Recognizing that it might be time to get help for binge eating can be pretty scary. I totally understand that. Eating disorders love it when they’re kept secret and safe. So, asking for help might feel like a giant “NOPE” for many reasons. It can make your binge eating issue seem real, which means acknowledging that you can’t tackle recovery all by yourself.

And if you’ve been taught that being unable to do it on your own equals failure, it’s a really tough spot to be in. But, here’s a different perspective: Asking for help isn’t admitting defeat. It’s a conscious choice to let someone else support you in facing challenges you can’t manage alone. What if reaching out for help actually increases your chances of success?

I spent years battling my binge eating alone, beating myself up every day for not making progress. I convinced myself that this was just the way life was going to be—a continuous struggle with food. That is until I realized I didn’t have to go through this journey alone. And that I could get help for binge eating.

It might sometimes feel like there’s no way out, but trust me, there always is. Take it from someone who knows exactly how you feel right now, accepted help, and now enjoys a life beyond her wildest dreams.

You don’t have to remain trapped in this binge-restrict cycle forever. You’re meant to thrive, savor food, be present in your life instead of stuck in your head, and experience so much more. And most importantly, you don’t have to do it all by yourself.

5 indicators that it might be time to get help:

⚠️ Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list. It’s just a few things to ponder if additional support could supercharge your binge eating recovery.

🚩 It’s Been 3+ Months

If you’ve been grappling with binge eating on your own for more than three months and haven’t noticed any improvements, this is a clear indicator that it’s time to seek professional help. It’s understandable to convince yourself each time that, “This time, things will be different.” But as the days and months pass, it’s vital to reflect on how much of your life you’re willing to let slip away.

Consider this: What if reaching out for help could be the catalyst for propelling you forward on your journey towards recovery? While it might be tempting to keep struggling independently, there’s no need to prolong your suffering. Seeking assistance from experts who understand the complexities of binge eating can be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. It’s an investment in yourself and your future, one that could significantly expedite your progress and help you regain control over your life. Don’t let precious time pass you by; choose the path that can lead you towards a brighter and healthier tomorrow.

🚩 More Days Consumed With Food

When most of your days are consumed by thoughts of food, and you find yourself constantly preoccupied with what, when, and how you’ll eat, it’s a significant sign that it’s time to seek help for your binge eating. While it might not initially seem like a pressing issue, it can gradually take over your life, and the more you lose to this preoccupation, the more evident it becomes that you need support.

Thinking about food all day, planning your schedule around eating, and feeling as if food dominates your thoughts more than anything else is not a normal or healthy way to live. This kind of preoccupation can limit your ability to fully engage in your life, pursue your passions, and enjoy fulfilling experiences. It can lead to missed opportunities, strained relationships, and a general sense of dissatisfaction.

Reaching out for help can be the turning point that allows you to regain control over your life. With the right support and guidance, you can learn to overcome your preoccupation with food, reestablish a healthy relationship with eating, and redirect your focus to more meaningful aspects of life.

🚩 You’ve Lost Motivation

Losing motivation while trying to overcome binge eating is entirely normal. It’s essential to recognize that motivation can fluctuate, and there will be times when it wanes. When you find yourself in this place, it’s a clear signal that it’s time to consider seeking external help and support.

One of the key benefits of reaching out for assistance is accountability and support. These factors can truly be game-changers in your journey toward recovery. Having someone by your side, guiding you through the challenges, and offering a support system can reignite your motivation.

Accountability ensures that you stay on track and helps you establish and maintain a routine that fosters healing and progress. It makes it easier to set and achieve goals, which in turn can boost your motivation. With someone to encourage and support you along the way, you won’t feel as though you’re facing this battle alone.

🚩 It’s Never Different

If you’ve been caught in a cycle of repeatedly telling yourself, “This time will be different,” only to find that it never actually changes, this is a clear indication that it’s time to seek help for your binge eating. It’s natural to hold onto hope that the next attempt will yield better results, but when this pattern persists, you’re at risk of letting precious moments and opportunities slip through your fingers.

Procrastinating and waiting for change to happen on its own isn’t a productive strategy. It’s essential to acknowledge that meaningful change requires action. The sooner you accept that things need to change and take proactive steps to address your binge eating, the sooner you can reclaim your life.

The journey to recovery begins with the decision to seek help and take responsibility for your well-being. By breaking free from the pattern of false promises to yourself, you open the door to meaningful transformation. Remember that it doesn’t have to be this way, and positive change is entirely possible when you’re ready to commit to it. So, instead of repeating the same cycle and watching life pass you by, consider reaching out for support and take the first step toward a brighter future.

🚩 It’s Affecting Other Areas of Your Life

When your binge eating begins to spill over into other aspects of your life, such as work, school, and relationships, it’s an unmistakable signal that it’s time to seek help. This sign is significant because it highlights the far-reaching impact that binge eating can have on your overall well-being. It’s essential to recognize that your life is a precious and finite resource, and you have the power to determine how you want to remember it.

Imagine looking back on your life years from now. What do you want to see? Do you want to remember a period where binge eating held you back, negatively influencing your relationships, hindering your education or career, and preventing you from fully enjoying life? Or do you want to recall a turning point when you decided to seek help, allowing you to salvage your relationships, return to school, recommit to your career, and genuinely start living the life you’ve yearned for?

You only get one life, and each moment is valuable. Recognizing the negative impact of binge eating on various aspects of your life is a crucial realization. It’s a powerful incentive to seek help, regain control, and make the most of your time on this planet. By doing so, you can pave the way for a brighter, more fulfilling future, free from the burdens of binge eating.

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A post shared by Ryann Prentice, LPC | Binge Eating Therapist (@itsryannnicole)

If you’ve been entangled with the struggles of binge eating for over three months, and you’ve started to notice its negative effects seeping into other areas of your life, it’s a powerful indicator that the time for help has come. Remember, there’s no need to hesitate or delay – seeking assistance is a courageous and vital step on your path to a brighter, healthier future.

By taking this step, you’re not only addressing the challenges brought about by binge eating, but you’re also embracing the opportunity to reclaim your life, restore your relationships, and pursue your aspirations. You deserve the chance to live a fulfilling and joyful life, free from the shackles of binge eating.

The journey to healing may seem daunting, but with the right support and guidance, you can transform your relationship with food, unlock your full potential, and create a future brimming with possibility and well-being. It all begins with that first step towards seeking help, and you’ve already shown remarkable strength and resilience by considering it. Keep moving forward, and remember that your future is worth every effort you invest in it. Your story of triumph over binge eating is waiting to be written, and it starts with this moment of courage.

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Ways To Get Help 

• Work With Me 
• Find A Provider In Your Area

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10 Things To Add To Your Coping Box 

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An emotional coping box, also known as a self-soothe or comfort box, is a personalized collection of items that can help individuals cope with difficult emotions, stress, or challenging situations. It’s a tangible and accessible resource that provides comfort and distraction during moments of distress. Here are 10 things you can consider adding to your emotional coping box:

Comfort Objects

Include items that bring you comfort, such as a soft blanket, stuffed animal, or cozy socks. These tactile objects can provide a sense of security and grounding.

Positive Affirmations

Write down or print out affirmations and positive quotes that resonate with you. Reading these affirmations can help shift your mindset and promote self-compassion.

Sensory Items

Incorporate items that engage your senses, such as scented candles, essential oils, or stress-relief lotion. Pleasant scents can have a calming effect.

Fidget Toys or Stress Balls

Include small items like stress balls, fidget spinners, or textured toys. These can serve as a physical outlet for nervous energy and help redirect focus.

Journal and Pen

Keep a journal or notebook to write down your thoughts, feelings, and reflections. Journaling can be a therapeutic way to express and process emotions.

Photographs or Mementos

Include pictures of loved ones, happy memories, or items that hold sentimental value. Visual reminders of positive experiences can bring comfort and perspective.

Guided Relaxation or Meditation Resources

Include a small audio player or device with pre-loaded guided relaxation or meditation sessions. These can help you practice mindfulness and manage stress.

Playlist of Uplifting Music

Create a playlist of music that brings you joy or relaxation. Music has the power to influence mood, and having a go-to playlist can be a quick mood booster.

List of Coping Strategies

Write down a list of healthy coping strategies that work for you. This could include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or simple activities that bring you a sense of peace.

Remember, the contents of your emotional coping box should be tailored to your preferences and needs. Regularly review and update the items to ensure they remain effective for you over time. The goal is to have a readily available toolkit that supports your emotional well-being during challenging moments.