In recent years, we have seen a noticeable rise in cases of binge eating disorder in the UK, a condition characterised by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort. This surge in BED diagnoses is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including societal changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a psychodynamic therapist, I’ve observed firsthand the challenges and nuances of this disorder, particularly the barriers to seeking help and the intricate journey towards healing.

Binge eating disorder is distinct from occasional overeating. It involves a loss of control during the eating episodes and is often followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and distress. Unlike other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, BED does not typically involve compensatory behaviours like purging. This distinction can make BED less visible but no less debilitating.

Why Do People Binge Eat?

People with BED might turn to binge eating as a way of coping with other mental health problems and uncomfortable emotions. However, it’s still possible for binge eating to develop without any clear cause. The reasons behind why people binge eat are varied and multifaceted:

1. Low self-esteem and self-confidence: Individuals with low self-worth may use food as a way to cope with their feelings of inadequacy.
2. Social and cultural pressures: The societal ideal of achieving a certain body type can lead to unhealthy eating patterns as individuals strive to conform to these expectations.
3. Family history: If a family member has experienced an eating disorder, this can increase the likelihood of developing similar behaviours.
4. Emotional regulation: Food is often used to numb or alter negative emotional states such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and feelings of emotional ‘emptiness’.
5. Stressful or traumatic events: Experiences such as abuse or bereavement can trigger binge eating as a coping mechanism.
6. Dietary restrictions: Strict diets that exclude certain food groups, involve calorie control, or skipping meals can lead to binge eating once those restrictions are lifted.

The Role of the Pandemic in Binge Eating Disorder

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably played a significant role in the rise of BED. Lockdowns, social isolation, and the sudden disruption of routines created an environment ripe for the development or exacerbation of eating disorders. Many individuals turned to food for comfort and as a coping mechanism to deal with anxiety, depression, and the pervasive sense of unease. This period of enforced inactivity also meant more time at home with easy access to food, which for some, led to the establishment of harmful eating patterns.

Deeper Psychological Roots

However, it’s essential to recognise that the roots of BED often lie much deeper than the immediate stressors of the pandemic. As a psychodynamic therapist, my approach involves exploring these deeper issues, which often originate in early childhood experiences. Many individuals with BED have a history of receiving confusing or negative messages about food from their immediate family, caregivers, schools, or society at large. For instance, a child who grows up in a household where food is used as a reward or punishment might develop an unhealthy relationship with eating. 

Sometimes, binge eating arises from a sense of feeling out of control. It can serve as a defense mechanism, where the act of bingeing diverts attention away from underlying painful emotions or issues. Often, individuals may not be fully aware of this unconscious process.

Early childhood experiences can create deep-seated patterns and emotional conflicts around food that persist into adulthood. In therapy, we look at these patterns and try to understand how they influence current behaviour. This exploration can uncover long-standing issues related to self-worth, control, and emotional regulation. The therapeutic process is neither quick nor easy. It requires a commitment to understanding and working through complex emotions and experiences, which is why it can take a significant amount of time to see progress.

The Barrier of Shame

One of the significant challenges in addressing BED is the pervasive sense of shame that many sufferers feel. This shame often prevents individuals from seeking help. Many people with BED internalise societal stigma around eating and weight, feeling that their eating habits are a personal failing rather than a symptom of a broader psychological issue. This stigma can be compounded by the fact that BED is still less well-known and understood than other eating disorders, leading to further feelings of isolation and shame.

Consequently, many individuals with BED remain undiagnosed and do not access the therapy that could help them. This lack of diagnosis and treatment means that they continue to struggle alone, often exacerbating the problem. It’s crucial to raise awareness about BED and to encourage those who are suffering to seek help. Understanding that BED is a recognised mental health condition and not merely a lack of willpower is a vital step in reducing the stigma.

Path to Healing

Effective treatment for BED often involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the psychological and behavioural aspects of the disorder. Psychodynamic therapy, which I offer at Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, is particularly well-suited to this task. In this therapeutic approach, the therapist and patient work together to explore the patient’s early childhood experiences and sometimes adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and the messages they received about food. By understanding the origins of their disordered eating patterns, patients can begin to develop healthier relationships with food and themselves.

Psychodynamic therapy emphasises the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the process of uncovering unconscious conflicts and emotions. It’s a deeply introspective process that requires patience and dedication from both the therapist and the patient. The goal is not just to stop the binge eating behaviour but to understand and address the underlying emotional issues that contribute to it. This holistic approach helps patients to build a more robust and resilient sense of self, which is crucial for long-term recovery.

In my work over the years, I have seen many individuals make significant strides in their recovery from BED through psychodynamic therapy. It’s a journey that involves confronting painful memories, challenging entrenched beliefs, and developing new, healthier ways of coping with emotions. The process can be slow and sometimes difficult, but the commitment to therapy can lead to profound and lasting changes.

The rise in binge eating disorder in the UK is a multifaceted issue that requires a nuanced understanding and a compassionate approach. The impact of the pandemic has certainly contributed, but the roots of BED often go much deeper. By addressing these underlying issues through psychodynamic therapy, individuals can begin the journey towards healing. It’s essential to break the cycle of shame and encourage those suffering from BED to seek the help they need. With time and the right therapeutic support, recovery is possible.

You can read more about other types of eating disorders here.

My name is Angelique and I work with various eating disorders and disordered eating. If you would like to seek binge eating disorder counselling in Bristol, our team can help. At Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, we have a team of experienced eating disorder counsellors who are ready to offer support for a wide range of mental health issues, welcoming individuals into safe and non-judgemental spaces within which to begin their journey to recovery. For more information or to book an initial consultation, please email hello@bristolcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk. Alternatively, to speak to us directly, please contact 07751 271 709.