Dear friends, I am really struggling with an eating disorder and I need help. I am ashamed and need help. Will you please pray for me?
Thank you…
I’m sorry it’s been so hard.
There’s really nothing to be ashamed of, though. You didn´t mention whether you are in treatment or not. If you’re not, would you consider seeing a counselor about this? Often, these issues have an emotional component.
Also, there are support groups, Overeater’s Anonymous…and ones for those who have anorexia, bulimia, etc.
You are NOT alone!
I have a problem where I overeat. Some suggest for us, overeaters, that it is a kind of codependency. Some people turn to alcohol, and others, to food, but basically, underlying that, we sometimes have issues. Then, we can seek comfort in food, alcohol, all kinds of things.
Now, I would ask you if you would reconsider your position on guilt, though, shame. Guilt and shame are VERY powerful.
Now, regret can be helpful but NOT guilt. Let me give you a specific example of guilt. If I overeat, or for other reasons, I can feel SO guilty that I can run to the refrigerator, eat something, just to try to feel better!
So, do you see my point about guilt? Guilt is SO not helpful.
Regret can be healthy, positive, but guilt, not so. Guilt’s a negative emotion, which, instead of healing, kills and wounds everything in its path, destroys what is left of self esteem (which is necessary for healing and recovery).
In order to recover, you will need your self esteem back, to begin to love yourself and accept yourself AS YOU ARE, first. This is the great irony.
If you make a mistake, I ask you to please forgive yourself as you would others. Include yourself in the circle of those who you are good to from here on out.
Guilt, instead of liberating us, further cements in whatever vices and bad habits we have.
Guilt makes everything 100% worse, NOT better. So, I ask you if you would consider letting go of it so that you can heal, move forward, not be stuck in guilt, which dwells on the past, not the present or future.
I’d encourage you to get professional help, because I believe you deserve that. Also, would you consider speaking to a nutritionist and explain your problem? Whatever your issue…be it anorexia, bulimia, or overeating, I can assure you that you are NOT the first one to experience this, but there is all kinds of help and support. I hope you won´t feel the need to “go it alone”.
I, myself, have looked for an Overeater’s Anonymous AND have gone to a nutritionist, myself. So, I speak from my personal experience. In Mexico, in the city I live, I couldn´t find OA, but had one been close enough, I would have LOVED to have had that kind of support.
As a fellow person with an eating disorder, I just wanted to say you’re not alone, to love yourself, first, accept yourself, consider getting help. It’s no small thing to overcome an eating disorder…overeating…or overeating in reverse (anorexia). God bless you, and good luck!
