Hi Hannah,

I’m so happy you’re here to share this with us – I went through something very similar – so please know that you aren’t alone! College (uni) in general, is really overwhelming! There’s a TON of pressure to get good grades, make lots of friends, and figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. I remember feeling really alone and anxious about what the future was going to hold for me. I was very social, but was always so worried about what everyone thought about it/if I was good enough, that I never allowed myself to have fun.

I started binge eating right when I started college, and it lasted for about 4 years. I would tell myself that I was going to be “good” and then I would come home and eat everything in sight. The restriction/binging cycle was detrimental on my self-esteem and I found myself feeling more alone than ever. What helped me, was journaling about the way I was feeling, therapy, and eventually seeing a dietician. It turns out, I wasn’t eating enough and that’s why I was binge eating. I think it also had to do with the fact that I was always SO hard on myself. Everything had to be perfect, or I saw myself as a failure.

I graduated from college a year ago, and although I do sometimes feel like I’m not good enough, I have been able to take a step back and realize that I am doing the best I can, and that it is ALWAYS enough. When I’m not feeling up for hanging out with friends, I simply tell them I need a night in to re-charge. It’s amazing how understanding people can be if you just tell them the truth. You don’t always have to attend every party or social situation. In fact, you have to be selfish and take care of yourself first, so you can share up and love others!

I’m extremely sensitive (which it sounds like you are as well) and as much as it seems like a curse, it’s a total blessing. We feel things on such an intense level, but it allows us to relate to other people. It’s one of the reasons why I am taking the time to respond to you, because I get it and want you to know that things can and will get better for you!

I hope you start feeling better and are able to enjoy your time in Uni. Despite everything I went through, it was some of the best years of my life 🙂 Wishing you all the love, xx Mary