There are all sorts of mental health issues that come about and some indications of our mental health issue show through our actions. This is why people turn to vices, all sorts and variations. People’s vices may be quite dependent on what a person favours, to cover the confusion, to ease the uncertainties. Some people turn to the following but are not limited to drinking and some turn to using illegal drugs. And then there is binging on food, also called Binge Eating Disorder and its symptoms.

The Need-to-Know About Binge Eating Disorder

Binging often done very quickly and to the point where discomfort is already felt. Binge Eating Disorder is the newest addition to other eating disorders. Binge eating disorder is a recurring act of consuming food in huge amounts, eating excessively and profusely, done discreetly or in private, and happens usually at a 2-hour interval.

Those who’ve suffered from binging claim that it gave them a sense of control in an otherwise uncontrollable situation in their life. It gives those who suffer from this eating disorder a sense of autonomy over the number of foods they eat and the succession it takes to make one feel satisfied and full. So full that one ends up feeling sick or disgusted. The worst part is after the binge where the person feels disgusted with oneself, guilt and depression follows thereafter.

According to webmd.com, a person’s eating disorder may partly come from one’s family roots. The term, “it runs in the family” may be a factor that needs to be considered when a family member is suffering from a binge eating disorder. To date, online mental health support has made getting professional help from a psychologist and even a psychiatrist. This may be made possible through telehealth psychology and telehealth psychiatry. In sum, genes may have a contribution to a persons’ binging disorder but other factors, may it be emotional, mental or physical, may trigger it as well.

A parent’s eating pattern may also influence a child’s eating habits. A child who watches parents who overeat may cater to the same practice. Nevertheless, there is no one to blame when a person suffers a binging eating disorder. It just means that there is an underlying problem that needs special attention like low self-esteem, stress and/or anxiety. Sometimes, counselling can really help because some people may not even realize they have a problem. This calls for professional attention that can only be attained from a mental health care professional.

Binge Eating Disorder can be a reflection of one’s physical, emotional and/or behavioural anxieties. Here’s a checklist of symptoms that may help you determine whether you or someone you know may suffer from Binge Eating Disorder:

• A binging problem may exist in your home if there is an unexplained disappearance of food and in large amounts.
• Fear or unexplained discomfort when eating in public.
• Hoards food in the strangest places.
• Changes daily schedule just to make time to binge and in hiding.
• Withdrawal from friends and routine activities become apparent.
• Extreme concern, attention given to body weight or body shape.
• Frequent mirror visits, checking of body, and shape.
• Speaks of disgust or anxiety after eating.
• Obvious weight fluctuations.

Let’s say you or someone you know may have a binge eating disorder or showing symptoms of binge eating, what do you do? Here are some things that you can do to mediate the binging:

• Food Diary – Write down everything you eat and the time you ate it. To keep a food diary will take discipline and can only be done out of one’s recognizance or will. The list, though confronting, will give one a visual window, if indeed, one suffers from an eating disorder.
• Regulate Snacks and Meals – A scheduled eating pattern and routine may help keep a person’s blood sugar steady. In most cases, this may keep the hunger pangs at bay.
• Observe and Reflect – It cannot be denied that at times people eat out of boredom. Ask yourself, “Am I really hungry or just bored?” This usually helps most, but it may not work for all.

Though the prevention of Binge Eating Disorder has no known cure, seeking professional help may and should be considered. Help is available for those who will it. However, since the onset of Covid 19, the movement of people is limiting to prevent local imparting. Since online mental telehealthcare has picked up popularity for all sorts of mental health care needs and for all ages. If you think that you or your loved one suffer from a binge eating disorder based on symptoms, it would be wise to contact your GP. Call your doctor and inquire how telehealth psychiatry or telehealth psychology can help before the situation worsens