Do GPs deal with compulsive overeating?

heartbreak_star

This is probably a very odd thing to ask - especially in light of some recent threads - so please be kind to me. I am at my wit's end with this, and have been in tears over it.

I am an ex-bulimic, and am trying to face up to the fact I am quite likely to now be a compulsive overeater. I use food as a comfort, a shield, an emotion-nullifier...everything. I have managed to remain a size 14 through sheer hard work at the gym. I admit I eat in secret, and I admit I eat food I don't even want because it makes me feel numb, like a drug.

For those of you who will inevitably say "just go on a diet" it's not quite that easy. I know I'm fat. I hate that I'm fat. I hate the compulsion to stuff my face. I hate myself altogether. I can trace part of it back to the fact my mum always made big meals and encouraged me to eat, but then said I was fat all the time.

Sooo...my question is this. Is it worth me making an appointment with my GP to discuss this, or will I be laughed all the way to the dietician? Or does anyone know of anywhere else that could help me out a little?

I really want to sort this, and believe that I deserve to be healthy and happy.

Mods, if this is too close to asking for medical help, please delete.

HBS x

Person_one

Your GP is the first port of call for anything health-related. They aren't experts, a big part of their job is to refer you to the right experts for you.

A good GP would probably have a long chat with you, then ideally refer you to a psychiatrist, a counsellor or an eating disorder specialist although the latter are sadly rare and they don't work in every area. Don't focus on 'I'm fat' because at a size 14 you might not even be classed as overweight, your size isn't the issue your relationship with food is.

Have you considered calling BEAT? They run support groups that might help you: http://www.b-eat.co.uk/get-help/get-support/new-beat-self-help-and-support-groups/

A huge well done on overcoming the bulimia, that's an incredible achievement.

tomtontom

This is a mental health issue, it is not something within the remit of a dietitian (unless there is one within the MH team, some do cross train). Yes, your GP can refer you to counselling/ CBT/ mental health services.

Nicki

I don't know the answer to whether local GPs on your area have any budget to enable patients to access support for this but nationally the budget for non urgent mental health interventions doesn't seem very high.

Would it be an option to access some cognitive behaviour support on a privately funded basis. CBT tends to be a short course of treatment rather than openended so you would have a good idea of costs from the outset.

System

It's worth talking to your GP, at some point there was talk of me seeing a psychologist to help with the psychological side of my issues with food

They should be at least able to sign post you in the right direction

heartbreak_star

Thanks guys!

(P1 - thank you - it was many, many years ago, and it took a lot of doing, but I want to nip this overeating in the bud before I slide down the slippy bulimia path again!)

It's good to hear that I won't be laughed out of the GP's surgery. I will make an appointment. I may also look into CBT - I had some years ago for depression and it didn't really do much, but am open to trying again

I am currently classed as obese on the BMI scale, but I don't put too much stock in that as I love to weightlift. I'd like to maybe come back down to "overweight" though ha ha!

Thank you for not making me feel like a fool for asking!

HBS x

GBNI

heartbreak_star, I don't have anything helpful to add but I hope you get yourself sorted and back on track. Good luck xx

Ems_nil_yo, there is no need to be so incredibly rude towards other posters.

Person_one

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Thanks guys!

(P1 - thank you - it was many, many years ago, and it took a lot of doing, but I want to nip this overeating in the bud before I slide down the slippy bulimia path again!)

It's good to hear that I won't be laughed out of the GP's surgery. I will make an appointment. I may also look into CBT - I had some years ago for depression and it didn't really do much, but am open to trying again

Thank you for not making me feel like a fool for asking!

HBS x

Here's the NICE guidance on eating disorders (including atypical such as binge eating) so you know what sort of options might be available:

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG9

heartbreak_star

Person_one wrote: »

Here's the NICE guidance on eating disorders (including atypical such as binge eating) so you know what sort of options might be available:

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG9

I'll have a browse through those, and get myself a GP appointment for after Easter.

I guess I just feel a bit ridiculous that I'm a woman in my 30s who has a good relationship, great friends, loving family, holding down a good job, finding time for hobbies...but I can't control what goes in my mouth. Suppose that's what makes it a "disorder" though

HBS x

Georgiegirl256

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Sooo...my question is this. Is it worth me making an appointment with my GP to discuss this, or will I be laughed all the way to the dietician? Or does anyone know of anywhere else that could help me out a little?

I really want to sort this, and believe that I deserve to be healthy and happy.

HBS x

Any GP who has anything about them will definetly not laugh you out of the surgery. One would hope they would refer you to the relevant department that can help you on your way to beating your eating issues once and for all....and yes, you do deserve to be healthy and happy, and I'm sure you will get there. First stop, make that GP appointment ASAP!

Good luck!

Person_one

heartbreak_star wrote: »

I'll have a browse through those, and get myself a GP appointment for after Easter.

I guess I just feel a bit ridiculous that I'm a woman in my 30s who has a good relationship, great friends, loving family, holding down a good job, finding time for hobbies...but I can't control what goes in my mouth. Suppose that's what makes it a "disorder" though

HBS x

Nothing ridiculous at all about recognising when you're struggling and you need a bit of help! Its the opposite of ridiculous in fact.