Do I need help??

[millionmom]

I just don't know if I need to see a doctor about this or not. Every time I feel upset about anything, angry at myself or others, I eat...a lot. I feel like I could just keep going and going. I'm wondering if a doctor could even help me with this? It's like I use food to beat myself up....I just don't understand it anymore. It's like I don't even taste anything that is going in - I'm on autopilot

[BellinghamCrunchie]

I don't know that a doctor could help particularly, unless you feel that medication for anxiety or depression might be helpful.

A counselor would probably be more useful to you. Together you might be able to identify triggers, learn other ways to deal with anxiety/stress, and learn how to tolerate uncomfortable feelings.

[kaydee]

Not sure how you feel about 12-step programs, but perhaps Overeaters Anonymous might be helpful. It's free, too.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be helpful in learning alternative coping techniques with anxiety and other uncomfortable feelings.

[mavery]

I know this is an old thread, but just in case you're still checking I wanted to recommend the book "Holy Hunger" by Margaret Bullitt-Jonas. It's a memoir about her problems with food, but it's very thoughtful and very well-written. I used to have an eating disorder and I recognised a lot of the same origins of my behaviour in childhood as those she identified. It might be helpful in understanding what's going on for you and why you react that way.