We eat when we’re hungry. We eat when we’re bored. We seek out comfort food when we’re sad. We indulge with cake and champagne when we want to celebrate. In fact, we turn to food for pretty much every mood and moment of our lives! And that is totally okay; there’s nothing wrong with using Ben & Jerry to get through a breakup or reaching for your favorite potato chips while you’re streaming your new favorite show. But if your eating habits have gotten out of control, it might be a sign of a deeper problem and you might need to get help!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at binge-eating disorder to learn what it is, how it impacts people, and how you can find support if you’re experiencing symptoms.
What Is Binge-Eating Disorder?
Have you ever binge-watched a TV show? If you have, then you know that all-consuming feeling that sweeps over you. You know you should stop– you have work tomorrow! It’s 3:00 am!– but you feel this insatiable urge to consume just one more episode. We binge-watch shows because we want to because we can’t wait to find out what happens next, and because Netflix is more fun than fulfilling your responsibilities. So, we allow ourselves to get a little out of control with our content consumption. And, as a general rule, we don’t experience too many harmful effects. Sure, you might feel a little bleary-eyed at work the next day and you might wish you’d gone to bed sooner, but overall, you’re none the worse for wear.
Binge-eating disorder, however, is a little different. Although binge-watching shows can make us feel a little out of control, ultimately, we do still have power over our decisions. If you decide to stay up until 3:00 am watching Handmaid’s Tale, it’s because you wanted to do it and you chose to do what you wanted. You probably didn’t feel compelled to watch so many episodes. Chances are, you didn’t feel like you physically could not put the remote down or that something terrible would happen if you stopped watching. But for people who live with binge-eating disorder, that’s often how they feel about food.
Binge-eating disorder exists on the opposite end of the spectrum from eating disorders like anorexia. Where anorexia causes body dysmorphia and motivates a person to restrict their food intake, binge-eating disorder makes you feel like you literally can’t stop eating. Even when you want to. Even when you feel out of control and disgusted with yourself. And that’s why people with binge-eating disorders may need support to break the cycle and establish a healthy relationship with food.
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
If you’re concerned that you or someone you love may be struggling with binge eating disorder, it can be helpful to learn more about the symptoms commonly associated with this condition. Like any other mental health condition, binge eating disorder is very personal and specific to the person experiencing these symptoms. So, although the symptoms on this list may not represent the comprehensive spectrum of symptoms someone can experience, these are a few of the most common signs of binge eating disorder:
- Feeling unable to stop eating
- Eating even when you aren’t hungry
- Eating an excessive amount of food in a very short amount of time
- Intense levels of shame and disgust about your body and how much you eat
- Eating in secret
- Feeling like you have to hide or sneak food
- Excessive late-night snacking– including getting up in the middle of the night to sneak more food
How Can I Get Help For Binge Eating Disorder?
If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, you should know that help is always within reach. Because binge eating disorder often makes people feel embarrassed or ashamed, many people are afraid to reach out for help. But a therapist isn’t there to judge or shame you. Instead, their only goal is to support you and provide you with the necessary resources for your recovery. So, if you’re struggling, you don’t have to suffer in silence! You can connect with a qualified mental health professional who specializes in treating binge eating disorders.
It’s also important to seek help sooner rather than later. All mental illnesses can have a profound impact on your health and wellbeing. But eating disorders are among the most concerning because they have a negative impact on your mental and physical health. Binge eating disorder can cause a number of serious health risks in addition to destroying your peace of mind. So, if you’re struggling with any of the symptoms on this list, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
Taking a self-guided binge eating disorder test can be a great first step. Because this test is a self-assessment, it’s not meant to serve as a replacement for a professional diagnosis. But it is a great way to learn more about your symptoms and the resources that are available to you. When you finish answering the test’s shortlist of questions, you’ll be redirected to a screen with more information about your next steps. This will include the contact information of a qualified mental health professional who can help.
Battling an eating disorder can be tough but you don’t have to do it alone! Hope and healing are always within reach, so don’t let stigma hold you back. You can break free and connect with a therapist today!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
