Posts Tagged “Binge Eating Disorder”

This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences on their own path to recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, or symptom use. Please use your own discretion. And speak with your therapist when needed.

 by Melinda Parrish, plus-size model and body positivity advocate in recovery from Binge Eating Disorder. She lives in Washington, D.C. Follow her at https://www.instagram.com/melparrishplus/.

To some degree, it’s fair to say that the military “trained” me for Binge Eating Disorder.

To be clear, I’m a huge supporter of the military and am incredibly honored to have served. I have a deep reverence for the military and everyone serving. But the reality is that 34% of women in the military suffer from eating disorders, much more than the percentage of women in the general population.

An individual’s level of reward and punishment sensitivity is believed to influence binge eating and compensatory behaviors.

Although anorexia and bulimia (BN) have high rates of suicidal ideation and behavior, the link has not been studied extensively in individuals struggling with binge eating disorder (BED). 

By Cami Applequist, a former client in recovery

Twenty-two years ago I was a 22-year-old high achieving college student who had already studied overseas three times for a total of two and a half years and was fluent in a second language. I worked thirty hours a week and attended college classes full time while maintaining good grades. I managed to keep a large circle of friends well entertained and my nuclear and extended family happy by participating in family events at least ninety percent of the time. I was on the road to a job in marketing and advertising; to a dream life of red suits, nice cars, high pay and what I thought at the time would be happiness.

By Michelle, an Emily Program client

Welcome to my first blog post. My name is Michelle and I’ve been coming to the Emily program for almost 10 years for help in dealing with compulsive overeating, depression, and anxiety. When first asked about doing this blog I hesitated. I didn’t think I had anything special to say. But as I thought about it, I realized I have 3 good reasons for doing this:

1. I have been through a lot but I’m not unique. All of us are dealing with similar things and I think many of you will be able to relate to some of my experiences. Treatment and therapy can be hard, but knowing you are not alone definitely makes it easier. I also promise to try and incorporate some humor –so be on the lookout for it. You may have to look closely…:)
2. Doing this on a regular basis will help me reflect and think about my own recovery. It’s easy to get bogged down in my latest problems. This will help me think about things differently and from a different perspective.
3. The Emily Program has literally saved my life and I want to give back. In the last few years there have been a couple of times when the pain got too big, the hope got too small and I just got too tired of fighting. I am still here today because of the connections I have made with counselors & friends at the Emily Program.

So enjoy the reading each month. Feel free to send in comments or questions and I’ll do my best to respond.