Binge Eating & Social Anxiety

I have severe anxiety, but I don’t feel like I have many symptoms. — Every now and then, I install an app so I can sing, and I never use the camera. I get frustrated with the app because I always restart the song after I sing a few lyrics. This is also irritating because no matter the amount of water I consume, my throat is dry, and (I believe) interferes with my singing. Whenever I open my mic. I can feel that my throat become dry, and this happens ESPECIALLY before, and during a conversation. It doesn’t matter the amount of water I consume, because I don’t feel satisfied — but ordinarily, I am very DEHYDRATED! –and I ABSOLUTELY, NEED to consume more liquids, but I never feel thirsty unless I eat something, but I simply eat too many things (that are processed!) I’ve tried to rid myself of this addiction, but that would mean cutting all processed things, because I couldn’t handle it otherwise. I have done that not long ago, but was convinced that a small bowl of something would not kill me. I hesitated to eat it, but as soon as I did, I could not stop myself. I didn’t feel guilty, but I felt bad because I am addicted. I love to talk with others, and I’d consider myself social, but these last few months — I’ve felt so anxious to talk, that I began to assume I wouldn’t say a word, therefore, I felt no stress. I do feel like I’ve been improving, but I guess I feel a little lonely sometimes. I don’t have any friends, except for one that I interact with – on social media outlets. I find it annoying that my mother tries to tell me the things I did, or that I lived. As a kid, I felt rejected all the time, and was often ridiculed at school, and also by the few kids in my neighbourhood, I tried so hard to impress. My mom says that I’d deliberately hurt kids, (even run them over with my bike!) She said that I would laugh at the child whilst they cried, but I have zero recollection of this! — I remember people hurting me, and not the other way around! (I would never talk to anyone but my family members.) Can you help?

A. I’m not certain of your exact question so I will provide a general response. You mentioned potentially having problems with binge eating, social anxiety and loneliness. It also sounds as though you may not have someone with whom you can share your feelings and concerns. That is where counseling would help.

My suggestion is to ask your mother if she would assist you in finding a local therapist. You believe that something is wrong but it is not clear whether you have a binge eating problem or social anxiety, and so forth. A therapist will identify what might be wrong but most importantly, will teach you how to manage stressful situations and strong emotions.

If your mother isn’t receptive to counseling, speak to the school counselor. They can provide you immediate assistance and contact your mother about your beginning counseling on a regular basis.

In the meantime, try interacting with your peers in person instead of on social media. You might find those interactions more satisfying. You will be less lonely and most likely less stressed. When it comes to building friendships, it’s better to communicate face-to-face than through social media especially if you’re feeling lonely. Good luck and please take care.

Dr. Kristina Randle

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