Are you find yourself eating more than you normally would in a short period of time? Do you feel like you have no control to resist eating? You may be experiencing binge eating disorder. While it can be challenging to deal with, it is possible to cope with binge eating disorder in healthy ways. In this article, we will look at five tips to help you manage this disorder and find a healthy lifestyle. Read on to learn how to better cope with binge eating disorder.
1) What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder: Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by regularly consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time and a feeling of lack of control during the episode, followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and/or distress. BED is a serious and complex disorder that affects an estimated 3.5% of all adults in the United States.
Symptoms of BED can include:
- Eating large amounts of food, even when not feeling physically hungry
- Eating faster than normal
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Frequently eating alone out of embarrassment
BED is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional after an individual has engaged in binge eating episodes on a regular basis (at least once a week for 3 months or more) and when the episodes cause significant distress. Treatment for BED usually consists of individual, family, and/or group psychotherapy and may also include the use of medications for co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
2) Identifying the Warning Signs
When it comes to emotional burnout, it’s important to identify the warning signs. Burnout itself is a subtle thing that can sneak up on you before you know it. By recognizing the signs, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of emotional burnout.
Common signs of emotional burnout include:
- Feeling overwhelmed most of the time – overwhelmed by the daily grind, stresses of life, or feeling like you can’t keep up
- Feeling a lack of motivation – not feeling excited or enthusiastic about the tasks you have to do, or feeling disinterested in anything at all
- Trouble concentrating – struggling to focus or having difficulty concentrating while trying to perform tasks
- Feeling physically exhausted – feeling lethargic or worn out, as if you’ve used up all your energy reserves and can’t muster the will to continue
- Depersonalization – feeling disconnected from yourself or those around you, or feeling like a stranger in places that should feel familiar
- Loss of emotional control – feeling overwhelmed with emotions and unable to manage them or unable to feel normal levels of emotion
These symptoms can manifest both physically and emotionally. When you start to recognize these signs, it’s a good time to take a step back and assess your emotional state.
3) Finding Support to Combat Binge Eating
Suffering in silence can be a tough place to stay. But when it comes to binge eating, it is important to understand that you are not alone. There are many individuals who suffer from the same problems and resources to seek help.
First, try to find local support groups. Whether they are physical meetings, or online forums with like-minded individuals, talking to people who understand your feelings can be very therapeutic. Other treatments that are beneficial include cognitive behavioral therapy and professional nutrition counseling. These types of therapies can help you identify triggers and equip you with constructive coping strategies that help you navigate difficulty you experience while trying to live healthy.
- National Eating Disorder Association: Provides individuals with online support services and education programs.
- Overeaters Anonymous: Offers spiritual and physical support to individuals affected by binge eating disorder.
- Project HEAL: Connects individuals with professional support networks, nutritionists, and other helpful resources.
Reaching out to a professional for help can be challenging but these support services provide safe and compassionate environments for individuals to make progress and live a healthier life. Identifying the type of help you need is your first step to setting yourself up for success on your wellness journey.
4) 5 Tips to Cope with Binge Eating Disorder
Having a hard time managing your Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? Here are five suggestions that may help you cope with it.
- First, replace bingeing with healthier activities, such as taking a walk, cooking a healthy meal, or colouring – choose anything that keeps your body and mind engaged.
- Take a minute or two to check if you’re really hungry – are you having a snack because you’re truly feeling hungry, or because you’re bored or stressed?
- Find an accountability partner! This can be a friend, family member, or even an online community. Having someone to talk to and help keep you accountable can be a huge support when trying to manage your BED.
- When you have abingeing episode, try to practice self-care and self-love instead of judgement, anger, or guilt.
- Understand how your triggers vary from one day to the next and make an effort to recognize them. Having an awareness of your triggers will help you create healthier coping mechanisms.
Remember: it is okay to make mistakes. Everyone does. Don’t give up on yourself – you will eventually develop the skills to cope with BED, and you can do it!
Though a binge eating disorder can be uncomfortable to deal with, there are ways to manage it. If you understand the causes and symptoms, you can take control and make healthy changes. By understanding and actively managing your emotions while creating healthy habits, you can enjoy a better and happier life.