Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 9/24/2011

Question
Hi, I'm 37, married with 3 young children.  I always had weight issues, but did well on diets, until this last 2 years.  After the last baby my mental health issues intensified, I have bipolar ll, anxiety, ADD, and a child with ADHD.  I'm an emotional eater, I have an addictive personality ( eating, shopping, Internet) and I find it extremely hard to stop when I start eating.  I'm 5' 1" and 160lbs!  I hate how I look and the worse I feel about myself the more I eat.  My doctor suggested Topamax, what is your opinion?  Thank you

Answer
Dear Gabi,

By all means give topamax a try.  Are you on any other medications?  If not you should be.  I would suggest getting an appointment with a good psychiatrist.  I know that in Canada you'll have to wait a bit but with all of the psych issues you have, a good psych eval could help you tremendously.  It's so stressful having 3 young children, so I'm not surprised at all that you've turned to food for some comfort.

I'm not so sure that eating is an addiction like alcohol and drugs, but I do know that it makes us feel better pretty quickly!  It's all about self-soothing.  If it's not with food, we'll use shopping, internet -- just like you said.

I don't know if you can afford to see a counselor but if you can, someone who specialize in eating disorders would be fabulous.  If you can't, you can to to Overeaters Anonymous meetings -- at least 3 a week.  You'll find relief there because everyone else is suffering from the same thing.  You can also call around and see if any therapists are having any women's groups.

Please let me know how you do!!  You can feel better -- it's just going to take a little doing, but I'll help however I can.

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700