This document discusses support options for people suffering from binge eating disorder. It begins by explaining that binge eating disorder is characterized by feelings of guilt and loss of control over eating. It estimates that 1-5% of the US population suffers from this condition. The document then outlines several steps sufferers can take to find support, such as understanding it as a medical condition through diagnosis, opening up to a therapist, considering group therapy, joining a support group, telling a loved one, being open with one's doctor, and being honest with oneself. It stresses that recovery is possible with the right treatment and support.

1. You’re Not Alone:
Support for Binge Eating
Disorder
By Mary Elizabeth Dallas Reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi,
Because binge eating disorder is
often shrouded in secrecy, seeking
help can be difficult. Learn how
to overcome feelings of shame and
get the support you need.
Binge eating disorder isn’t just
characterized by compulsive eating
— it’s also associated with
feelings of guilt, embarrassment,
and self-disgust over losing
control.
"People who binge eat often feel
guilt or shame,” says Kathleen
Ashton, PhD, psychologist in the
Bariatric and Metabolic Institute
at the Cleveland Clinic and a
member of the American
Psychological Association.
Binges come on quickly and may
occur even when you're not hungry

2. — and because of that, they’re
often kept secret.
Despite any feelings of shame or
unhappiness with yourself, it’s
important to know that you’re not
alone. Binge eating disorder is
estimated to affect somewhere
between 1 and 5 percent of the
U.S. population, according to the
National Eating Disorders
Association (NEDA). The National
Association of Anorexia Nervosa
and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
estimates that about 5 million
women and 3 million men have the
condition.
There’s also reason to feel
hopeful about recovery, as
treatments for binge eating
disorder are effective, Dr. Ashton
says. However, you can’t get help
if you suffer in silence. The
recovery process starts with
opening up about your condition —
and any underlying emotional
issues that may be driving you to
binge.

3. How to Find Motivation and Support
for Binge Eating Disorder
There are several steps you can
take to find support.
Understand that binge eating
disorder is a medical condition. A
good place to start is to get a
professional diagnosis, says
Ashton. Like anorexia nervosa and
bulimia, binge eating disorder is
a recognized mental health
condition with treatments
available. Although many Americans
could admit to overindulging on
occasion, people with binge eating
disorder feel a loss of control
while they are eating, Ashton
says. "They continue to eat even
after they want to stop," she
adds.
Open up to a therapist. One of the
most lasting strategies for
managing binge eating disorder is
some form of talk therapy with a
psychiatrist, psychologist, or
clinical social worker, according
to ANAD. That’s because binge

4. eating disorder often has an
emotional component driving the
compulsions to overeat.
Consider group therapy. In
addition to one-on-one counseling,
you may find help in group therapy
sessions led by a psychiatrist,
psychologist, or clinical social
worker. Group settings can help
ease binge eaters' sense of guilt
or shame because they realize
they’re not alone, Ashton says.
"Part of the reason for group
therapy is to help diminish the
shame component and for people to
be able to recognize the behavior
in both themselves and others,”
she says. “Giving people with
binge eating disorder a non-
judgmental and safe place is
really important."
Join a support group. You can gain
strength and insight from other
people who have gone through the
same thing. Led by a trained
volunteer or professional, support
groups can offer you

5. encouragement, hope, and advice on
how to cope, Ashton says.
Tell a loved one. Talking about
your condition helps — even if
it’s not with a professional. Let
a trusted family member or close
friend know about your binge
eating, and give that person a
call when you feel a compulsion to
binge.
Be open with your doctor. Your
doctor can monitor any health
risks associated with binge eating
disorder and refer you to support
groups or healthcare professionals
who are specially trained to help
people with binge eating disorder,
the Weight Control Information
Network (WIN) says.
Be honest with yourself. A big
part of treatment for binge eating
disorder is recognizing your
behavior. Self-help books and DVDs
may help some people gain control
over their binge eating, according
to WIN.

6. Knowing that you may have to step
out of your comfort zone and face
some difficult feelings isn't
easy. Recovery doesn’t come
overnight, but with the support
and treatment you need, it’s in
reach.
Last Updated: 11/19/2014