Hi newcomer here...with a binge eating problem and mood swings

[bingy]

Hiya..So I've finally brought up the courage to register here. Well here's my story: I get drastic mood swings sometimes. Often it is after binge eating (which I struggle with) but sometimes it comes on by itself. I always thought I just had a little mood swing here and there, it always seems trivial to me when I'm in a 'normal' mood, but my boyfriend made me realise it is much worse than that. I can barely bring myself to go to university in the mornings, I have stopped socialising, all I ever want to do is lie in bed, no energy for anything, I don't enjoy things I used to, and I often cry alot for no reason. I get very moody, mostly emotional but sometimes irritable, for no apparent reason. Like I will be bawling my eyes out in bed so much that I think my eyes are going to pop out or my throat is going to close up - and my boyfriend will ask what's wrong and I won't be able to answer. I don't know what's wrong, I have a good life - a social life and good friends (though I haven't hung out with them in ages), a family, a supportive boyfriend, a good education and good oppourunities, and I never feel stressed about finances/studies/anything. What does stress me out is the binge eating and the moods, I don't know why they happen but they do. Sometimes I tell friends I will go to a certain event, and then when the time comes I'll break down crying in my room because I don't want to go and just want to stay home.

So, hi to all ^^ If anyone can relate, I would love some advice...

[lightenup]

Hi Bingy  !"£ to the forum, just to let you know all members are supportive on here.  I think you can relate to the forum because you have the symtoms of depression.  I can relate to the mood swings, and sometimes when you are doing things you don't realise it.  Look at all the great things you have in your life, and think positively about them.  Your are very overwhelmed at the moment, and there is nothing wrong with having a cry. 

You need to try and take small steps at a time, like say having  a quiet coffee with some of your friends on a one to one.  Also doing things you enjoy, maybe put a set of headphones on a good out for a walk on your own.  Sometimes we all need a little time out on our own.

Have you any pastoral care at the university, where you can talk to somebody?  If not have you a special friend?  Are there any relaxation classes or yoga classes.

BTW the throat thing like something is sticking there is anxiety, I practise breathing to try and relieve the stress of this.  Don't worry about what others would think, people looking at me would wonder why I have depression, as they see the outside shell.  Unfortunately I cannot comment on the binge eating, although I would say I comfort eat myself, I think some of the other members have more experience on this topic.

You need to be kind to yourself, please ask for help as soon as you can, because you don't want it to get any more difficult for yourself,  I hope I have made a little sense.  We all understand how this can all be a little scarey as well. 

Also we have on here if you want to speak to a professional, check the website www.mindfulhelp.org.uk  take care. 

[bel]

Hi Bingy,  !"£
Lots of good advice from lightenup, can't add to that.
However, I do have experience of binge eating and bulimia. I was bulimic for about 10 years. I tried a self-help groups (Overeaters Anonymous) which was some help, if only to find I wasn't the only person with an eating disorder(!), and a counsellor who was a complete waste of time and money. In the end I saw my doctor about it and she prescribed a high dose of Prozac, which worked, much to my amazement (I believe any SSRI has the same effect). I now eat normally and do not have a weight problem, for over 15 years now. So there is hope  :). Of course the depression still remained to be dealt with. Once I stopped the Prozac, when my eating was ok, the depression crept back because I hadn't done any work or got any help with it. It took several more years before I dealt with the depression and got free from it. Don't panic! - it only took so long because I thought I could handle my life and for a long time wouldn't admit depression was still a problem "£$. So that was how it worked for me. Now, I think that bulimia/eating disorders may be another symptom of depression so maybe if I'd admitted to depression to begin with they'd have been sorted out together, but at the time I believed the bulimia was the problem.
Sorry, this is a lot about me isn't it. Hope at least it makes you feel a little less alone with it. So my advice with the binge-eating would be to see a doctor first, but don't forget that it is a symptom and the depression needs to be dealt with too.
Best wishes, bel.