Desire trumps the consequences of our actions.
An apt definition of overindulgence or binge behaviours if you ask me. In a world where the biggest cause of health problems stem from this very issue, I can’t help but wonder the reasons behind this growing phenomenon.
Why Binge Behaviours?
A way of Coping
As it turns out, whether it’s an overindulgence in eating, drinking or even shopping, they all come from the same place. According to clinical psychologist, Dr. Micheal Mantell maladaptive behaviours are ways of coping with negative emotions.
Overeating, dubbed the most common form of binge disorder in adults, explains why obesity is so prevalent. Psychologically, overindulgence of any means is seen to be a coping mechanism- a way to numb negative emotions. Additionally, it is also a likely indicator of depression.
An indicator of Depression
Depression, for example, can lead to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, poor impulse control, and difficulty managing feelings—all of which can trigger a binge. Naturally, the pain and guilt that comes in the aftermath of a binge can trigger depression. Which then triggers another binge and another.
Brain Reward System mechanism
By far the most important mechanism encouraging much of addiction and binge behaviours is the reward system in the brain. The brain releases the feel-good chemical dopamine when we eat fat and sugar when we drink alcohol, or even when we see new things to buy. Increasingly, we crave the rush of dopamine that flows through us.
In like manner, much like a physical addiction – this crave keeps us in a vicious circle. Binge after binge, never ending.
Stress and Anxiety triggers
Similarly, stress and anxiety can also induce binging. These emotions prompts a “reward seeking behavior”. In other words, stress can make us lose perspective and prioritise the nice feelings (“reward”) we get during a binge over. The regret that inevitably results in, comes later.
Socioculturally, without a strong sense of self, many of us fall prey to the pressures of society. One that accentuates “coolness with consumption”. The idea that one’s self-worth is linked to things we own or even the size of our clothes. I believe that sort of pressure imposed on anyone may lead them to adopt such behaviours.
Lack of Mindfulness
Many experts link a lack of mindfulness to bingeing. In return, mindfulness may be the cure. Awareness of one’s mental state can efficiently decrease anxiety and help you be more in tune with yourself.
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by Yashwini Ravindranath
Born & raised in Malaysia, Yashwini earned her M.D. studying in Moscow's Russian National Research Medical University. With an affiliation towards research, all things coffee and the startup ecosystem, she now contributes articles to GetDocSays View all articles by Yashwini Ravindranath.
