How to Support Your Loved One Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder

We all want the best for those we love. We want to protect them from the difficulties of life and it can be hard to accept that you may have a loved one diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder.

It is a natural human instinct to want to downplay the severity of the issue or even question the accuracy of the diagnosis.

If your family member and/or loved one is struggling with binge eating disorder, and chooses to share this with you, there are some specific steps you can take to empower yourself to be as helpful as possible to the person suffering:

1. Listen Objectively to a Loved One Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder

Try to practice active listening skills when they are sharing their thoughts and feelings about the BED diagnosis and experience. This means to listen attentively, make eye contact, paraphrase what they are trying to impart to you and confirm that you are truly understanding what they are saying.

2. Educate Yourself

Read up and watch videos on binge eating disorder. Make sure you are gathering your information from reliable sources like Eating Disorder Hope, the National Eating Disorders Association and the Binge Eating Disorder Association. The more you know – the easier it will be to understand what your loved one is experiencing. There are some excellent books about binge eating disorder that can educate you about the causes, signs, symptoms and treatment of BED.

3. Avoid Being the Food Police

It is tempting to want to micro manage the recovery journey of your loved one. But, don’t do it! Respect the individual’s right to make decisions for themselves and honor their choices. Even if you see the BED sufferer making what you consider to be a terrible food choice, refrain from commenting.

Derogatory comments can lead to feelings of shame in your loved one and result in further binge eating to comfort themselves. If you are concerned that the BED Sufferer is in relapse, it is best to find a quiet, uninterrupted time where you can calmly and gently express your concerns.

4. See the Big Picture

Realize that this precious person you love is a remarkably unique human being with many gifts, talents, and attributes. Though it is appropriate to feel concerned about a loved one diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and their suffering, it is important to realize that they are much more than this diagnosis. Keep it in perspective and refuse to see this as a catastrophe. Rather, it is just another challenge in life to be overcome.

5. Take Excellent Care of Yourself

Demonstrate self-acceptance and kindness to yourself. Avoid making any negative comments about your own eating or weight. Strive to maintain a healthy body based on sound nutrition, moderate exercise and a holistic approach to your health. The example you set will likely inspire and encourage your loved one to do the same.

Loving and supporting our close friends and family members through challenges is part of how we develop deep and meaningful bonds.

Your ability to respectfully and compassionately stand by your loved one is a gift that they will undoubtedly appreciate. They will be better able to accept, deal with and recover from binge eating disorder when they know you are a positive and supportive person in their life.

Even though it can be painful to accept that someone we loved in dealing with binge eating disorder, it is an exceptional opportunity for you to shine through your understanding and support.

---

About the author:

Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC – Founder & Director

Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC founded Eating Disorder Hope in 2005, driven by a profound desire to help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. This passion resulted from her battle with, and recovery from, an eating disorder. As president, Jacquelyn manages Ekern Enterprises, Inc. and the Eating Disorder Hope website. In addition, she is a fully licensed therapist with a closed private counseling practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.

Jacquelyn has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from The University of Phoenix and a Masters degree in Counseling/Psychology, from Capella University. She has extensive experience in the eating disorder field including advanced education in psychology, participation and contributions to additional eating disorder groups, symposiums, and professional associations. She is a member of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), Academy of Eating Disorders (AED), the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).

Jacquelyn enjoys art, working out, walking her golden retriever “Cowgirl”, reading, painting and time with family.
Although Eating Disorder Hope was founded by Jacquelyn Ekern, this organization would not be possible without support from our generous sponsors.

---

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 28, 2019
Published March 1, 2016, on EatingDisorderHope.com

Although Eating Disorder Hope was founded by Jacquelyn Ekern, this organization would not be possible without the support from our generous sponsors.