How is binging related to depression, anxiety and/or stress?

Question

I am on the lowest dose of fulvoxamine (anti-anxiety/anti-depression/anti-OCD med) for my anxiety and depression.

But I still get moments of depression (although not as bad).

Also, I tend to binge once a week and then feel disgusting after.

Are these things linked? Although at the moment I don't feel like binging is related to my stress, could it be even though I don't feel it?

Answer 1

No one knows for sure what causes binge eating disorder. Researchers are looking at the following factors that may affect binge eating:

Depression. As many as half of all people with binge eating disorder are depressed or have been depressed in the past.
Dieting. Some people binge after skipping meals, not eating enough food each day, or avoiding certain kinds of food.
Coping skills. Studies suggest that people with binge eating may have trouble handling some of their emotions. Many people who are binge eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, worried, or stressed can cause them to binge eat.
Biology. Researchers are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body uses calories) affect binge eating disorder. Research also suggests that genes may be involved in binge eating, since the disorder often occurs in several members of the same family.
Certain behaviors and emotional problems are more common in people with binge eating disorder. These include abusing alcohol, acting quickly without thinking (impulsive behavior), and not feeling in charge of themselves.

What are the health consequences of binge eating disorder?
People with binge eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge eating and may become depressed. Research has shown that people with binge eating disorder report more health problems, stress, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thoughts than people without an eating disorder. People with binge eating disorder often feel badly about themselves and may miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat.

Answer 2

Your binging is probably related to stress. Binging is a way to comfort yourself or to say "f-- you" to others/the world/the "rules". Try not to hate yourself after the binge. Once a week isn't much. Maybe you could attempt to control it by "tricking" yourself. Tell yourself that once a week is OK and then pick a day and the kind of food you will eat. In this way you are taking some of the addictive/out of control aspect out of it and still providing yourself with some comfort. Another idea is to write down a dialog with yourself. The "don't binge" side and the "I'll binge if I want to" side. See if you can get them to agree, to make peace. This can be a very powerful tool. Remember that the more you hate yourself for binging and the more you erect rules that say "NO" the more you feed the cycle.

Answer 3

Of course binging is related to depression. I think you need a higher dose of your meds, or a DIFFERENT depression med. There are so many, than I've seen many people have to try up to 7 different ones , until they find the right one. Do you feel as if your depression has lifted? You SHOULD feel the difference. Get back to your doctor. And remember to eat ot live, and don't live to eat. Only eat when you're HUNGRY, not bored or just thirsty for water. Next time you're going to binge, run to the bathroom and brush your teeth. Or, if possible, don't keep crap in the house at all! Good luck to you, Lynn :)

Answer 4

When some people get depressed or anxious one of the best friends to find is food. It gives no opinions, makes you feel good, doesn't give answers you don't want to hear. It is a short time happy-high that only lasts until you are done and realize what you have done and there is no way to go back.
Just a suggestion, I am no therapist, write down what you feel, what you want to eat lots of, and why it will make you feel better.
Try to eat small meals throughout the day so that you don't become hungry enough to view the kitchen as a wide open grazing pasture.
Maybe write down the memory of how you usually feel after... Then you can say to yourself, "screw that, its not worth it".
Just a suggestion, good luck.

Answer 5

Alcohol is a depressant that slows brain activity down. While one or two drinks makes most people feel relaxed, more alcohol may cause feelings of anxiety, depression, and often aggression. Alcohol’s first effect as it reaches the outer brain is to distort your judgement and lower you inhibition, while producing euphoria (a sense of pleasure). As you consume more alcohol, and it reaches the cerebellum, your coordination and perception are affected, and you can have memory blackouts. As the alcohol reaches your mid-brain, reflexes diminish, you experience confusion, stupor, and may lapse into a coma. Once the alcohol finally reaches the medulla, or inner core of the brain, your heart rate drops and breathing ceases, resulting in death. Research suggests that continued alcohol use can cause depression. Alcohol robs brain cells of water and glucose, the brain’s food, contributing to a hangover the next day.

According to a recent report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), anxiety is a strong psychological risk factor associated with heavy or problem drinking. The truth is that alcohol can actually trigger panic attacks. It depresses the central nervous system and causes fatigue, agitation and anxiety. It is ironic that individuals engage in an activity that produces effects similar to the ones they are trying to relieve.

Answer 6

Binging is often linked to to depression and anxiety. Binging can make you dump seritonin which will give you a high and make you feel better for a while.
It is a good idea to keep a journal and recognize what is triggering your weekly binges.
Also, have you tried exercising? It also gives you a seritonin high and can practically cure depression and anxiety. I know because it did for me.

Answer 7

Could be, lots of people use food when they're down to make themselves feel better. It acts as a temporary fix until you feel crappy later then vow not to do ever again...until...

Some people use alcohol...temporary fix...until....blahh! Then the same ol promise to never, ever...

Exercise
Now this is a great addiction to have. You get high off it and it lasts throughout the day. Not to mention the results...

Answer 8

Eliminate Social Anxiety Shyness : http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?aeSH

Answer 9

its not