Compulsive Eating

In my experience as a therapist I have found both professionally and personally that the original unchecked, unboundaried process around food becomes a way of life.  Over-eating is done because we have forgotten or indeed never learned how not to do it, or have never learned to think about what we are doing or what is behind this need for food without hunger.

Hopefully we all learn not to take risks without checking for the safety aspects:

• jumping out of a plane without a parachute,
  
• putting a hand into an unguarded fire,
  
• crossing a busy road without looking and listening.

Where the danger is immediate and obvious, we all know how to protect ourselves. And yet, we over-eat, become obese, and this in turn causes many health problems; but we still do it.

Why?

Is there a part of us that wants to die, but maybe doesn't really want to commit suicide?

Like smokers who continue to smoke knowing that it might eventually kill them. Is 'might' the operative word here? Or are we secret rebels that take risks without thinking of the consequences?

Ask yourself the following: 

• Why would I continue to do something I know is bad for me?
• What is that about? Do I want to die? Am I looking for a way out of the life I am living?
• Am I a rebel? If so, what against? If not obviously so, then how might I rebel?.
• Do I feel out of control around food?