Binge Eating Online Support Group

Everyone overeats from time to time. However, there is a difference between overeating and binge eating. Binge eating is often associated with other physical and mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem, and stress.

What is Binge Eating?

People who binge eat often consume large amounts of food in a short amount of time, fail to control portions and feel ashamed after eating. While binge eating might not be a usual conversation topic, it is a common eating disorder experienced by 3.5% of women and 2% of men in the United States according to a study published in Biological Psychiatry.

The binge eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:

• Eating rapidly than normal

• Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

• Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry

• Eating alone because of embarrassment by how much one is eating

• Feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty afterward

The causes of binge eating vary among biological to environmental factors such as genetic features, history of dieting, environmental distresses, and psychological and social influences.  

How Support Groups Can Help?

Support groups are safe spaces structured to allow participants to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies and information about symptoms and treatments. The discussions often are facilitated by an experienced leader or a medical professional. 

Feeling isolated or embarrassed might be a vicious cycle that leads to worsening binge eating symptoms. Support groups can allow us to make connections, providing tangible benefits to people experiencing mental health issues. 

Benefits of participating in support groups can include:

• Reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation and stigma resulted from binge eating

• Getting practical advice or information about treatment options

• Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

• Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope

• Learning about health, economic or social resources

Benefits of online support groups can include:

• Faster time to get help, skipping appointment wait time

• More frequent or flexible participation

• A cost effective way to see a licensed mental health professional

• A degree of privacy or anonymity comparing to local community support groups

• Opportunities for people in areas with no face-to-face support groups

You are not alone. Herd is ready to support you.