Overeating because of depression.

[Vampire]

I've never been fully diagnosed with depression but I've had many signs and symptoms associated with it such as: prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness, lack of energy, crying for no reason, self-harm and thoughts of suicide. (I know it's a cry for help, I see a therapist.) Lately though, I've been eating much more than usual, I believe as a way to cope with all of these feelings. It's really taking a toll on me, making me feel worse and crushing my self-esteem (it's made me want to stop eating all together,) and I just want it to stop. I've done all the things they tell you to do (only eat when your stomach is hungry, stop eating when you're full etc.) but I just ignore these things and give up. I'll keep eating and eating and then end up feeling terrible because I know I should of stopped and it makes me feel weak and fat. I need help. All advice is greatly appreciated.

[Fiction]

First of all i'd suggest telling your therapist about this, they can help much more than we can.

The things you said you've tried you should try again. It might be hard but it's the best way. Maybe try and keep a diary of what you eat? Try and make sure you eat a "normal" amount. Another thing to do is find some other way to cope with your problems. When you feel like overeating try using something else to make you feel better. This can be anything, singing, playing a musical instrument, drawing, reading, playing a game- anything.

Is it possible you have Binge Eating Disorder? When you eat a lot is it all at the same time? Like a binge? Or just eating a lot in general?

Please do not begin to starve yourself. Eating disorders like this are horrible. You begin to feel tired and weak all the time and the thoughts that are associated with it will only worsen your depression. They are also very hard to stop.

Feel free to pm me anytime.

[Hyper]

Tell your therapist people on an internet forum are not comparable to a therapist..

They can ofc help you move in terms of comfort, conversation etc but you need to keep your therapist informed with your feelings & thoughts otherwise therapy is useless

[Syvelocin]

Try occupying yourself. Instead of staying down in the kitchen when you feel the need to eat but you're not hungry, go to your room and find something you can focus on that will take a good deal of time and stay in your room. Like, maybe watching a movie on the computer? Doing a puzzle, a really hard sudoku, a computer game. Or take a walk, get out of the house when you feel the urge coming on.

[Alexithymia]

First of all, this was the most wonderful first post I've ever seen. Seriously.

Second, talk to your therapist about this. He/she can help you much more than VT can. I'm not going to reiterate what the others have said because they've said it much better than I could have. I hope you can get over this. :)

[Alaph]

Don't worry about eating too much, that will just make you more depressed.
Try to cheer up and your eating problems will probably sort themselves out.