Binge Eating Disorder
Management and Resources
At home
Although people with BED require professional treatment, there are some behavior changes individuals can try to improve their quality of life. These include self-compassion, social support, and challenging beliefs and behaviors.
Self-compassion
Individuals with eating disorders often have negative thoughts about themselves and their bodies. These thoughts, over time, can create a series of critical and negative thinking that lead one to hold themselves to different standards than they would of another. For example, one may look at someone and see an ideal body, and when they look at their own body (which objectively looks similar) will say harsh statements that they would never say to another. When an individual practices self-compassion and treats oneself like they would their best friend or partner, the “inner critic” becomes smaller and less judgmental over time.
Social support
Battling eating disorders can be hard and social support can go a long way in the journey to recovery from BED. People with BED often need the help and support of family members and friends; however, sometimes it can be hard to accept the help and be vulnerable with others. Consider joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend. Try to surround oneself with body positive people (acceptance of all bodies) and avoid discussing weight and food with others. Be mindful of social media use and online support communities that might be pro-anorexia. Having a community of supportive people who only want the best for others, can make all the difference in one's treatment of BED.
Challenging beliefs and behaviors
Binge Eating Disorder can cause people to believe negative thoughts and engage in behaviors they wouldn’t normally do. In treatment, individuals are encouraged to challenge these thoughts and behaviors, and it’s never too early to start. Try journaling to get to know oneself better and try to notice any trends in one's thinking or behaviors. Acknowledge any limiting ideas about one's body, weight, food, or what one should be like. An individual should notice if they are engaging in any behaviors that only worsen their feelings. Over time it will be easier to challenge oneself and make decisions based on one's values, instead of what the BED may want.
In relationships
Many people with eating disorders have low self-esteem and may struggle to think of even one good aspect of themselves. They may avoid close relationships or sex and intimacy because they do not want the close scrutiny of their bodies, and may imagine that others will be disgusted by their appearance.
People who are close to the individual with BED can help the person by learning about the illness and trying to help the person be more open and honest about their feelings. It can be easy to worry so much about saying the “wrong” thing to the person with Binge Eating Disorder that nothing at all is said, and that is a mistake. As in all relationships, sometimes the person may not like what is said, but as long as comments are made with love and with the intent to be positive and nurturing, then others are on the right path.
At work and school
At some point, people with BED may not be able to work because they become too ill to perform basic daily work responsibilities or focus on their studies. Binge Eating Disorder is an eating disorder that falls under the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means that if workers with BED can no longer perform all or most of their duties, then they may be entitled to potential accommodations. Human resources at the place of employment may refer the individual to an employee assistance program for help or assist the employee in seeking workplace accommodations.
Students with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations designed to help mitigate symptoms and increase their likelihood of academic success. Each school’s process of requesting accommodations may look different, so speaking with the school's administrator to understand their process and what documentation is required is a good first step.
Organizations
National Institute of Mental Health
National Eating Disorders Association
Binge Eating Disorder Association
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians