com/support-blogs/myblog/It%27s-all-Alice-in-Wonderland.

Last Updated: January 14, 2014

Janumet Sitagliptin Metformin - Janumet Patient Information

HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Brand Names: Janumet
Generic Name: Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride

Janumet, sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride, full prescribing information

What is the most important information I should know about JANUMET?

Metformin hydrochloride, one of the ingredients in JANUMET, can cause a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood) that can cause death. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital.

Stop taking JANUMET and call your doctor right away if you get any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis:

  • You feel very weak and tired.
  • You have unusual (not normal) muscle pain.
  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You have unexplained stomach or intestinal problems with nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • You feel cold, especially in your arms and legs.
  • You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
  • You have a slow or irregular heart beat.

You have a higher chance of getting lactic acidosis if you:

  • have kidney problems.
  • have liver problems.
  • have congestive heart failure that requires treatment with medicines.
  • drink a lot of alcohol (very often or short-term "binge" drinking).
  • get dehydrated (lose a large amount of body fluids). This can happen if you are sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dehydration can also happen when you sweat a lot with activity or exercise and don't drink enough fluids.
  • have certain x-ray tests with injectable dyes or contrast agents.
  • have surgery.
  • have a heart attack, severe infection, or stroke.
  • are 80 years of age or older and have not had your kidney function tested.

What is JANUMET?

JANUMET tablets contain two prescription medicines, sitagliptin (JANUVIA™2) and metformin. JANUMET can be used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. Yourdoctor will determine if JANUMET is right for you and will determine the best way to start and continue to treat your diabetes.

JANUMET:

  • helps to improve the levels of insulin after a meal.
  • helps the body respond better to the insulin it makes naturally.
  • decreases the amount of sugar made by the body.
  • is unlikely to cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when it is taken by itself to treat high blood sugar.

JANUMET has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.

JANUMET has not been studied with insulin, a medicine known to cause low blood sugar.

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Who should not take JANUMET?

Do not take JANUMET if you:

  • have type 1 diabetes.
  • have certain kidney problems.
  • have conditions called metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).
  • have had an allergic reaction to JANUMET or sitagliptin (JANUVIA), one of the components of JANUMET.
  • are going to receive an injection of dye or contrast agents for an x-ray procedure.

JANUMET will need to be stopped for a short time. Talk to your doctor about when to stop JANUMET and when to start again. See "What is the most important information I should know about JANUMET?"

What should I tell my doctor before and during treatment with JANUMET?

JANUMET may not be right for you. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have kidney problems.
  • have liver problems.
  • have had an allergic reaction to JANUMET or sitagliptin (JANUVIA), one of the components of JANUMET.
  • have heart problems, including congestive heart failure.
  • are older than 80 years. Patients over 80 years should not take JANUMET unless their kidney function is checked and it is normal.
  • drink alcohol a lot (all the time or short-term "binge" drinking).
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if JANUMET will harm your unborn baby. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about the best way to control your blood sugar while you are pregnant. If you use JANUMET during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about how you can be on the JANUMET registry. The toll-free telephone number for the pregnancy registry is 1-800-986-8999.
  • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if JANUMET will pass into your breast milk. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking JANUMET.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. JANUMET may affect how well other drugs work and some drugs can affect how well JANUMET works.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Talk to your doctor before you start any new medicine.

How should I take JANUMET?

  • Your doctor will tell you how many JANUMET tablets to take and how often you should take them. Take JANUMET exactly as your doctor tells you.
  • Your doctor may need to increase your dose to control your blood sugar.
  • Your doctor may prescribe JANUMET along with a sulfonylurea (another medicine to lower blood sugar). See "What are the possible side effects of JANUMET?" for information about increased risk of low blood sugar.
  • Take JANUMET with meals to lower your chance of an upset stomach.
  • Continue to take JANUMET as long as your doctor tells you.
  • If you take too much JANUMET, call your doctor or poison control center right away.
  • If you miss a dose, take it with food as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of JANUMET at the same time.
  • You may need to stop taking JANUMET for a short time. Call your doctor for instructions if you:
    • are dehydrated (have lost too much body fluid). Dehydration can occur if you are sick with severe vomiting, diarrhea or fever, or if you drink a lot less fluid than normal.
    • plan to have surgery.
    • are going to receive an injection of dye or contrast agent for an x-ray procedure.
      See "What is the most important information I should know about JANUMET?" and "Who should not take JANUMET?"
  • When your body is under some types of stress, such as fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection or surgery, the amount of diabetes medicine that you need may change. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these conditions and follow your doctor's instructions.
  • Monitor your blood sugar as your doctor tells you to.
  • Stay on your prescribed diet and exercise program while taking JANUMET.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to prevent, recognize and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and complications of diabetes.
  • Your doctor will monitor your diabetes with regular blood tests, including your blood sugar levels and your hemoglobin A1C.
  • Your doctor will do blood tests to check your kidney function before and during treatment with JANUMET.

What are the possible side effects of JANUMET?

JANUMET can cause serious side effects. See "What is the most important information I should know about JANUMET?"
Common side effects when taking JANUMET include:

  • stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
  • upper respiratory infection
  • diarrhea
  • nausea and vomiting
  • gas, stomach discomfort, indigestion
  • weakness
  • headache

Taking JANUMET with meals can help reduce the common stomach side effects of metformin that usually occur at the beginning of treatment. If you have unusual or unexpected stomach problems, talk with your doctor. Stomach problems that start up later during treatment may be a sign of something more
serious.

Certain diabetes medicines, such as sulfonylureas and meglitinides, can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). When JANUMET is used with these medicines, you may have blood sugars that are too low. Your doctor may prescribe lower doses of the sulfonylurea or meglitinide medicine. Tell your doctor if you are having problems with low blood sugar.

The following additional side effects have been reported in general use with JANUMET or sitagliptin:

  • Serious allergic reactions can happen with JANUMET or sitagliptin, one of the medicines in JANUMET. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking JANUMET and call your doctor right away. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to treat your allergic reaction and a different medication for your diabetes.
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Inflammation of the pancreas.

These are not all the possible side effects of JANUMET. For more information, ask your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you, is unusual, or does not go away.

How should I store JANUMET?

Store JANUMET at room temperature, 68-77°F (20-25°C).

Keep JANUMET and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the use of JANUMET
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use JANUMET for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give JANUMET to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about JANUMET. If you would like to know more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about JANUMET that is written for health professionals. For more information call 1-800-622-4477.

What are the ingredients in JANUMET?

Active ingredients: sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride.

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The tablet film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, and black iron oxide.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body does not make enough insulin, and the insulin that your body produces does not work as well as it should. Your body can also make too much sugar. When this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood. This can lead to serious medical problems.

The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower your blood sugar to a normal level. Lowering and controlling blood sugar may help prevent or delay complications of diabetes, such as heart problems, kidney problems, blindness, and amputation.

High blood sugar can be lowered by diet and exercise, and by certain medicines when necessary.

Last Updated: 12/09

Janumet, sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride, full prescribing information

Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Diabetes

back to:Browse all Medications for Diabetes

 

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2009, December 4). Janumet Sitagliptin Metformin - Janumet Patient Information, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 10 from https://www.healthyplace.com/diabetes/medications/janumet-diabetic-treatment

Last Updated: July 17, 2014

Recovering From Compulsive Overeating

HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Here's what's happening on the HealthyPlace site this week:

Compulsive Overeating, It's Compulsive!

And that's the big problem. Like any other compulsion - gambling, sex, shopping, the internet - for some 4 million people in the U.S., eating is hard to stop. (are you an overeater checklist)

Many try to lose weight on their own or with commercial products or through various weight loss programs. Over time, their weight yo-yos up and down, but in the end a vast majority of compulsive overeaters succumb to their food addiction.

Some researchers attribute the problem of compulsive overeating to depression and using food to fill some emotional needs.

Former FDA Commissioner, Dr. David Kessler has another theory. His theory: "Hyperpalatable" foods -- those loaded with fat, sugar, and salt -- stimulate the senses and provide a reward that leads many people to eat more to repeat the experience. In a WebMD interview, Kessler says "Once the food becomes a habit, it may not offer the same satisfaction. We look for foods higher in fat and sugar to bring back the thrill."

No matter what the cause, the fact remains that lots of people have problems with this compulsion. So what's the From Food Addiction, Food Cravings" href="index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1685:food-addiction-food-cravings&catid=121&Itemid=58" target="_blank">solution to compulsive overeating? Therapy to help one keep track of their eating, change their eating habits, and learn how to deal with emotional difficulties in a more productive way is one solution. Antidepressants may also prove helpful.

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Dr. Kessler suggests:

  • Structure your eating -- knowing when and how you're going to eat.
  • Set rules, such as not eating between meals.
  • Change the way you think about food. Be aware of your thinking "about how good the food will make you feel" and take steps to protect yourself.
  • Learn to enjoy the foods you can control.
  • Rehearse how you'll respond to cues that set you up to overeat.

For those who have difficulty with all of the above, there's hope in research. The pharma companies are spending lots of money trying to find a solution in a bottle. They all have lots of incentive -- more than 4 million people who might be willing to pay for that solution.

Share Your Mental Health Experiences

Share your experiences with compulsive overeating or any mental health subject, or respond to other people's audio posts, by calling our toll-free number (1-888-883-8045).

You can listen to what other people are saying by clicking on the gray title bars inside the widgets located on the "Sharing Your Mental Health Experiences" homepage, the HealthyPlace homepage, and the HealthyPlace Support Network homepage.

If you have any questions, write us at: info AT healthyplace.com

"Recovering From Compulsive Overeating" On HealthyPlace TV

Josie's overeating problems started at age 9. By 17, the college girls taught her "literally everything" about how to lose weight and she tried them all -- with little success. Later, as an adult, she found one thing that really worked. Her story and helpful suggestions for overcoming overeating on Tuesday's HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show.

Join us Tuesday, December 1, at 5:30p PT, 7:30 CST, 8:30 EST. The show airs live on our website. Josie will be taking your questions during the live show.

In the second half of the show, you get to ask HealthyPlace.com Medical Director, Dr. Harry Croft, your personal mental health questions.

Coming in December on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show

  • OCD: Scrupulosity

If you would like to be a guest on the show or share you personal story in writing or via video, please write us at: producer AT healthyplace.com

Click here for a list of previous HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Shows.

Mental Illness in the Family Show Rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1

As happens sometimes, last week's guest had some technical issues so we are doing a special early edition tonight (Tuesday) at 5:30p CT, 6:30 ET -- BEFORE our regularly scheduled show. It's an important subject and we hope you'll join us. The blog post with more info is here.

back to: HealthyPlace.com Mental-Health Newsletter Index

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2009, December 1). Recovering From Compulsive Overeating, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 10 from https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-newsletter/recovering-from-compulsive-overeating

Last Updated: September 5, 2014

Recovering From Compulsive Overeating with Josie Lenore
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Josie Lenore began using food for emotional soothing at age 9. By 17, she was a compulsive overeater. Her life and recovery from compulsive overeating here.

Stopping compulsive overeating isn't as simple as just saying you'll quit. As HealthyPlace.com Medical Director, Dr. Harry Croft explains in this week's blog post, there's a significant emotional component to compulsive overeating.

Most overeaters use food as a way to hide from emotions, fill a void inside, and cope with daily stresses. Many people dealing with compulsive overeating feel guilty for not being "good enough," shame for being overweight, and have very low self-esteem. They turn to food to cope with their painful feelings, which only leaves them feeling worse. Sufferers often have a constant need for love and validation, and without it, may go into obsessive episodes of overeating as a way to forget the pain.

Coping with Compulsive Overeating

As a group, compulsive overeaters tend to be overweight, have a history of weight fluctuations, and are usually aware that their eating habits are abnormal. Our guest on this week's HealthyPlace Mental Health TV show is no exception.

Josie eventually recovered from overeating with the help of some well-known books on compulsive overeating and some information she found tucked away in a research study she came across. She'll be sharing her story Tuesday night.

Josie Lenore first began to use food for emotional soothing when she was around 9 or 10 years old and that's when she first noticed her weight start to creep up. By the time she was 17 and at college, Josie received a full-immersion crash course in disordered eating from the "bikini clad laxative popping" girls in her dorm. Her weight would go up and down by 30 or so pounds for the next several years. She tells HealthyPlace.com that she was determined to be thin and she tried everything, "literally everything." But each attempt missed the mark and added insult to injury.

About the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show

The HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show airs live every Tuesday night at 5:30 pm PST, 7:30 pm CST, and 8:30 pm EST. Our guest will be taking your personal questions.

If you miss the live show, watch Overeating Videos: Binge Eating Help at your convenience.

Compulsive Overeating and How to Stop Overeating Help Pages

Looking For Friends

I guess you could say I'm finding life particularily difficult right now. Just looking to connect to anyone who is feeling the same. I find solace and comfort in company and would appreciate anyone's support. Please be in touch.

APA Reference
(2009, November 27). Looking For Friends, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 10 from https://www.healthyplace.com/support-blogs/myblog/Looking-For-Friends

Last Updated: January 14, 2014
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