How can family and friends help someone with binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards; and spending excessive amounts of time thinking about food or engaging in behaviors related to food.
If you have a friend or family member who you think may be struggling with BED, there are a few things you can do to help.
Start by expressing your concern in a non-judgmental way. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it’s important to let your loved one know that you’re there for them and that you’re willing to help in any way you can.
Encourage them to seek professional help. BED is a serious, treatable disorder, and the sooner your loved one gets help, the better. Suggest that they make an appointment with a doctor or mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders.
Offer your support. Let your loved one know that you’re there for them, and offer to go with them to appointments or help them in other ways as needed.
Avoid making comments about their weight or appearance. People with BED often already feel a lot of shame and guilt about their eating habits, and comments from well-meaning family and friends can only make things worse.
Be patient. Recovery from an eating disorder can be a long and difficult process, so it’s important to be patient and understanding. Remember that your loved one is not doing this to hurt you or to be difficult – they’re struggling with a real, serious disorder.
If you’re struggling to deal with your own reactions or feelings, seek out support for yourself. There are many organizations and support groups available for family and friends of people with eating disorders. Click here for more
What are the first steps for seeking help for binge eating disorder?
It’s not unusual to eat more than usual on occasion. Overeating doesn’t necessarily mean you have a binge eating disorder (BED). Binge eating disorder is characterized by eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, even when you’re not hungry. You may feel out of control during a binge and feel very unhappy and ashamed afterward.
If you think you may have BED, the first step is to talk to your primary care provider or a mental health professional. They can screen for BED and other eating disorders and make a referral for treatment if needed.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating BED, but treatments may include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Psychotherapy can help you identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your binge eating. Medications can be used to treat some of the underlying factors that contribute to BED, such as depression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors.
Making lifestyle changes can also be helpful in managing BED. Eat regular meals and snacks and avoid going long periods without food. Exercise can help you manage stress and improve your mood. Getting enough sleep and managing stress can also be helpful.
If you think you may have BED, don’t be afraid to seek help. talking to a primary care provider or mental health professional is a first step in getting the treatment you need.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about overcoming binge eating disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.