Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms and Overachieving
Binge eating disorder (BED) and overachieving are two behaviors that can feed off of each other, and impact our physical and emotional health.
While seemingly unrelated, many people who are struggling with binge eating disorder also struggle with a tendency to overachieve.
In this blog post, we’re exploring the relationship between binge eating and overachieving.
Understanding the Relationship
Binge eating and overachieving may seem to be separate behaviors, but there are significant connections between them:
Restriction: Restriction is often at the root of binge eating disorder. Where there is a deprivation of food, there is typically backlash in the form of bingeing, or overeating. Restriction shows up in overachieving through the restriction of emotions- often overachievers keep their heads down to perform and hustle; there is not a lot of space for emotions to get in the way. By restricting emotions throughout the day, there can be a let down at the end of the day, leading folks to cope with overwhelm the only way they know how. Enter binge eating.
Emotional Regulation: Both binge eating and overachieving can be linked to emotional regulation. Overachievers may channel their emotions into achieving success, seeking validation, or avoiding negative feelings such as fear or insecurity. Similarly, individuals struggling with binge eating may use food as a way to cope with or suppress emotions, finding temporary regulation, relief or distraction from emotional distress.
Perfectionism and High Standards: Overachievers often set high standards for themselves and strive for perfection in various aspects of their lives. The pressure to meet or exceed these standards can be overwhelming, leading to stress and anxiety. This drive for perfectionism can contribute to an increased risk of developing binge eating tendencies as people engage in dieting cycles or restrictive eating, leading to binges. Or, it can show up in an attempt to find comfort in food when they perceive their achievements as falling short.
Control and Release: Overachievers often exert control over their environment and strive for a sense of mastery. Binge eating can be perceived as a way to release control, providing a temporary escape from the pressures of overachievement. It can offer a sense of freedom from rigid standards and a chance to temporarily let go of perfectionism and caring so deeply.
The Nervous System and Its Role
The nervous plays a vital role in regulating our bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, stress response, and emotional states. Stress, whether driven by overachieving or the restrict-binge cycle, can activate the sympathetic branch of the nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and the release of stress hormones. This activation can make it very difficult to feel regulated and often energizes cycles of perfectionism, performing and binging and restricting.
Here are some tips to support you in recovering from binge eating and overachieving:
Work with an eating disorder therapist near me: Working with an eating disorder therapist who is experienced in both binge eating disorders and trauma responses. A therapist provide personalized guidance, support, and evidence-based interventions tailored to your specific needs to recovery from disordered eating and overachieving.
Spend some quiet time with yourself: Increase your self-awareness by recognizing triggers, emotions, and thought patterns associated with both overachieving and binge eating. Mindfulness practices, like meditation or journaling, can help you observe and understand these patterns without judgment.
Practice Healthy Coping Tools: Identify alternative coping strategies to move through urges to restrict, binge and overachieve. Engage in activities that support your nervous system in relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or engaging hobbies. Regular joyful movement, adequate sleep, and self-care practices are essential for supporting overall well-being.
Establish Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care: Set realistic expectations for yourself and establish healthy boundaries. Learn to say "no" when necessary and allocate time for self-care activities that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Remember, your well-being should always be a priority.
Practice Nervous System Regulation Techniques: Incorporate practices that promote nervous system regulation, such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or mindfulness meditation. These techniques activate the parasympathetic branch of the ANS, fostering relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting emotional balance.
Foster a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or support groups. Connecting with individuals who understand your struggles can provide encouragement, validation, and a safe space for open discussions.
Embrace Self-Compassion: Be kind and compassionate toward yourself throughout your recovery journey. Understand that recovery takes time, effort, and patience. Treat yourself with self-compassion, acknowledging that setbacks are part of the process and allowing yourself to learn and grow from them.
Recognizing the how binge eating and overachieving can play off of one another is helpful in developing effective strategies for recovery. By addressing the emotional challenges, perfectionism, and coping strategies associated with both behaviors, you can work towards a more balanced and self-caring approach to success, emotional well-being, and your relationship with food.
Here at Reclaim Therapy we understand that binge eating disorder symptoms often extend into other areas of your life.
When binge eating and overachieving bounce off of one another, it can be a struggle to find your way out of the cycles of behavior.
Our eating disorder therapists near me provide specialized eating disorder therapy and EMDR therapy for people who are struggling with disordered eating and trauma.
We believe that all people are deserving of recovery, and finding space and ease in their lives.
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The Reclaim Therapy team provides eating disorder therapy near me, and therapy for trauma and childhood trauma in Pennsylvania.
Our office is located in Horsham, PA and we also provide online therapy in Pennsylvania for PTSD treatment, EMDR therapy for trauma and body image concerns and body image counseling in Horsham, PA.
If you’re thinking of getting started with a therapist, we’re so glad you found us!