Eating Problem or Binge Eating Disorder?
After a day of overeating, many people feel guilty and decide to eat less the next day. However, a person who has a binge eating disorder is usually anxious or depressed, and may feel comforted by the process of binge eating. But this is a temporary relief that is replaced by feelings of shame, guilt, and disgust. The two main characteristics of binge eating are eating a large amount of food in a limited amount of time, and experiencing a loss of control. This experience is accompanied by a sense of discouragement and hopelessness. In addition, individuals may be afraid of comparison, judgment, or rejection, and feel disliked and isolated. Yet, they will continue their habits because they feel that they would not be able to manage their lives otherwise. When these behaviors interfere with one’s quality of life and well-being, it becomes a disorder.
Binge eating is prevalent in western societies and is usually triggered by negative self-image or a failure to meet unrealistic goals. These feelings usually draw people to a relentless cycle of dieting and binging. Some will try to control their weight by purging or using laxatives; however, these habits are ineffective and cause many health problems.
Many people keep their binging disorder secret and do not believe that there is a treatment to their problem. They accept their situation, and they adjust their life around it. But it is important to know that when treated properly, full recovery is possible. However, the path to full recovery can be extremely difficult and is impossible to walk alone.
The most effective psychotherapy treatment is cognitive behavior therapy which yields lasting change. The important questions to ask are: What is the purpose of your eating disorder in your life? What personal need does it serve? Eating disorder patients are under a tremendous amount of emotional and psychological pain, and they use their eating disorder to get relief from that pain.
A therapist can help the client identify these feelings and deal with life’s stressful situations in a constructive way. The therapist will provide tools to cope with the anxiety, and help the client adjust to life without eating disorders
