Since becoming a mom I binge eat.

[Anonymous]

This is my coping mechanism when I cant handle my kids. I’ve known parents who turn to drinking wine or tequila or online shopping. But I’ve found myself binge eating because I don’t drink. What do you do to handle / escape mom meltdown?

I understand many will say therapy but there is no emergency therapy phone line and my own mom is dead. And my closest friend with a child my age never shares the downside or lows of motherhood so I feel alone.

[Anonymous]

Do you WOH? Does your employer have an EAP?

[Anonymous]

Yes. Work from home. Will look into EAP because something needs to happen. -OP

[Anonymous]

you go to therapy to learn skills that help you avoid binge eating

[Anonymous]

This is easier said than done but we have to learn self soothing techniques. Soothe yourself in some other way (there is self massage -arms, legs, face, head, feet -- there is aromatherapy, guided meditations, adult coloring books). For a distraction, I also listen to audio books constantly. Some people find anti-depressants help.

I struggle too but it's worth trying a few things to see what sticks. There are tons of online support groups - 12 step programs where you don't have to physically go somewhere. You'll feel a sense of community and be able to share.

[Anonymous]

Sharing that I probably used to binge eat. I never identified it as a primary problem. I went to talk therapy to deal with how to deal with stress in my interpersonal relationships. I noticed one day that I was not binge eating anymore, at all. Maybe work with a therapist on the sources of emotions you are soothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sharing that I probably used to binge eat. I never identified it as a primary problem. I went to talk therapy to deal with how to deal with stress in my interpersonal relationships. I noticed one day that I was not binge eating anymore, at all. Maybe work with a therapist on the sources of emotions you are soothing.

Meaning, that your primary problem may be feeling so alone in this world with the kids, not the binge eating.

[Anonymous]

I was doing this pretty regularly during the pandemic (which was horrible for my kids and my relationship with them). I just didn’t have any other coping mechanism. Try to find something for yourself, exercise is good or time with a friend or reading good books. I now do more of these and feel less inclined to binge.

[Anonymous]

I'm an emotional eater too since becoming a mom. I get it Op.

It's not much of a solution, but I started allowing myself to graze and stuff myself on the junk/sweet food (so satisfying!) to take the edge off but then switch to a "healthier " food (dry cereal, nuts, etc).

I'm also giving myself me-time . I need quiet to recharge daily .

[Anonymous]

If I worked from home I would weigh a lot more (and I'm not skinny). Being at home drives me to the kitchen.

You need to:

Eat more healthy fats during the morning and afternoon
Drink a lot of water
Plan foods you can eat in volume (like microwave popcorn)
Find ways to feel better that doesn't involve the kitchen
Chew gum a lot

[Anonymous]

Exercise outdoors is mandatory for me as a mom to maintain my sanity. Find something you like to do. It doesn't have to be gym time -- I rarely set foot in a gym. Hikes are blissful.

[Anonymous]

Work out. Have endless cups of tea when kids go to bed. Watch really bad reality tv to zone out.

[Anonymous]

Me too, OP. Eating is the ONLY thing I get to do for myself now that I have kids. I don’t have a solution for you, but me too.

[Anonymous]

When you start to get overwhelmed, acknowledge the feelings, then redirect your behavior to something else, like laundry or read a book or leave the house for a walk. I used binging to numb my emotions but finally figured out how to feel my emotions. It's hard if that has been your coping mechanism. Talk therapy doesn't always work, I have tried it. I just had to grow out of the behavior. Good luck! You are not alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Work out. Have endless cups of tea when kids go to bed. Watch really bad reality tv to zone out.

+1 watch bad reality tv. It makes me feel better. Preferably without the wine and snacks!