Binge eating can be a painful and embarrassing struggle for those who experience it, and it is much more than overeating occasionally. Those who struggle with binge eating often find themselves caught in a cycle of eating food quickly, in secret, and reaching an uncomfortable level of fullness, This is a distressing experience for those who struggle with binging and they feel completely out of control. The foods they binge on are often the foods they have deemed "bad" or "unhealthy" and typically don't allow themselves to eat outside of a binge. Binging can provide temporary relief or distraction from stress or other painful emotions. Uncovering all of this in binge eating disorder treatment helps those struggles understand themselves better.
People engaging in binge eating might eat in secrecy because they feel embarrassed or ashamed of this kind of eating. The aftermath of a binge episode is typically filled with negative emotions including guilt, regret, disgust, and self-criticism. These emotions can contribute to a vicious cycle, as some people may turn to binge eating as a way to cope with negative emotions, creating a challenging pattern to break
People who meet the criteria for binge eating disorder will have binge episodes occurring at least once a week for about three months and are truly binge eating and not just occasional overeating. It's important to recognize that binge eating is more than a matter of willpower or lack of self-discipline; Binge eating is complex and often requires the support of an eating disorder therapist and other treatment providers. d recovery. Addressing underlying issues that contribute to binge eating episodes is important to understand in binge eating disorder treatment.
What are the symptoms of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder has some clear signs or symptoms that can help identify it. Here are some things to look out for:
Frequent Overeating: People with binge eating disorder often eat large amounts of food for their norm within a relatively short time, like a couple of hours.
Lack of Control: During these eating episodes, they might feel like they can't control how much they eat or stop themselves, even if they want to.
Fast Eating: Binge eaters tend to eat rapidly, consuming a significant amount of food from what is typical for them to eat normally, quickly, often beyond the point of feeling comfortably full.
Eating When Not Hungry: They might eat even when they are not physically hungry and continue eating even after feeling full.
Emotional Distress: Binge eating is often linked with emotional distress, such as feeling upset, guilty, or ashamed after the episode.
Secrecy and Isolation: Some people with binge eating disorder may eat in secret due to feelings of embarrassment or shame about their eating habits.
Regular Occurrence: Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating episodes happen regularly, at least once a week, for about three months.
It's important to remember that everyone's experience may vary, and not everyone with a binge eating disorder will show all of these symptoms. If someone is concerned about their eating habits or someone they know, it's important to see how a binge eating disorder therapist to receive a diagnosis and treatment.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in Utah can help you with binging
Getting therapy for binge eating is a crucial step, especially if you're dealing with feelings of embarrassment, being stuck, and self-hatred. Talking to an eating disorder therapist offers a safe and understanding space where you won't be judged. Eating disorder therapy can help you untangle why binge eating happens and guide you toward different ways to cope with your emotions. It's a way to break free from the binge cycle that's causing you pain and making you feel stuck. Binge eating disorder treatment is not about something being wrong with you—it's about finding support to overcome the struggles, ease the embarrassment, and build a path toward a better relationship with yourself and food.
Start working with an eating disorder therapist in Utah
You don’t have to keep struggling with binging. You don’t have to keep hating yourself or feeling embarrassed for struggling. Binge eating disorder treatment can help. This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic has a binge eating disorder therapist that treats binge eating disorder. To begin counseling follow the steps below:
Meet with a therapist for eating disorders
Begin changing your relationship with food
Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah
Online therapy for eating disorders is a great choice for several reasons. Online Therapy in Utah lets you have eating disorder therapy in a private and comfortable space, like your own home, which is important when dealing with something personal like an eating disorder. You can access expert help no matter where you are, making it convenient. This is especially helpful if you feel embarrassed or self-conscious, as the virtual setting allows for open and honest talks with the therapist.
Online counseling also means I work with clients all over the state of Utah including St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more.
About the Author
Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is the owner of Maple Canyon Therapy in Utah, exclusively specializing in supporting women. Holding dual bachelor's degrees in psychology and family life and human development from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, Ashlee's academic foundation reflects her commitment to understanding both individual and family dynamics. Further enhancing her expertise, she earned a master's degree in social work from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. With a comprehensive background, Ashlee has worked in various levels of care for eating disorders, focusing her efforts on providing dedicated and tailored support for women navigating anxiety and body image issues. Her commitment to empowering women and fostering mental well-being underscores her role as a trusted and knowledgeable professional in the field.