My Binge Eating Disorder Story + Misconceptions about the Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder is deeply misunderstood... In this video I try to talk about my experiences with it so that it can hopefully be treated better and understood more deeply in society in general. We have to start talking about this.

[@meebyte]

21.51 this statement pretty much hits home and for me I see the ED as pretty much like an accessory, once you take it off (recovery), then you just have what’s left on you which is most likely the base problems that have not been addressed.

[@abigailh7715]

Very insightful revelations. I commend you for your determination to self reflection and understand yourself on a deeper level - and for sharing it to help others. You're on a wondrous path of enlightenment. Your future will be worth all the hardships 💫

[@LK1989]

Really good video Alex. As someone who doesn't have an ED, it was very informative to listen to this.

[@anndheir]

This was so heartbreaking, you are a strong person to survive all this, I wish you the best

[@dominiquewild3823]

Thank you for sharing this part of your past ❤ You truly are one of the strongest and bravest people I've ever known! ❤❤❤ The way you describe BED makes me think I had a very mild case in my teenage years. If I did, it was probably related to my brother's mental health as I'm hypersensitive to negative emotions. If I couldn't eat, I would bite my little finger (hard enough to almost break it) I still have days when I binge, but nowadays, it's more "low weight+menstrual cycle" that's to blame.

[@joshgarrison7779]

That took some balls, brother.. we are now a little wiser. Thanks for that

[@megpeace5059]

Thank you for sharing Alex. It takes alot of courage to be so vulnerable. When I was stuck in the B/P cycle, I found that binging would help me dissociate from feelings, the world.. all that mattered for that point of time was the food. Then the guilt would set in but then the purge would offer me euphoria. EDs are so complex and it’s so frustrating that BED is just ignored while ‘restrictive EDs’ (it’s frustrates me so much that fat acceptance ignore that BED involves restriction) are glamourised still.

[@codycraven1465]

Props to you for sharing your story, ED's are not an easy thing to discuss. It's helpful to talk about BED in particular, as I know it's widely misunderstood. I think people generally don't grasp the loss of control that comes with any ED. I was severely bulimic/anorexic purge subtype for over 6 years and they were the worst, most unimaginable part of my life. I was completely out of control. I've also been addicted to hard drugs in the past as well, and in my experience both of the diseases are wildly similar. ED's are the worst in my opinion because food is such an integral part of life. As I've recovered over the years it's interesting that I've forgotten about the details of those hellish years when I was sick...almost like my brain has blocked it out permanently to protect me. These diseases are deadly, and becoming more common but I hope by people sharing their stories it can help break some of the stigma.

[@GraphicallyAlex]

It honestly may be worse than addiction.

[@megpeace5059]

Agreed that there is definitely similarities between EDs/ addictions, and not necessarily just the addiction to food/ control of food. When I was severely bulimic (purging about 10x a day) I would get so euphoric after every purge and I was also addicted to that feeling.

[@kirapenny3606]

I agree with you that BED it is not an addiction but a maladaptive coping mechanism that often results from childhood trauma. A child trapped in an unsafe, unpredictable environment with dangerous caregivers will often use food to escape. Food allows them a way to disassociate and drift off into a fantasy world. Many people with BED also had a co-dependent parent who gave them "treats" when they were abused as a way to calm them. Poor parenting causes this disorder. Once you realize this, you can recover by developing healthier ways of managing your anxiety and stress. ❤❤❤

[@justyeeeeeetit]

Thanks for sharing it really connected with me ❤. And as someone who is 10lbs from being out of the "overweight bmi" weight, exercising is hard on my mind/body. Some days are bad..baaaad tired... others I feel motivated & energized. Take care of yourself. Exercising isn't a cure all like every gymbro wants to say it is. 😅

[@jackieshiloh]

Sending you a big hug, very brave of you to share such intimate, vulnerable details. ❤❤

[@h0rriphic]

Eating disorders are gnarly. My biological mother is a pretty bad anorexic. Oddly enough my surrogate dad/closest thing I’ve had to a father died from complications from his morbid obesity. Losing him was earth shattering. As a recovering heroin addict who has spent time around ppl w/ obesity and BED- I’d always assumed that BED /compulsive overeating more closely resembled drug abuse. I can totally accept that BED is an true eating disorder. The experience you describe reminds me so much of my biological mother. She is severely anorexic. Frankly im surprised she’s alive. She definitely has similar compulsions revolving around food that you do. For her, her hungry feeling is blocking out the anxiety…if I’m understanding for those with BED, it’s basically the same goal in mind- just a different avenue to get there?

[@GraphicallyAlex]

Yes it’s very physical and sensory based as a means of tuning out anxiety.

[@violet5610]

I appreciate you so much. You really help me. Thank you.

[@ccchhheeennn2]

❤❤❤

[@talks2squirrels953]

That was interesting and brave. Do you think parents can do anything without traumatizing them to solve this issue in childhood? We have such in increase in childhood obesity but parents don't seem to know what to do. Children are not responsible but putting your kid in weight watchers doesn't seem helpful or kind. Therapy to build coping skills? I assume..

[@Mark-ji4vx]

🌺 "promosm"