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Does anyone have issues with overeating due to using it as a stim?

DaughteroftheKing

I've just realised I do this. I'm in my 50's now so I can't keep doing this up and down on weight. All my life in periods of stress I'v put on weight, drinking, eating and then when the situation changes I get more regulated and a healthier weight. I just start to notice I'm putting on weight and don't want to end up seriously overweight. I have health conditions that are causing me much pain now and noisy neighbours, long NHS waiting lists etc. so life is full of stress 

I'm trying the well being hub in my area but without a diagnosis of Autism they aren't likely to take my issues seriously - also I am stressed about going as I'm not sure what to expect. 

Any ideas on alernative stims and how to change to them? Has anyine got experience with this

Parents

  • Absolutely, it can be. I spent some time in an orphanage as a child, and as a result really latched onto food for comfort. Even as a baby I’d smear food everywhere, eat non food items, and combine weird flavors to get new sensations. I’m a sensory seeker, so as I grew up, that turned into a fairly severe binge eating disorder I struggled with for years. It’s that soothing sensation we’re looking for, and while I wouldn’t call it an addiction, it’s an attachment I needed to get through some pretty tough years that negatively impacted me as an adult.

    You're strong enough to get through it, but you definitely should seek quality help and support if that’s an option. Be careful—oftentimes professionals don’t understand neurodivergence as much as they think they do, and that can lead to some serious repercussions, but with the right help you can find alternative coping mechanisms for the fact that life is really rough sometimes.

    personally, I still struggle somewhat with this, but I’ve found that some tips and tricks often only provided for parents of young children can be extremely helpful for adults. Things like eating a variety of safe flavors, staying hydrated, using chew stim toys or flavored gum, practicing alternative stimming, introducing accessibility tools like lamps or swings, and more, all can help. I wish you the very best, and please keep us updated.

    Love from a friend,

    Max

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  • Absolutely, it can be. I spent some time in an orphanage as a child, and as a result really latched onto food for comfort. Even as a baby I’d smear food everywhere, eat non food items, and combine weird flavors to get new sensations. I’m a sensory seeker, so as I grew up, that turned into a fairly severe binge eating disorder I struggled with for years. It’s that soothing sensation we’re looking for, and while I wouldn’t call it an addiction, it’s an attachment I needed to get through some pretty tough years that negatively impacted me as an adult.

    You're strong enough to get through it, but you definitely should seek quality help and support if that’s an option. Be careful—oftentimes professionals don’t understand neurodivergence as much as they think they do, and that can lead to some serious repercussions, but with the right help you can find alternative coping mechanisms for the fact that life is really rough sometimes.

    personally, I still struggle somewhat with this, but I’ve found that some tips and tricks often only provided for parents of young children can be extremely helpful for adults. Things like eating a variety of safe flavors, staying hydrated, using chew stim toys or flavored gum, practicing alternative stimming, introducing accessibility tools like lamps or swings, and more, all can help. I wish you the very best, and please keep us updated.

    Love from a friend,

    Max

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