Lets beat BED

My purpose...

Almost everyone overeats on occasions, but for some, overeating turns into excessive overeating that feels out of control and becomes a regular occurrence which crosses the line to Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

BED most commonly develops in adults and is a mental illness. BED cannot be judged on only physical criteria and can occur in people of any body weight/shape.

I have battled with BED for the best part of 6 years. It has had a detrimental impact on my life. Relapses contributed to my heightened levels of depression, self hate, low self worth and poor self esteem.

Guilt, shame, embarrassment, disgust are just some of the words I would use to describe what I have felt and still do feel. It has been the catalyst for heightened feelings of insecurity, leading to break downs of romantic relations due to not feeling worthy enough and consequently pushing those away. It has also contributed to social isolation. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have secluded myself from friends and social events due to the knock on effect BED has had on me.

I have the most wonderful friends and family, but during my most helpless times I still felt I had no one to turn to. I felt alone.  I figured I mainly felt this way as there was no one in my life who could relate to what I was going through. BED is a lonely disorder. For people who don't struggle with BED it can be hard to understand that it's not a choice and can't be overcome with sheer willpower. People may offer advice in good will and make statements such as "why don't you stop once you feel full?" or "start eating mindfully" or "allow yourself that treat, your human". Little do they know, it is anything but a treat for us. It is NOT merely just overeating, it's destruction, it's complete loss of control, it's self sabotage, it's eating until your sick, it's eating in complete distress. There have been many of times where I have quite literally sobbed whilst continuing to put food into my mouth. BED runs much deeper!

How would you feel if you could communicate with people who are also going through this? Perhaps part of you would feel less alone, more open to speaking with greater transparency. Speaking honestly may trigger a beautiful sense of relief, especially as BED is typically such a secretive disorder. We could begin feeling less embarrassed and ashamed. We could ride the storm together, as well as sharing those smooth sailing days. Not only might this help combat loneliness, but we may learn from each other. There may have been things that have sometimes worked for us, stopping those pesky binges in its tracks. How powerful could this be if we could create a unity to share these tips and tricks. We can be stronger together!

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Support System

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I will be starting a weekly support group which will be held once a week in the evening. My hope is to help combat that loneliness which often coincides with BED. We already experience such painful feelings with this disorder, don't let loneliness be one of them. 

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I will firstly be starting the sessions virtually and depending on the number of attendees will then be upgrading to a centre where we will be able to meet face to face. 

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[Please note, months down the line I will be carrying out research to uncover the benefits of being part of a support group. No information will be shared disclosing your identity so confidentiality will be maintained. To register for this support group all will be required to answer a questionnaire prior to commencement and will need to send this back to me. Disclaimer: This is not a treatment for BED, but rather a supportive safe haven to feel part of, perhaps even alongside therapy. Please seek help from your GP should you feel you need professional help]