Eating Disorders Support Group

Hi, I am new to this group, I struggle with bp2 not to mention, problems with OVEREATING when depressed. I am on medications that also cause weight gain. I worry about the weight gain from the meds, I have problems taking the meds because I am so worried about the weight gain, I hate so much being so preoccupied with my weight and food!! Because of my bipolar, I am a extreme about things,(exp. diets, working out,) I hate myself for being overweight. I am guilty of associating my bodyweight with my self-worth! This is hard to overcome I tell myself I am more than how much I weigh!!

Sorry, so long! I hope I can find help here with my issues about body image, self-esteem, and preoccupation with FOOD!! Thanks for listening!!

welcome Stormy,

You're in the same boat as a lot of people in this group. It's odd how we associate food, something that we do by instinct and for survival, can be so wrapped up in emotions. I think alot of the comfort might be in that food is something tangible that we can control. Eating sends a message to our bodies that we're feeding it, that we're doing something to get rid of the emotions and "taking care of it," even if superficially. It may not solve the problem, but for that moment in time it makes us feel better. Then comes the endless cycle of guilt following making ourselves feel good. Like any addiction, a good first step can be to find other ways to comfort ourselves. But then, we have to learn that we are worth comforting. And that can be the tricky part...