Surprising Link Between Eating Disorders and BPD Nobody Tells You

[@tristanoelle]

I was literally just thinking the other day “I wonder if Dr. Fox will ever do a video on BPD and its correlation with eating disorders”

[@alexandraa5424]

Yes!! This would be so helpful. My mood swings are definitely reflected in my ED.

[@Shortkonner]

I didn't realize how they are related for me. Damn.

[@humaali2742]

My binge eating disorder definitely goes in hand in hand with that empty feeling I get. It was my first way of filling that void which I learnt as a child. Till i found more ways etc drugs/alcohol. The eating disorder is my biggest problem

[@zahrabandali7343]

Me too :) so glad I see others can relate to me.

[@ItisI_B]

This comment section is so shocking. Some of you (or maybe a lot) have experienced such horrible things, it's just awful. No one deserve that. I hope you find a way to cope with it all in a healthy way. Big hug to all of you.

[@kvtiebug]

would you be able to do a video on BPD and sensory overload? (: i love your videos and your workbook

[@aubreygraham981]

Yes, I really hope he does. Sounds especially flip me tf out... I get so angry and anxious. Or if people touch me. It’s miserable!

[@kvtiebug]

@@aubreygraham981 i feel you! i had an anxiety attack at work once because there were too many people talking at the same time /:

[@blauerpelikan]

@@kvtiebug Omg, I have exactly the same reactions at work! I thought I was the only one experienced this 😲

[@kvtiebug]

@@blauerpelikan i thought so too but i guess it’s really common with bpd & adhd!

[@maxtaylor1039]

Yesss I hope he goes this too!! I’m constantly overstimulated and overwhelmed by my surroundings and it plays a huge part in my mood.

[@rodeorm704]

at age 53 i just got diagnosed with quiet bpd and i look at my whole life in a total different way now - many things make sense now.....just started therapy and i know i got a long way ahead of me and your videos as well do help me in addition.....thank you very much from germany, danke.

[@PinkSky-b1z]

❤❤ it is really nice Im 16 and i have bpd

[@PinkSky-b1z]

Do you have ed?

[@kitdixon1210]

I had anorexia for 7 years and my BPD symptoms didn’t really show up noticeably until I recovered at age 24. It’s like the semi starvation blunted my emotional processing or provided a way to manage myself. Once I no longer had that numbing technique, my mood swings became much worse as well as other symptoms.

[@colnohman5255]

But u still got through it? Ive heard having another healthy addiction could help..Im not sure..

[@kitdixon1210]

Col Nohman ive been a healthy weight for several years but throughout those years I flip flopped between exercise bulimia and orthorexia. I looked healthy but was still very disordered. Last year it was like something clicked in my brain and I just stopped caring about food. Controlling it eating it... I just have no interest. So for the most part was able to learn intuitive eating, although I still have a deep fear of weight gain that keeps me too scared to try antidepressants that may be helpful to me. I’m not sure what you mean by healthy addiction... I did end up shifting my focus from restricting to being as “healthy “ as possible, and that was maybe a necessary transition step.

[@Heartbreaker1999-o5s]

I was exactly the same . When I was at my lowest weights I felt in control of my emotions, I was alot happier . Now it's super noticeable that I have BPD . I have constant crashes and suicidal urges . It's horrible . I think eds and bpd need to be talked about more . Bc it's very common . Especially binge eating (which I'm struggling with now ) and anorexia .

[@yunami599]

Exactly the same here. I was severely anorexic for about 2 years and had not a single bpd symptom anymore. I thought it was gone. Then I started recovery because anorexia almost killed me. Bpd came back stronger than ever. I'm tired.... :(

[@PinkSky-b1z]

Are you guys got through it? I dont have money for therapy but i feel really lost. Bpd and ed are always in my head. Im really tired. I would wanna read your advices i reallllyyyy need that 🙂💔

[@bigray2859]

I had bulimia when I was a teenager. I exercised 8 hours a day. The excessive exercise and purging caused spine problems and lost more eyesight in one of my eyes, that eye cannot see in the dark. I was a teenager and denied having problems though, self harm and vomiting and eating laxatives were normal making it difficult to actually help me. The poor eating and huffing caused brain damage, I lost my memories, 3.5 GPA became special Ed. Still denied it being problematic though. They put me on meds that increased my appetite, with the back pain and weight gain, I couldn't throw up anymore without experiencing intense pain. 100 pounds went up to 315 pounds. Had to use a walker. The consequences from bulimia can be very grave, and I hope if anyone reading this has bulimia to reach out for help. It turned out I was born with spine problems and the bulimia accelerated them, when you're young you sometimes just don't know. If you're eating laxatives and purging what you eat, it IS a problem. Now I'm working on it, I still seem to not eat or binge at times, when pain gets bad it can take away all hope. Doctors helped, gaining insight, awareness, helped. Seek help, I used to say I'd rather die than be overweight. Bulimia didn't kill me, suicide attempts didn't kill me, and now I'm stuck trying to fix mistakes I made from the past that make life worse. Send you love, you DO deserve it. 💜

[@kelseylul1799]

I wish you could be my counselor bc all counselors around here aren’t educated on BPD but I literally relate to everything you say about BPD

[@authenticallyaliyah8775]

I had the same problem as someone with BPD but there are therapists who specializes in BPD which I found even in a small town and she’s great and helped me also much

[@kelseylul1799]

Aliyah Marie I live in Maine😩

[@FLHerbologistLaura]

Same. Ive been all over Florida over the past 20 years and can't find a qualified counselor like dr fox.

[@Shortkonner]

Wouldn't it be cool if he traveled around and could do guest spots like a tattoo artist

[@FLHerbologistLaura]

@@Shortkonner hahahaha! that's fucken awesome! then we could all get therapy and do a little permanent self-harm at the same time :)

[@mavsyers]

I discovered that my EDNOS was another form of self harm. I experienced a remission of 3.5 years, then during the pandemic, I was diagnosed with atypical anorexia. I’m currently in recovery! With my BPD, I didn’t want others to know that I was self harming, so I punished myself by making myself purge after eating normal meals. I needed my family and friends to think I was eating, but I didn’t believe I deserved sustenance so I forced myself to purge in order to hurt myself. It’s so not worth it! I am still dealing with acid reflux, tooth enamel damage, and digestive issues.

[@sirenachantal471]

BPD and rage turned inward. The shy BPD.

[@FLHerbologistLaura]

Same

[@colnohman5255]

I believe I had a friend like this.. I just wish they would've talked to me..they just kept pushing me away. Now I believe I know why. I wish I could have done things differently

[@josoffat7649]

i did not know this was me until a few months ago, it's called quiet bpd, makes it so much harder to get a diagnosis because it hides a lot of the typical traits. They are there but they manifest differently. I didn't understand that maladaptive perfectionism plays a part in this either. It is so damn confusing trying to piece it all together

[@josoffat7649]

@@colnohman5255 I am cursed with this, don't beat yourself up. it's more complicated than even your friend knows, trust me on that. It is really sad for everyone involved, If you want to help, talking to their family and/or a professional might be the best way to get help for them.

[@Sineadbrazil]

I have this "quiet" bpd...went overlooked for so long

[@user-zr4ci7oc9t]

I have BPD & I struggle with chronic binge eating, thank you for giving me hope!☺️

[@tishsteel2691]

Me too

[@Shortkonner]

Me too girls. I guess we aren't alone hum. Sucks.

[@janesheedy8566]

My narc mother really fucked up my relationship with food, always talking about my body, calling me fat for eating, calling me an anorexic bitch for not eating, forcing me to eat, refusing to cook for me, allow me space in the kitchen for my own food, not even letting me into the kitchen, 'competing' with me any time I lost weight. I wish I could confront her about all the F'd up stuff she did to me now as an adult bit I know she would deny it then stop me from seeing my 5 year old sister.

[@lumijasminasmr3583]

I watch your videos to relax. You have such a calming, caring, compassionate nature. ♥️

[@MabelRD08]

Yes. I love how calmed and clear he speaks.

[@33Shaunna]

Me too. lol

[@FruityFarterSG]

I posted nearly the exact same comment on one of his videos :)

[@mesopotamianprincess]

I’m in Houston. This doesn’t mean anything but you’ve helped me alot to stay alive when I couldn’t afford the doctor appointments and have been so depressed I called suicide hotline but couldn’t even carry my voice through to ask for help.. I WANT help and to get back to school (Cullen) and work (TA at UH) before I’m fat, homeless, and old on top of being lonely but I’m so broken! You help! Thank you.

[@imogensharma]

You are a beautiful person with a whole universe of untapped potential at your fingertips. Find strength in your passions and immerse yourself in what you love. You are deserving of happiness and you will feel better one day soon.

[@JnTmarie]

J Mahdi 💜 never give up. I understand. I spent too much time in the wrong therapy with the wrong drugs. Your not alone. You mater to me 💜

[@Shortkonner]

He's so helpful good luck

[@le_th_]

Sending you a hug. I respect your strength to admit the issues you're struggling with and I wish you so well as you find your inner strength to keep trying. I'm proud of you for simply making the call, even if you couldn't push your voice out of your body in that moment. You cared enough about yourself to call; that's a step in the right direction, Keep making those little steps, and one by one, you will get there.

[@josoffat7649]

ya, like me. Old, fat and soon to be homeless. I figured this out too late and the system has let me fall through the cracks, my resources have run out before the waiting list is even close to getting me in. 😔I am actually disgusted that I've been trying to figure this out periodically for 15 years but only really figured this out last year with no help from the "professionals"

[@autorasarai]

We need to validate the fact that atypical anorexia is more typical than anorexia nervosa. This means all the anorexia nervosa symptoms except being underweight

[@Liz-abeth]

THIS.

[@delphinium5555]

I was hanging one every word right up until the end so really appreciated the caring words from this amazing doctor. I've no-one to help me so it was lovely to hear him believing in me. Back on the plan and going to look after myself better. Eating good healthy foods as regular intervals, exercise and sleep! For me the binge eating is using the food as a drug. I don't have any other vices but carbs has always hit the spot. Need to break that habit now. Am a grandmother but it's never to too late to start.

[@amynaddra7230]

I was diagnosed with BPD and complex PTSD. I suffered with an eating disorder for 4 years and when I finally told my family that’s when I got better. They had no idea I was purging. I didn’t binge eat though. I truly believe when we bring our struggles to the light, there is healing. I learned in Celebrate Recovery we are as sick as our secrets. Very interesting video!!! You’re exceptional!!!

[@jaelayala7248]

I binge bc I feel cronically empty. I starve myself bc I want to gain control of myself.

[@ainsleyblack1702]

I am In Australia and your the first person I recommend to ppl seeking accurate information on BPD. You get us.

[@bigtimefans100]

That last bit made me smile so hard. Thank you so much, Dr. Fox for all the work and dedication you've put into educating us and helping so many others learn more about themselves. I had AN when I was younger but now in my 20s, I'm starting to notice that it's very possible I could have an Unspecified Eating Disorder that's related to my BPD. It's definitely going to be a conversation between my therapist and me. I often binge eat when I feel empty (as this is part of having BPD) but also starve myself on purpose to either "distract" myself from the intense emotions and (I can't believe I'm finally admitting this because it's been really hard and uncomfortable to even think about its mere possibility but) being so shameful after binge eating that I'll restrict to prevent gaining more weight...shit, this disorder is really fucking debilitating. I'm trying to remind myself that there is hope, as you've _never ever_ failed to remind us. Thank you, from the bottom of my Borderline heart

[@LaGrossePaulik]

Struggling with ED, bulimia especially and bizarre 'fasting periods' since my teenage years. It is easier to cope with, less overwhelming, not an imminent threat to my health anymore, yet still present. Very persistent 😕 I hope one day it will behind!

[@le_th_]

Your Borderline clients must absolutely adore you. You seem so positive, motivating, and supportive.

[@mochiwaffles]

Dr. Fox, you inspire me (who's working on becoming a therapist) to be more compassionate and understanding towards people with BPD and other PDs. You show me how to be accepting and non-judgmental with the way you empathize with people who are struggling. Thank you so much, you're an amazing psychologist.

[@varietyunreal9730]

Tysm for your gift to the world dr fox

[@venusmariemakesart444]

Holy snap just in time. Im about to go into treatment

[@LaGrossePaulik]

👋 I wish you good luck! And feel free to keep us updated if you need to 👍

[@venusmariemakesart444]

@@LaGrossePaulik thank you!!!

[@punjabivirsa5348]

Good luck darlin!!

[@지우-r9y]

good luck, keep us updated please 🥺

[@FLHerbologistLaura]

You got this!!

[@jazisajoke8688]

Thank you so much for all that you do for us. You’re one of the few Doctors I’ve seen that treat us like human beings worthy of understanding and special care. You’re an amazing person. Please keep it up!! 💕💕

[@Hinatafan4ever666]

I have had issues akin to Bulimia Nervosa. I used to eat and eat and eat, then feel ashamed and guilty and sick and I would force myself to throw up, sometimes even after a normal meal -- I had acid reflux, stomach problems, sore throat. I did it so often I probably caused damage to my esophagus. I haven't purged in a few months and at current am not having issues with a desire to purge. I'm proud of my improvements. I think chronic feelings of emptiness spur the desire to binge to fill that emptiness.

[@crystaldeathflower]

Ella B im proud of u, be strong & dont give up

[@Hinatafan4ever666]

@@crystaldeathflower Thank you :) You too!

[@mynameislilith4028]

you’re an amazing man like honestly, i wouldn’t be able to find half the information you put out anywhere else 🤍 i know you’ve already done a video on ocpd and another on jealousy but i’d love more about them as i really struggle with it in my relationship. my bdd really heightens it as my main struggle is being absolutely, irrationally mortified if my bf watches porn. i have a traumatic past with porn anyway but it’s made me very controlling and paranoid and self-conscious. maybe you’ve covered something like this in a relationship vid, i should watch more of your content, but yeah 🤍

[@BigDoof12]

I was diagnosed with BPD about a week and a half ago. I also suffer with binge eating disorder. This video made me cry. I havent felt hope in a long time but this gave me a bit of it. thank you.

[@cindefckinrellab]

I just realized I still have an eating disorder, I just switched. I used to have anorexia until my mom noticed I wasn’t eating and losing weight and threatened to force feed me, then I switched to Bulemia Nervosa. I was in 8th grade and also taking water pills and drinking slim fast and taking Metabolife while switching between extreme dieting and binge/purge. I remember getting lots of compliments about how good I looked since losing weight and each one stung and felt uncomfortable a little. I eventually stopped purging. But I’ve never stopped binging. Growing up, we ate a lot. Looking back I’m ashamed. Even back then I had a habit of sneaking food, especially treats. This past year has been so stressful I have been struggling between not doing enough to keep myself fed and binging on a lot of food (especially gluten, which I shouldn’t have) at once til I can’t eat anymore. I don’t usually have breakfast because I don’t feel good eating anything I have to chew in the morning. I have a physically demanding job so I have to eat to stay energized. I often have a snack at work and then when I get home, I’ll have a whole pizza and a pint of ice cream and still want a treat before I can go to sleep. And if I don’t have a treat before I go to bed I will lose sleep thinking about wanting any treat. I have gotten back out of bed and gone to the store because I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. I have BPD and a whole host of comorbid diagnosis’s. I appreciate this video, now that I recognize this I can work on it with my counselor. Thank you.

[@4you1holdmybreath]

ugh i cry everytime i watch your videos because i just feel so understood and like cared for. you’re doing such an amazing job at helping us finding ourselves. I bought your work book and have been doing the chapters and it’s been such a big help. My mom and I both have BPD so i try to do a few pages with her as well and we enjoy so much. Thank you for all the positive helpful information you put out about this disorder because you are helping so. many. people.

[@jrg305]

There is also a book called Psychoanalytic Treatment of Eating Disorders. I've read most of it as an RD. I think too much ED treatment is DBT and not enough psychoanalysis. DBT is like distraction, which is good in the short term, but it doesn't get rid of why you are there and have those feelings (but still needs to be taught, but some of the programs don't personalize it enough where some patients leave wondering why the rubber band or ice cube doesn't work for them, because it wasn't personalized!). Some of the topics the book gets into is the idea of Invisibility--being very overweight or underweight to make oneself undesirable and in control of your vulnerability. Another idea is the defense mechanism. People with self flagelation/shame/embarrassment that feel so bad that have to resort to eating to self soothe (or not eating, as one example is the need for independence from a mother forcing her daughter to eat when she didn't want to too much). In this case, the self shame extreme was a defense mechanism for the mother embarrassing her daughter, so she learned to do it worse than the mother in order to protect from further vulnerability. Or eating quickly was learned to get away from the dinner table when an abusive father was yelling at a mother--an association with reprieve. Lots of good stuff. If you are looking for ideas on core content. Of course, dietitians, we are thought to just tell you what to eat and give you meal plans. Id be bored out of my mind of I just did that and highly professionally dissatisfied. Many RDs just do this. There is a CEDRD credential but it has too much group think /herd mentality that I don't want to pursue it "practice this way or you're doing it wrong" / not open to other ideas. I've done 9 years of psychoanalysis biweekly working on myself, and I like this approach. Joey Gochnour MEd RD LD

[@juliasanchez6376]

I am not doing well, I look forward to educating myself from your page! Thank you for putting this content out there

[@ADevilFromHeaven]

people often wonder why i starve and binge (im soo pretty and thin why would i do that too myself). but it isnt about the weight its soo linked to shame and selfhatred. .

[@Leahv103]

Thanks SO SO SO much for all your videos Dr Fox!! :) I'm a little confused about my "eating disorder" and BPD. A long time ago, I had a lot of unstable emotions but wasn't diagnosed with BPD yet. When my emotions are unstable, I find it impossible to take care of myself, including eating. Well, a long time ago I had a lot in my life going on (I moved out of state to college, my parents were severely shaming me for dating a guy that wasn't religious.. I was getting messages from people in my family telling me I was going to hell, my mom called me a slut etc. My parents actually drove to my college to see if I was at his house or not (and I was 20!) I remember always crying out in the hallway at school and not being able to focus on school because of all of this. My mom even threatened to not be a cosigner on my student loans because of the religion thing (I was paying for my school, she was only going to be the cosigner.. so if she didnt co-sign I wouldn't be able to go to school. She was willing to ruin my future because of my boyfriend at the time's beliefs. (And she didn't know him!) Also it was a dental hygiene program, really hard to get into and if you fail one class, you fail the entire program. I miraculously managed to finish the program while in a complete emotional mess for 2 years) Anyways- I had no family support, at all, also no friends. Also right after this happened, my boyfriend tried to leave me (probably bc of the BPD but I didn't know that yet.) and shortly after (he decided to stay with me) he cheated on me. In school, a lot of the other students in my program (there were only 20) were gossiping about me and treating me like I wasn't trying in school- they had no idea what I was going through outside of school. They also would all attend events and not tell me about them so I never got to go. So I felt very, very alone and uncared about by literally everyone in my life. So of course, my BPD symptoms got the worse they have ever gotten. I also could not eat for a very long time so I was admitted into an eating disorder treatment center 3 times. But, it had nothing to do with a fear of gaining weight, or thinking I was overweight. It happened because when my emotional state declines, I feel sick to my stomach and literally cannot eat without feeling sick. They never told me what my eating disorder diagnosis was but i'm guessing it was anorexia NOS? I feel like my restricting diet is closely linked to my emotional wellbeing. I have not had eating disorder issues since I got with my current husband (BPD is still there of course..) So is this really an eating disorder? I still have times where I find it very difficult to eat when my BPD symptoms are flaring up. Like when my partner and I get in a huge argument and he doesn't talk to me the next day. I cannot eat that entire day. But I guess I feel more supported/loved now and its helped the eating symptoms because ive been at a stable weight for about the 6 years we've been together. So, i'm not sure why I couldn't eat. I remember the treatment center asking me if it was a control thing, and I don't think so. It's more like I feel worthless and depressed at times and because of that eating is difficult. And when that is going on for a very long time it turns into a long-term eating issue. But it doesn't seem like an eating disorder to me. At the moment, the eating issues go up and down with the BPD. If i'm doing well, I can eat and if i'm not, I have a very hard time eating. Idk, i'm confused!

[@carlyludemann9236]

This made so much sense! I appreciate this video so much! I have only been diagnosed with BPD for over a year but had anorexia in 2017 (I was my mums fulltime carer and she had cancer and died 2 years later at 49) and when she first got sick I just stopped eating and went from 59kg to 47kg and it kept going lower and lower and i didnt know why and being without the disgnosis of BPD no one really got it. But it went away I ended up gaining weight to 68 and it has come back again after 2 years. I have lost 4kg in 8 days. But this makes so much sense

[@heatherjohnson333]

I am newly diagnosed and all of this feels so overwhelming. Thank you for your compassionate approach and for all of your help.

[@dawnfriesen8993]

Thank you for this video. I have BPD and suffered from Bulimia for 20 years before I became in remission 10 years ago. It took rehabilitation and therapy to get to where I am today. I really appreciate all your videos on BPD they are so beneficial to my recovery.

[@genesistovar9313]

Having to go through binge, anorexia, orthorexia and then bulimia to later be diagnosed with bpd made it easy for me to understand everything

[@proudgarbomum5362]

I have diagnosis of bpd and eating disorder. From my lived experience this explanation from Dr Fox is very accurate. I also agree that recovery is achievable.. treatment has greatly evolved. However, despite a lot of beneficial treatment both conditions still impact my life significantly.. decades later..and it's not because I 'want' them.. eating disorder is so ingrained now. Bpd has improved but I feel core issues are still there. That is my experience.

[@DrDanielFox]

Thank you for sharing your experience and I’m glad you found the video helpful.

[@evachalupa6459]

Thank you Dr Fox, I am so mind blown by your words, after all those years of bipolar depression and being told by therapists that it's life-long and I just have to accept it, finally I do have a great hope that I can fix a lot of other issues that I thought were just part of it. Thank you so much!

[@jessicabrookes6240]

I have just been diagnosed with BPD at 59 years of age. I have had severe depression for years. I was misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and just before BPD diagnosis, I wanted to end it all. Research into this condition, mainly through your channel, has me astounded that I wasn't diagnosed earlier. My whole persona has been screaming BPD since I was around 11 years old. I feel quite sad at the effect it has had on my life. People in my life see me as intelligent and talented and don't understand how I've ended up being such a failure. At the moment, I feel binge eating will kill me first. I have been contemplating buying your book and wondered if it covers binge eating. I am waiting for therapy to start in December. If covid allows. Thank you for your understanding and compassion

[@mmcutie2007]

I just wanted to say that I read a comment two months back about your channel and how it is a good resource for BPD. I came to your page and this was the first video in the queue. I thought, "Wow this is perfect for me!" I began watching it and had to stop 15 seconds in. I am still in denial about my eating disorder and to watch this video was a huge stepping stone for me. I feel disgusted with myself every day, but I know I will be a better person and the kind of person I want to be in time. I will definitely continue to watch your videos no matter how hard it may be. Thank you for sharing your wisdom for free on KZbin. I hope you know how much this means to me and I am so grateful for doctors like you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dr. Fox.

[@Twinkie989]

This is an interesting one. My therapist told me that there tends to be a big overlap in the diagnosis of BPD and eating disorders- but she says it is generally regarded as false because so many of these behaviors occur when a person’s brain is starved- and the “personality disorder” clears up when the patient becomes better nourished. (She’s clinical director of her Ed program). I’ll be interested to hear your take on it.

[@nemo5288]

My personal (anecdotal) experience is that treatment of my ED certainly did not clear up my BPD. In fact, it was not discovered that I had BPD until much much older, long after my first and biggest brush with an ED. Although she may be the director of her program, does not mean that she has all of the facts and information at her disposal and may change her mind once differing evidence is presented to her. Of course, her views may certainly hold true for some patients and not all. I guess that’s why she mentioned to you ‘generally regarded as false’ and I guess as long as her approach is not dismissive enough to those who legitimately have both an ED and BPD, and is willing to address both when a patient is presented to her as that way, then that is all we can ask. Great to hear that you’re getting help! Such an awesome thing to do!

[@Rizzmtism]

Just my experience, completely untrue for me. My BPD has a cycle and when I get in to a “low”, it’s usually when I am eating healthy and normally and my ED follows that low. The fat loss I experience will bring me out of the dark and back in to feeling “normal”. I feel great for a while until the side effects of not eating enough kick in .. and then I’m low again. It’s a vicious cycle.

[@Twinkie989]

I’m not referring to people with actual BPD. I’m talking about those with ED’s who are misdiagnosed with BPD because of how their ED’s are manifesting. Apparently, the number of misdiagnoses are very high. Someone tried to diagnose me with BPD- who wasn’t an ED specialist- at one point. My actual diagnoses was Bipolar with psychotic features- and either anorexia, bulimia, or BED- and multiple meds sensitivities that cause complete behavioral changes and memory loss. I certainly didn’t act like myself when I was my sickest. I’ve also experienced being told I was in my ED when I was psychotic and thought I was being poisoned through food- when I was, in fact, just in my delusions. I absolutely agree with the idea that professionals need to thoroughly identify what is behind the behavior before doling out a treatment plan- things can be so complex, even within the same person and not getting it right can be so harmful.

[@Rizzmtism]

Twinkie oops sorry I misunderstood! That is interesting though ... how the two can be confused and misdiagnosed. I seemed to experience doctors avoiding diagnosing me with BPD and trying to call it something else and it never felt right. It’s frustrating going through that so I feel your pain!

[@sadiehazel3558]

My ED was driven by my BPD. As I progressed through an intensive DBT program, I learned distress tolerance skills, which finally allowed me to “tolerate” ED treatment (which included my body necessarily becoming larger). I had done over a decade of inpatient and residential ED treatment and I ALWAYS became sick again until I was able to begin DBT.

[@noellerobin9896]

Thank you so much for this. I always wondered if my anorexic tendencies had anything to do with my BPD. I noticed that it’s deffinetly part of my mood swings.

[@pinksalmon9882]

I have BPD and recovered from an ED when I spent 3 months in Puerto Rico where women are more curvaceous and have more fat. I started to work out, lift weights and started to put in weight. I also subscribed to body positive accounts on Instagram and all of it has helped me a lot with gaining weight, confidence and my body acceptance

[@EvaLDrake]

Have not cut myself, in like a year+ now. God. Help this world if Tank, ( my cat) dies before me. I have no one to talk to, and its tearing me apart. Why the fuck am I alive!! For Tank.

[@rrtvox]

My former friend who had BPD was very obese and had binge eating disorder and compulsive shopping and smoking, self mutilating by chewing up her fingers until they were bloody...all co-occurring. It really frightened me when she would come to my home and try to compulsively buy all the same things I had, whether it was my candles, blankets, shoes, jackets, etc. unfortunately she is untreated and as of our last communication (when I cut her off) she had not seen a therapist in long time so don't know how much hope there is for her. It's really sad and I feel sorry for her but I am taking care of me now and not allowing her compulsions to drive me crazy like they did when we were friends. I had to remove myself from the friendship.

[@haydnstv]

I really enjoyed meeting you at the Denver Art Museum today! Thank you so much for your kindness. 😌

[@DrDanielFox]

It was great seeing and meeting you as well. I wish you all the best!!

[@brooklynb3707]

I've lost 15kg in 8 weeks. I'm thankful for this video.

[@rosa7264]

Till this day my bulimia is my biggest problem and although I made a lot of progress in regulating emotions I still can't even imagine to live without this constant battle against myself. It's so compulsive and irrational and I know WHY I'm doing it and it scares me to death to end my core believe of not being a valuable or likable person that needs to be cared for if I would be at any higher weight. I accepted and integrated this disorder for 11 years now, I'm truly afraid that I will never ever recover because I feel like it's the only thing that a) only I deserve, because I was naturally not built like society wants me to be built (if I wouldn't get the attention due to my appearance I couldn't face day to day life and would be so disgusted by myself) b) i feel like there's absolutely no way for me to control it, because it's all about stuffing my face and even if I ate regularly I had massive binges (so it feels like I can't recover normally without having to accept that I WILL be overweight) c) it's still the best way of regulating my emotions without needing to be high or drugged at work and everywhere else. This whole bulimia thing feels like a metaphor for my bpd, it's either filling myself up with everything, needing everything and being greedy and hedonistic, on the other hand it's emptying everything up in a matter of seconds because it was to much to handle. Sorry for this massive text and the negativity and thank u so much for your videos!

[@DrDanielFox]

Thank you for sharing and I think it’s helpful that you share such an open and personal process that helps provide insight to others. Please take care

[@rosa7264]

@@DrDanielFox thank you so so much for answering! ✨

[@faultyfox669]

I love that there's always a hopeful note in every vid, it's not just helpful and informative, it's optimistic too

[@DrDanielFox]

Glad you think so!

[@stacianastasio1499]

I have an eating disorder, anorexia. Well not anymore . This feels so good to be part of my past. I still have body dysmorphia tho.

[@vickycollins6965]

Loved the pep talk at the end of the video. Not a lot of information in the UK about BPD or Eating Disorders (specifically: Unspecified ED). Found this video very helpful/understanding,informative, comprehensive, very positive & supportive!🙌❤️

[@yoiiru]

Thank you so much for this. I generally stay away from mental health videos and supposed professionals and those related things these days bc they make me so mad and hate existing, but your channel is one that doesn’t “trigger” me (I hate that word “”trigger””) I’ve learned a lot over the months. I’m really happy to see this, been waiting for it lol

[@LaGrossePaulik]

True, it's a very good and safe channel, I feel like Dr Fox highly respects and has a non-judgmental way of talking, it's a relief. Have a nice weekend 👋😊

[@katelindsay2520]

This makes me happy to see content on this as I suffer from both of these disorders

[@KpopManiac4Life]

thank you. for being so compassionate & knowledgable.. You made me understand myself than any other person. The stigma is so real & you really shine light in our lives! I have a supportive group of friends and a helpful therapist & with another virtual dr/empath on the internet it's just cherry on top!

[@RachCher777]

Thank you so so much for explaining the differences between the different eating disorders and BPD. I didn't realise binge eating disorder was an actual thing - it's something I have done for years to cope with overwhelming emotions but because I didn't throw up, I never asked for help, I just called myself fat, ugly and undisciplined and assumed that it just all was my fault. I know I have to work on my dbt skills like radical acceptance but at least I understand it all better. Thank you.

[@Rizzmtism]

Dr. Fox, you are amazing. I have gained so much more awareness of myself since I stumbled across your videos. I am awaiting open enrollment to get myself in to therapy, but you have helped me so much during the waiting period. I can only pray that I find a therapist that’s as good as you. Thank you for helping me and so many others.

[@irerigonzalez137]

When my mother and I have arguments I stop eating. Mom is a 73-year-old person who has already forgotten when she got mad at me she didn't make food and now I've learned that if I make her upset I am not to eat anything.

[@hannahbanana2833]

Thank you so much for going in depth on this topic. Im in the process of treating BPD and bulimia with a professional psychologist. It's been a year and I now eat 5 healthy meals every day, I sleep better through the night, I stopped jogging 10 km in the burning sun or pouring rain and I stopped weighing myself every god damn day. I went from being suicidal or very depressed to feeling kind of normal again, whatever that means. Im able to focus on finishing school and going out with friends again. Eat breakfast with my boyfriend in the mornings. I take small hikes with my puppy. I have never done these things.. I actually enjoy food now, if that makes sense. This video was a reminder of how far Ive come and what's left to work on and to stay motivated. And of course Im also feeling sad on behalf of all the other people who might go through the same right now as I have in the past. I know it's hard, please seek help. This is really difficult stuff to deal with alone. Best wishes

[@maiblue48]

I wish, I had such a brilliant psychiatrist understanding the comorbidity in between my BPD, anorexia b/p subtype, and PTSD. I always knew it all relayed upon each other, therefor treating my eating disorder through behavioral therapy through symptom elimination was always worthless for the long term. This brilliant explanation can help me demonstrate others whom Im in touch with how complicated the situation is, and that its not all about non eating or binging purging, and over dramatic manipulative personality like they seem to accuse me . Thank you

[@florencianataliax]

Thanks for this video but mostly thanks for those last words. You give me hope.

[@krystinmetz5944]

Wow thank you everyone for sharing. I don't feel alone in this. I binge eat and started doing this even more after my father passed a few years ago. I have tried the boon behind you Dr. FOX but I haven't been able to really start it yet because its overwhelming. We can do this guys. Keep going

[@acemurasaki2166]

I have BPD too. Im overweight, obese yeah maybe that too -but im not SURE if my behavior would count as binge eating... i more have a very severe "case" of comfort eating. Idefinetly eat too much and rarely GOOD FOOD unless i have the feeling of SOME BALANCE somewhere else. ( for example a passion i get energy from.sadly usually shorttermed ) I think about food often. I fill emptiness with food. even if im not (very) hungry. Especially if i have nothing else that keeps me "hyped" /busy /fulfilled like said. I used to think MH... emptiness. do i have that? but- i can never ever for longer than a few minutes be away from media, food - games anything. Chatting etc. Just on my own. just doing nothing. Sit. relax. i cant. If im not busy with something i get sort of.... panicy in my head. id say that might be "anxiety".

[@jamiesexton2522]

This is the video I didn’t realize I needed. Thank you, Dr. Fox.

[@erikab2390]

Binging/purging was the very first symptom of my bpd. Or unhealthy way I chose to escape. And eating disorders are soooooo closely related to shame, shame I am weak for pigging out, and shame in my body. I'm always miserable when i'm in the ED cycle but it is sooo hard to stop. I'm not an expert on stopping, but my ED isn't active right now and what helped me is I try not to starve myself because that always leads to a binge. Don't tell yourself you'll just starve yourself tomorrow to make up for a "slip up" today.

[@DrDanielFox]

Sounds like a really good insight and I’d like to encourage you to find a support system that encourages you to utilize adaptive strategies to manage your eating in perspective. Please be well.

[@stephanier6783]

Your patients are very lucky people. How kind to give people realistic hope by affirming that if they sat and watched that video to the end that they've demonstrated that they ARE committed to change. I so wish my oldest sister could have found someone as knowledgeable as you on successfully treating BPD. She's wasted so much of her 65+ years on this planet. It also seems like our prison system in the US (and the UK) could benefit from some kind of treatment program for BPD for those who are incarcerated.

[@tristanoelle]

Not going to lie, I put off watching this because I KNEW this was going to hit home. I never knew why I switched from Bulimia to Anorexia. Then add on the BPD lens like you talked about and yikes 😳 I understand myself so much better after listening to this, even though it was tough to listen to knowing I have these exact issues. This has to be one of the most helpful videos I’ve watched regarding BPD and Eating Disorders.

[@yoiiru]

I like how you said “migrate”. I got “formally” diagnosed w bpd and an-bp after I had a mental breakdown and threatened to off myself on my university’s subreddit lol, and they dragged me to the psychiatric center. It’s kind of funny tbh, the dynamics between bpd and ed, for me it’s very violent and forceful and angry. Bpd wants to fill a void, I have food to fill it in, I don’t want the food, my body wants the food, my fucking body won’t listen me, it never does what “I” want. I said ok fine you can have all the food you want but I will rip it out of you so you can never truly have it. It’s the feeling of seeing yourself in the mirror and wanting to choke that girl in the reflection. Oversharing but, I ditched my last therapist bc I felt like I was playing with him, like I was treating it as a game and role playing my illness, and that scared me so much. Lol ok I’ll leave now before saying more stupid things since it’s 4am

[@tanjameijer589]

I like that you keep it real but positief. I got the "label" bpd almost 6 years ago. (I'm 23 years so when I got 18) it is hard to find info that is real but dont make you bad. Thank you for the this place that i can learn but don't feel hopeless. Have a hard time have a force feed rule for over a year. Got home not long ago with ng tube. Alot of info i find let me feel hopeless when i want to hope and learn that there is hope helps me alot. I think the fact that so long the believe was that bpd is something where is no "cure" for or anything makes that someone don't believe that things can get better. What makes a cirkel. When it can gets better.

[@pamhunter8834]

These videos are great, but i feel there's an assumption that 1. We're lucky enough to even be diagnosed. 2. We have a shrink that understands BPD and recognises it. 3. we have access to a mental health service that can and is willing to support these individuals and help them get better... From my experience, most of us are left to wonder and are left at the mercy of society, families and a system that doesnt understand and is unsupportive.

[@DrDanielFox]

Regretfully true. I doing best to address this

[@pamhunter8834]

You do great, and im grateful for your kind insight and wisdom. .

[@lovelylady7480]

I struggle with this. I remember I was triggered once by my primary doctor. I gained weight and he called me fat and it sent me into a silent rage and I made it my business to lose the weight and go back to him. I starved myself took laxatives, diet pills and drank loads of coffee to suppress my appetite.

[@Gracem2013]

I’ve had an eating disorder since 14. I’m now 41. I was diagnosed with Bpd a year & a half ago. I’m pretty sure it went undiagnosed my whole life. I was in remission from the anorexia / bulimia for a good 6 yrs. My eating disorder has now come back full force for the last almost 2 yrs. The bpd combined with my eating disorder has led me to suicidal thoughts most days. My brain has gone haywire. Self harm , suicidal thoughts , anger , irritation, extreme sadness to extreme happiness all in the span of a couple of hours. It just cycles all day like that. Unbearable. It’s been 25 yrs of this and I feel like permanently checking out most days.

[@crystaldeathflower]

llm20 im so sorry to hear that. its so hard to fight against that self hatred and constant desire to harm oneself, but its not impossible to get better and live a happy, fulfilling life. do not give up, im sure u will make it! also, its okay to accept help from other people around u or even professionals. they may help u to overcome this illness.

[@Gracem2013]

xxx xxx Thank you so much for your comment. It really does help to know that other people understand & go through some of the same struggles. I was seeing a therapist, psychiatrist & going through group dbt therapy until covid hit and then Canada basically shut down. It’s starting to open up the last while but lots of restrictions & backlogs. Anyways just wanted to say thanks. Take care and hope you have a great night.

[@ina7084]

Sometimes (usually when I'm feeling bad about myself and see no point in life anymore, it's like I'm having my last meal or something because I do not care anymore) I get a really strong urge to binge and I go to the store, spend all my money on enormous amounts of food and drinks (all kinds) and get home start eating and suddenly I am not hungry. Am feeling physically full after about two bites. Then I either force myself to eat a lot because I'd already bought it or just leave it for later. I never purged. I'm neither under nor overweight, but my weight does fluctuate a lot and sometimes borders one or the other. Dealing with opposing wants happening at the same time is so puzzling.

[@ina7084]

But I really wouldn’t consider it an eating disorder. It's not something I cannot control, it's just something I do because of how I feel in the moment. The doom and pointlessness of everything are real in the moment so I figure why even bother.

[@ina7084]

And I am VERY hedonistic

[@clarelg]

“Dealing with opposing wants happening at the same time is so puzzling.” i feel this so strongly

[@autumnrussell256]

I love your videos! They help me so much and relax me

[@punjabivirsa5348]

My dad use to tell me to stand naked in front of a tall mirror, by myself, and eat my food then to go throw it up. He said I could drink all the water I wanted and he found women online who would take me on long walks. I'm 30 now and I don't do this. I'm overweight but not A LOT...and it's still painful. I was recently reminded that I've gained weight during this pandemic. 😕 idk man. I don't know what I have an ED but I definitely have episodes of disordered eating

[@lucyywlmwia]

Im so sorry you had to go through this. You absolutely did NOT deserve that kind of treatment. Im rooting for you, also, I hope you'll get the help you need and deserve. 💪

[@punjabivirsa5348]

Lucyna Mech thank you 🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@makaylab8195]

Every video you upload on bpd brings so much clarity to my life! You help me make sense of myself. Thank you

[@aliamacintyre483]

My bulimia ruined my teens/early adulthood. I have a hard time developing and maintaining healthy relationships with men, I have severe body self-conciousness, and I have severe emotional disregulation. I'm 25 and I want to change. I'm lonely but full of love to give. My constant habit of creating situations which will force arguments then feeling very very upset and wanting to pull those people closer to me have broken me inside. I'm shattered but you wouldnt know it if you saw me walking confidently (all an illusion) by you on the street.

[@ps1473]

Greetings from Czech, Daniel. I'm big fan of yours. Thank you so much for all of your work you do for us. Very valuable and helpfull. You bring a perspective and understanding to many areas. Thank you!

[@LaGrossePaulik]

Hello Czech Republic 👋 France here, but one of my parent is from Czech ☺️ favorite dish is Svickova, might be genetic!

[@ps1473]

@@LaGrossePaulik Hello Zinila, what a luck... The World is small, isn't it? Which town/ city is your parent from? Struggling with BPD?

[@cladthecrab]

Thanks for another informative and compassionate video! It's so nice to have a place to learn more about BPD without the stigma. :) Sometimes it's nice to know that these are expected struggles with BPD, other people are dealing with the same things, and they can be treated, and it's not just some personal defect.

[@GEENIAH3]

Im cured of this but not bpd yet. My niece is dangerously skinny. Please pray for her health. Thanks

[@themaggattack]

Thank you, Dr Fox, for being so uplifting and encouraging.

[@Shortkonner]

She so educated and well spoken and in a way I get it and understand

[@eliedebs5653]

My 25 year old daughter who lives with us has been diagnosed with bpd and doesn't believe in any therapy. She says she doesn't want to get better. She tried therapy for one year with a bpd specialist, but wasn't cooperative and refuses to cooperate on any level. She was even is a psychiatric ward twice , and knew how to act her way out. She sees no point to anything and simply is waiting to die. She has the impulsive idea she should be kicked out. She'll either sink or swim. What should we do?

[@samkcatladyaks]

He’s the cheerleader I wish I had in my particular brain haha. Thank you for all your help!

[@kirstymoss9810]

Can you do , if you haven't done one, on BPD and ADHD, in particular what treatment is available ? Love your channel, thank you for breaking the Internet stigma and for being so positive about treatment for bod .

[@voidyhearts]

I’ve never spoken to a professional about this, but I’m one who, when set off by a certain “trigger”(like feeling invalidated or emotionally neglected by my loved ones) go into this mentality of intense self-hatred/guilt, and use my disordered eating habits as a form of self-punishment, a way to cope, and as a cry for help all in one. I was diagnosed with anorexia a few years ago, but even though I’m now physically recovered, my mind is still very distorted. I also self-harm (though impulsively) as a form of punishment. It has become a damaging and draining cycle over the years, and only getting worse.

[@scoutbane1651]

On exactly the same boat, usually Im fine, but as soon as my emotions get out of hand I start self-loathing and "punish" myself by not eating as a way to both just get me closer to dying (which I desperately want at that moment), a means of showing others I am suffering, pain I cause myself to remind myself I am worthless etc... very destructive cycles, and I realize this in combination with other types of self-harm is horrible for me after, but in the moment it feels like the only "way out", yknow :/ Good luck to ya with your problems, I really do hope you get better ^^

[@voidyhearts]

ScoutBane YES, that is exactly what I feel, especially with wanting to die “right at that moment”. These feelings usually go away when I become numb again. Have you seen a therapist or other doctor about this? If so, what have you been told? I never knew someone out there could be going through what I go through, thanks for responding. :) I wish you the best of luck too. I really do hope we can get better in the future.

[@scoutbane1651]

@@voidyhearts I'm on my 7th psych proffesional in a almost 4 years, but she's actually kind of helping for once, plus I didn't just get fed Zoloft finally. It's not nearly enough, but doing DBT on my own (with the help of my gf) with the addition of a psichiatrist/therapist who finally isn't a boomer and knows not everything is just "depression or anxiety" is finally giving me that... light at the end of the tunnel, yknow? And yeah, same ^^

[@melinaburkhardt421]

@@scoutbane1651 and just one girl. I know this high pressure ultimate conviction: It's now or never only too well and also the numbness afterwards. These vicious feelings bring me down and made me age a lot, but I think it is getting better now that I am older. For me it was hitting my cheeks brutally and banging fists against my head and taking hot showers until my skin was feeling like cooked lobster.

[@scoutbane1651]

@@melinaburkhardt421 Oof. For me it's pulling my long-ass hair out, starving myself, hitting my head (quite hard, I think I might have gotten a few concussions in already as I have tinnitus and some other problems now), and not doing the tasks I was supposed to that really fuck me over in the long run (Matura as just one example, kinda like SATs or sth if you're American I think).

[@지우-r9y]

diagnosed with anorexia and now with bpd the only thing i have to say is i hope someday things get better

[@itsiraa]

THANK YOU FOR THIS. Been waiting for a topic like this for a long long time

[@LindsUnhinged]

Thank you!! I honestly wouldn’t have thought that eating disorders were comorbid with BPD but it makes a lot of sense. I still have an ED but I want to get better

[@simonrickards1871]

Same. I had BED for years until about 6 years ago. Since then I’ve had chronic anorexia. Really want to get better. Never made the link before.

[@borderlinebackfromhellsara961]

Me too your not alone.

[@Emma-pi3fz]

Omg I just realised that’s your the writer of the workbook that I been using 🙌👌😱

[@NotChoMamasChannel]

Wow this just helped me explain my life. So good and back in my day no one really understood eating disorders . I believe mine started w eating disorder first (anorexia into bulimia). My bulimia has been going on for like 20 years and I have developed Barrett’s disease bc of it. The bpd has come after and still lasts even tho bulimia is gone. I have a history of abandonment and all that’s stuff .

[@DrDanielFox]

Insight is a great tool to build your sense of self efficacy and that helps you control the direction of your life. I wish you all the best.

[@mariegion8396]

Recovery is totally possible 🙂 Healthy mind, healthy body 💜

[@ladypalerider]

Really interesting stuff. My ex husband had BPD as well as binge eating issues. My mother also had similar problems. I notice now as an adult all of the people I knew with BPD also were extremely overweight!

[@borderlinebackfromhellsara961]

I never made the connection but realize I'm both.

[@xxBlacktarxx]

You are so sweet. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such a compasionate way. Greetings from Argentina.

[@ngoch2237]

Thank you so much for making this! I remember asking for it a few times in your video so it’s awesome to see how much you care about your viewers feedback :-)

[@authenticallyaliyah8775]

I have BPD and I have body dismorphia but it never was about weight for me it was about me thinking that I was so ugly that I would hide inside for fear of people seeing me but when I had a baby it became more about weight but I still have moments where I love my body I asked my therapist about it and she said it can be a way to cope with anxiety

[@ladylovestead]

Another great video. I love that you share solid research studies with us.

[@Alexandriafrancescakiel]

You are an awesome human being. I wish you nothing but the best in life for you and your family because of your service, love, and kindness ♥️ love you.

[@slickrr69]

I need this one. Reminder on!