Sunday, January 2, 2011

Overeater, codependent or both; on the other hand, does it really matter?

Are You a Compulsive Overeater? (From Overeaters Anonymous)

This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive eater.
  1. Do you eat when you’re not hungry?  yes
  2. Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?  yes
  3. Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?  yes
  4. Do you give too much time and thought to food?  yes
  5. Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?  yes
  6. Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?  yes
  7. Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?  yes
  8. Is your weight affecting the way you live your life?  yes but getting better...
  9. Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal? made goal, back up a few and starting over...
  10. Do you resent others telling you to “use a little willpower” to stop overeating?  yes
  11. Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet “on your own” whenever you wish?  yes
  12. Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?  yes
  13. Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?  yes or is it just boredom?
  14. Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?  no
  15. Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?  yes


Questionnaire To Identify Signs Of Co-dependency

This condition appears to run in different degrees, whereby the intensity of symptoms are on a spectrum of severity, as opposed to an all or nothing scale. Please note that only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis of co-dependency; not everyone experiencing these symptoms suffers from co-dependency.
1. Do you keep quiet to avoid arguments? most definitely
2. Are you always worried about others’ opinions of you? incessantly
3. Have you ever lived with someone with an alcohol or drug problem? both times
4. Have you ever lived with someone who hits or belittles you?  yes
5. Are the opinions of others more important than your own?  I know they aren't but I have to be reminded
6. Do you have difficulty adjusting to changes at work or home?  change = anxiety
7. Do you feel rejected when significant others spend time with friends?  he doesn't go anywhere
8. Do you doubt your ability to be who you want to be?  not any more!
9. Are you uncomfortable expressing your true feelings to others?  yes
10. Have you ever felt inadequate?  more often than adequate
11. Do you feel like a “bad person” when you make a mistake?  mistake = anxiety
12. Do you have difficulty taking compliments or gifts?  yes; ironically though it's what I want more than anything...
13. Do you feel humiliation when your child or spouse makes a mistake?  yes
14. Do you think people in your life would go downhill without your constant efforts?  {sigh} yes
15. Do you frequently wish someone could help you get things done?  constantly would be more accurate
16. Do you have difficulty talking to people in authority, such as the police or your boss?  very much
17. Are you confused about who you are or where you are going with your life?  I'm going somewhere?
18. Do you have trouble saying “no” when asked for help?  yes
19. Do you have trouble asking for help?  I don't want to be a burden.
20. Do you have so many things going at once that you can’t do justice to any of them?  I feel that way...
If you identify with several of these symptoms; are dissatisfied with yourself or your relationships; you should consider seeking professional help. Arrange for a diagnostic evaluation with a licensed physician or psychologist experienced in treating co-dependency.

Obviously I identify with both overeaters and codependents; so do I need a 12-step program?

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