Mental Health for the Christian: Beware the Binge!

When was the last time you did some bingeing? Bingeing can be a real trigger for those of us who struggle with the "ups" (mania, hypomania) and "downs" (depression) of our mood swings. Let's talk about why this happens.

According to Collins Dictionary, the word "binge" comes from the Lincolnshire dialect meaning "to soak." It came into general use in the 19th century, particularly referring to those who drank to excess, thereby allowing their brains to be "soaked" in alcohol. I like that image of soaking oneself, whether it be in alcohol, food, partying, TV-watching, whatever. The binge-er engages in a seemingly harmless activity, TV-watching for instance, but to excess.

Why is bingeing so dangerous for those of us who struggle with mental illness?

First of all, bingeing means we are "suspending" our normal routine to immerse ourselves in some binge-worthy (at least to us!) activity. That disruption of routine can have a snowball effect. For instance, we can choose a given activity, say partying, over sleep. Or maybe we binge-watch a TV series, over sleep. For me, any disruption of my sleep regimen can be disastrous.

Another downside to bingeing is that we can throw off the positive benefits of the psychiatric drugs we may be taking. You should always use something like WebMD's free online Drug Interaction Checker to check for interactions between all your meds. (On more that one occasion, I have caught a potential interaction that my GP missed!) But there is one drug interaction you won't find on an interaction checker, and that is with alcohol. From personal experience, I strongly recommend that alcohol consumption be in the category of "little to none." Your own experience will dictate what you can tolerate.

One final danger of bingeing has to do with "having our minds conformed" to whatever we may be bingeing. I think especially of binge-watching TV or excessive partying. In either case, our "soaking" can lead to us soaking up the values (or lack thereof) of the folks we are around, whether in-person or virtual. Paul's recommendation is that we do the opposite, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." (Romans chapter 12, verse 2)

So, the next time you are tempted to binge, ask yourself how you might dole out all that enjoyment, while making the least disruption to your routine, your life balance. And ask yourself whether the activity conforms you rather than transforms you.

Blessings!

-The Christian Bipole