[asp1079]

I feel my exercise addiction is coming back, along with a bit of restricting. I really acknowledge now that I can eat way more than I used to. But because of huge stressors like college, a bad haircut that is very much too short [so I'm way sensitive about my appearance and feel so ugly lately], I feel my exercise addiction coming back.

Has anyone ever had this? I just feel like I can't control my exercise habits. I constantly need to be on the go. I'll run two or three times a day and box more than a few times a week. I don't usually even let myself sit down or lay down and relax - even when reading or trying to do schoolwork I lift weights or do leg lifts or whatever. I try to fight the need to eat but mostly let myself, but then use exercise to just burn it off. It's almost like exercise bulimia or something.

I just don't know how to stop. I'm worried I'll hurt my joints again or do something bad to myself but I feel that this habit - which allows me to control my weight and look prettier in place of having such unflattering hair - just helps me get through the day, almost like a distraction and a comfort despite the pain.

I'm considering starting Zoloft. But even that is worrisome to me... I'm worried it'll make me gain weight and give me bad side effects.

Thanks for any support or advice.

[Travelinglady]

I've not had this problem. Are you seeing a therapist for it? Definitely it sounds like you need to get some professional help with this one.

Are you thinking your psychiatrist will be prescribing Zoloft? Is that standard procedure?

[precious things]

I am going through a big bulimic phase now ( as opposed to restricting) and over the past few months it has taken the form of purging and over exercising. It's a tricky one because you always here how healthy it is, and no one will ever discourage you from taking a run. And exercise is good for our bodies and mental state but when you are using it as punishment, or as a way to quiet the eating disorder voice it just becomes another extension of the disorder.

Oh, and bad haircuts? Hair will grow back, you only get one body, try to go easy on yourself

[asp1079]

Originally Posted by PAYNE1

I've not had this problem. Are you seeing a therapist for it? Definitely it sounds like you need to get some professional help with this one.

Are you thinking your psychiatrist will be prescribing Zoloft? Is that standard procedure?

I'm not sure if I'll take it since my GP gave me the rx for it and I've heard some bad things about it. I have GAD, OCD symptoms and possible BPD... anxiety can get killer a lot and I feel the anxiety is the root of this as well. So I have to get things straightened out and figure out what meds to take. I'm trying to get an appointment with a T and psychiatrist right now for a new evaluation.

I feel like the new T will hopefully be able to help me find moderation. At least I'm self-aware and not in oblivion about it which is good.

[asp1079]

Originally Posted by precious things

I am going through a big bulimic phase now ( as opposed to restricting) and over the past few months it has taken the form of purging and over exercising. It's a tricky one because you always here how healthy it is, and no one will ever discourage you from taking a run. And exercise is good for our bodies and mental state but when you are using it as punishment, or as a way to quiet the eating disorder voice it just becomes another extension of the disorder.

Oh, and bad haircuts? Hair will grow back, you only get one body, try to go easy on yourself

Thanks, I hope it grows out soon. I'm very upset about how it just does not look right at all, especially since it's boy-short. I'm lucky I feel I am an attractive person relatively in some ways, or else I'd be in big trouble! I feel, see, that that's the core reason for the exercise addiction beginning again - wanting to maintain attractiveness in other areas and be even more attractive [buff and thin] to compensate for the hair.



I wish so much I'd never have cut it. I feel like such an idiot. But it's too late now. Thanks for empathizing with me about the whole ED situation as well. I am definitely not a purge type in the form of binging/purging with vomiting but with exercise, yes, and it's hard for me to control this since I know vomiting and restricting are not good, but exercise psychologically doesn't seem 'bad' to me, as you said it is a healthful practice usually so it's hard to stop.