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5 Tips for Coming to Terms with Binge Eating Disorder
Out of control
One of the hallmark effects of living with binge eating disorder (BED) is a sense of discouragement and failure at controlling one’s eating. We all aspire to feel competent in the world and are evaluating our performance in various areas to determine how well we are doing overall, but coming to terms with BED can be difficult.
When we feel out of control of a basic human drive, such as eating, it is deeply distressing because it is not a behavior that you can stop cold turkey.
I have heard it said that having Binge Eating Disorder is like having a dragon in a cage that you have to let out three times a day and then somehow get it back into the cage each time. No easy task!
When a BED sufferer tries continually to moderate their eating but is unable to do so, it is easy for them to feel disillusioned with their own self discipline. They may try to hide their eating or cover up the remnants, wrappers, etc. from detection. This can lead to deep feelings of shame.
These uncomfortable feelings resulting from loss of control when eating are compounded by some of the physical side effects of binge eating disorder including weight gain, hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes.
The combination of emotional and physical distress caused by binge eating disorder can significantly damage our internal concept of ourselves and result in low self esteem.
How Coming to Terms with BED Can Help
So, how do we combat this? How does one come to accept that Binge Eating Disorder is a disease with underlying physical and environmental contributing factors that (1) we have, and (2) we need to manage?
T
he following 5 tips may provide some insight into the process of coming to accept the disease, manage it, enjoy the recovery process and accept oneself:
- Education: read all you can and talk to your physician, nutritionist or counselor to determine if you are suffering from Binge Eating Disorder.
- Grief: Nobody wants to feel that something is “wrong” with them or they are less than perfect. It is okay to feel sad, shocked or disappointed that you are dealing with a serious disease that needs professional treatment by an eating disorder specialist.
- Acceptance: Moving toward acceptance of BED is a 2 step forward, 2 step back process. It is normal to go through thoughts of denial or questioning the validity of the disorder. But, you will find that if you do indeed have BED it is a relief to know that there is a name for your suffering and resources and treatment available to help you recover.
- Action: Taking the necessary steps to secure binge eating disorder treatment is a top priority. Inherent in accepting the disorder is a responsibility to yourself and your loved ones to seek help and manage the BED. Reach out to a physician, nutritionist or therapist and set up a personalized, workable treatment plan that works for you.
- Faith: Offer yourself compassion and faith that you can overcome this disease. Realize that there may be setbacks in your recovery journey, but know that you are absolutely capable of embracing the recovery tools necessary to manage BED.
About the author:
Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC – Founder & Director
Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC founded Eating Disorder Hope in 2005, driven by a profound desire to help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. This passion resulted from her battle with, and recovery from, an eating disorder. As president, Jacquelyn manages Ekern Enterprises, Inc. and the Eating Disorder Hope website. In addition, she is a fully licensed therapist with a closed private counseling practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.
Jacquelyn has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from The University of Phoenix and a Masters degree in Counseling/Psychology, from Capella University. She has extensive experience in the eating disorder field including advanced education in psychology, participation and contributions to additional eating disorder groups, symposiums, and professional associations. She is a member of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), Academy of Eating Disorders (AED), the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).
Jacquelyn enjoys art, working out, walking her golden retriever “Cowgirl”, reading, painting and time with family.
Although Eating Disorder Hope was founded by Jacquelyn Ekern, this organization would not be possible without support from our generous sponsors.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 28, 2019
Published February 10, 2016, on EatingDisorderHope.com
