Sudden Mood Swings and Eating Disorders: A Mental Health Guide

Sudden mood swings, insomnia, chest tightness, feelings of wanting to cry, and binge eating?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, over the past two to three weeks, I've suddenly felt very strange.
First, I've been experiencing inexplicable feelings of sadness.
I initially thought that crying would help, but after crying one day, I suddenly started having difficulty breathing.
The next day in class, I still felt short of breath.
Now, I occasionally experience sudden breathlessness and chest tightness.
At night, I suddenly crave a lot of high-calorie foods, even though my stomach feels full; I still want to stuff myself.
After eating, I feel a strong sense of guilt and no happiness at all, which leads me to want to induce vomiting.
Since I induced vomiting last week, my stomach has been uncomfortable, and I feel a bit of gastroesophageal reflux, along with dry heaving.
My sleep was also poor the week before last, averaging about three to four hours a night, but it has slightly improved recently.
However, the issues of binge eating and sudden emotional breakdowns at night have not improved.
I can still laugh and joke around at school or when I'm with others, but when I'm alone, I feel this way.
What could be the problem?

Winnie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/21

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello.
The described situation often involves negative physical and mental reactions.
It may be helpful to clarify whether there has been any recent stress contributing to this.
This way, you can address the stress or improve stress management (you can refer to educational resources on stress resilience to learn effective methods).
If the cause is unclear, it is recommended to utilize the 1925 hotline for similar telephone counseling, which should provide assistance.

Reply Date: 2024/03/21

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex interplay of emotional and physical symptoms that could be indicative of underlying mental health issues, particularly related to mood regulation and eating behaviors. Your description of sudden mood swings, feelings of guilt after eating, and the urge to purge suggests that you may be grappling with symptoms associated with an eating disorder, possibly binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa. Additionally, the anxiety and physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest tightness could be linked to anxiety or panic attacks.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that emotional distress can manifest in various ways, and your experience of feeling low and then suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to eat, followed by guilt, is not uncommon among individuals dealing with emotional eating or eating disorders. The cycle of bingeing and purging can be a way to cope with emotional pain, but it often leads to a cycle of guilt and shame, which can further exacerbate feelings of low mood and anxiety.

The physical symptoms you mentioned, such as difficulty breathing and chest tightness, can be associated with anxiety. When we experience intense emotions, our body can react with physical symptoms, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. This is often referred to as somatic symptoms of anxiety. It’s crucial to address these feelings, as they can lead to a cycle of anxiety that makes it even harder to manage your emotions and eating behaviors.

Your experience of feeling better when around others but struggling when alone is also significant. This suggests that social support plays a vital role in your emotional well-being. When you are alone, it may be easier for negative thoughts and feelings to surface, leading to emotional eating as a coping mechanism.
The fact that you have been experiencing these symptoms for a few weeks indicates that it may be time to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with a safe space to explore these feelings and behaviors, and they can help you develop healthier coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective for treating eating disorders and anxiety, as it helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Additionally, it’s important to address the physical symptoms you are experiencing. If you are having persistent issues with your stomach or if you are experiencing significant discomfort, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any medical issues related to your eating behaviors.

In summary, your experiences of mood swings, emotional eating, and physical symptoms are interconnected and warrant attention. Seeking help from a mental health professional can provide you with the support and tools you need to navigate these challenges. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are effective treatments available to help you regain control over your emotions and eating habits.

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