Hello all,

This is my first post here. I am hoping to give and receive support for those of us struggling with binge eating. I've struggled with eating disorders for many years. I grew up with disordered eating and was scarred by cruel and shame-inducing comments by adults about my body/ appearance as a child. I was not fat but a healthy, vivacious and athletic child who unfortunately encountered some unkind adults-I know it may sound silly coming from a grown 31 yr old woman but those words inflicted pain and sparked a problem within me surrounding food Needless to say I initially developed bulimia in highschool, then moved onto restriction, over exercising, then binging. My binge eating has gotten progressively worse over the past 6 years and I've gained a substantial amount of weight. I have tried everything-intuitive eating, not counting calories, low carb, vegetarian, high protein, fad diets like weight watchers, atkins, the zone (not knocking on them, just naming some I tried), juicing, and even over eaters anonymous...I am addicted to food. I have talked with therapists in the past and it's not helped...perhaps I wasn't in the right mental place or with the right counselor? I even looked into out patient treatment facilities like the Renfrew center but I don't have a job now and without insurance, I can't afford the treatment.

I hate that I isolate myself and lose myself to food. I know it's cost me relationships and affected my desire to be social. I am a bright, vibrant and loving person yet I struggle with this demon. Do we ever get over this affliction? I want to change my behavior so very much....some days I do better than others but then when I get triggered I fall right back into my pattern. How do you all overcome your deep urge to binge?

I know so very much about nutrition and I KNOW it's not healthy to binge frequently on sweets, chocolate and highly sugary foods. As I'm sure you all understand it's one thing to know that intellectually and another to change your behavior when the need for that "fix" is overwhelming...I find binge eating has become an unhealthy form of self soothing and I wish with all my heart that I can overcome it. If anyone has any words of wisdom or suggestions, I am open to anything. Thank you all for taking the time to read this and I wish you health, happiness, and peace.