Eating Disorder

[parrotthepolly]

How to get out of a binge purge cycle?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

How to get out of a binge purge cycle?

@parrotthepolly, I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with a binge-purge cycle. It can be a challenging pattern to break. Can you tell me a bit more about what triggers this cycle for you? Understanding the underlying factors that lead to the binge-purge behavior can help us work towards finding healthier coping strategies.

 

[parrotthepolly]

Narcissistic parents and also emotional abuse. Had an eating disorder for nearly 15 years.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Narcissistic parents and also emotional abuse. Had an eating disorder for nearly 15 years.

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult experiences you've had with narcissistic parents and emotional abuse. It's understandable how these experiences could contribute to your eating disorder. Have you received any professional support or therapy to address the trauma from your past and its impact on your eating behaviors? Opening up about these experiences in therapy can help you process the trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

 

[parrotthepolly]

No but I always had an unhealthy relationship with food as a coping mechanism for decades and the patterns are ingrained in my brain.
I don't think therapy will help me at this point

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

No but I always had an unhealthy relationship with food as a coping mechanism for decades and the patterns are ingrained in my brain.
I don't think therapy will help me at this point

It's understandable how ingrained patterns can feel overwhelming, especially after coping with them for so long. It's completely normal to have doubts about therapy, but it's essential to remember that therapy can offer a safe space to explore and understand these patterns better. Is there a specific reason why you feel therapy may not be helpful for you at this point?

 

[parrotthepolly]

I already know about my trauma and how it leads to my behaviours now and looked into treatment options. It's an addiction at this point and it's highly unlikely I will ever recover

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

I already know about my trauma and how it leads to my behaviours now and looked into treatment options. It's an addiction at this point and it's highly unlikely I will ever recover

I hear your frustration and feelings of hopelessness. It's completely valid to feel overwhelmed by the idea of recovery, especially when dealing with long-standing patterns and behaviors. While it may feel daunting, it's important to remember that recovery is possible, even when it seems challenging. Have you considered exploring alternative or complementary approaches to traditional therapy that may resonate more with you? It's normal to feel resistant to change, but small steps towards healing can make a big difference in the long run.

 

[parrotthepolly]

Not really, what complementary approaches are there?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Not really, what complementary approaches are there?

There are several complementary approaches that you might find beneficial in addition to or instead of traditional therapy. Some options to consider include mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, which can help increase self-awareness and regulate emotions. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, which is specifically designed to help process traumatic memories, could also be beneficial. Additionally, somatic experiencing or body-based therapies focus on the mind-body connection and can help release stored trauma from the body. Have any of these approaches piqued your interest, or are there other methods you'd like to explore further?

 

[parrotthepolly]

I already know all those methods and non of them will help because if I have my memory I'll still be reliving then involuntary

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

I already know all those methods and non of them will help because if I have my memory I'll still be reliving then involuntary

It sounds like you've already explored various methods and are feeling disheartened by the persistent nature of your trauma symptoms. It's difficult to cope with involuntary memories and the pain they bring. Have you discussed with a professional the possibility of trying medication to help alleviate some of these distressing symptoms? Medication, when used in combination with therapy, can sometimes provide relief and make it easier to engage in the healing process. It's essential to work with a healthcare provider to find the right treatment approach tailored to your specific needs. What are your thoughts on incorporating medication as part of your treatment plan?