How Do I Tell My Parents I Am Struggling With Binge Eating Disorder? 

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

The struggle with Binge Eating Disorder can be a confusing and isolating battle.  Because there are many stigmas and misunderstandings about the disorder, there is often a cloud of shame and guilt associated with having an eating disorder.

If you have been dealing with binge eating disorder, you have likely felt it difficult to reach out to others.  How can you even begin to share about what you are struggling with when you may not fully understand the extent of this mental illness?

Family Support

Family members are a key component of wellness and recovery, especially from an eating disorder.  If you are currently living with your parents, you may have experienced some tension in your relationship as you struggle to make sense of what you are dealing with.

You may have even tried to put forward the appearance that everything is okay, when in reality, you are dealing with a chaotic relationship with food and your own body.   Hiding your struggles may feel like the easier thing to do, and you may have chosen not to share with your parents for many reasons.

Perhaps you are not sure how to tell them about the challenges you are facing with binge eating disorder.  You might even feel worried about how they will react or the actions that may follow.

The bottom line is that you need support to overcome binge eating disorder, and keep your struggles to yourself will only worsen the illness.  By opening up to your loved ones and parents, if appropriate, you will begin to break away from an illness that seeks to keep you in shame and isolation.

When you feel ready to talk with your parents, be sure to do so in a setting that feels comfortable and safe for both of you.  Be honest in communicating about your past and current situations and be ready to answer questions your parents may have.

If you still feel unsure about you to approach your parents about your struggle with binge eating disorder, consider working with a counselor, therapist, or mentor, who can help guide you through this transition.

Talk with someone you trust and most of all, know that you are not alone.  Recovery begins with small steps, and sharing your struggle can propel you on the road towards overcoming binge eating disorder.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What are some tips or suggestions you might have when it comes to sharing your struggles with those you love?

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Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

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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 November 3, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com