Finding Resources for BED Treatment

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Eating disorders are often characterized by chaotic relationships with food, and Binge Eating Disorder is no exception to this.  Recovery from binge eating disorder involves multiple aspects, including physical and nutritional healing, emotional and psychological wellness and more.  One aspect of recovery from binge eating disorder includes learning how to normalize a relationship with food and bring balance to eating, exercise, health and wellness.

Recognizing a Problem

Individuals who struggle with binge eating disorder often engage in compulsive overeating, eating abnormal amounts of food while feeling unable to stop.  Binge eating disorder often involves eating to a point where one feels uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food even when not physically hungry, and feeling shameful, disgusted or guilty after an eating episode.

Many factors contribute to binge eating, and because this is a severe psychiatric mental illness, it is important to incorporate professional help and treatment in order to find recovery and healing.  If you or someone you love has been struggling with Binge Eating Disorder, the journey can feel isolating and alone.  By connecting with professional help and treatment, you can have the necessary guidance to help you overcome this complex disorder.

There are many resources available that can help you connect to the treatment you need.  Begin by reaching out to a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.  Having an assessment by a specialized professional can help you better determine what course of treatment would be appropriate for you.  Consider searching the directory on Eating Disorder Hope, the National Eating Disorder Association, or the Academy of Eating Disorder Professionals to find a specialist in your area.  Connecting with a specialist can also open doors in terms of resources.  Many specialists in the eating disorder community are connected with treatment centers and programs and can make recommendations based on what they feel may be the most appropriate treatment for you.

Know that you are not alone in this journey and that there are many resources that can help you begin your journey to recovery today.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

If you or someone you love has recovered from binge eating disorder, what resources have been helpful to you in your recovery journey?  What encouragement might you share with another individual who is seeking help and treatment?

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 a 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 October 9, 2015. Published on EatingDisorderHope.com