Getting Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder

Getting diagnosed with binge eating disorder can be challenging because coming to terms with any diagnosis of a mental health issue can be difficult. After you're diagnosed, you might be feeling a lot of different things, all of which are normal to feel. It's important to remember that you are being treated for a psychological problem and that with treatment and personal accommodations, you can live a great, productive, happy life after your have been diagnosed with binge eating disorder.

Now What?: Immediately After Being Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder

It's common to feel a lot of different emotions upon hearing your diagnosis of binge eating disorder. You might feel shock, confusion, disbelief, skepticism, or a variety of other things. When I first heard my diagnosis, I was stunned. I had never had my disorder treated like a medical problem. It has always been a failure on my part to just stop eating or put down the fork or watch my portions or any of the other problematic things I had always been told.

In some ways, it's scary to think that you have a real, psychological issue and not just that you're a little lacking in self-control at times. But, being diagnosed is a good thing because now that you know what you have, you can begin to treat it. You have options, like talking therapy, binge eating disorder medications, or even gastric surgery. Once you have a diagnosis, you can begin to deal with that problem and not just continue the endless cycle of diets, binges, and failures.

Who Should I Tell that I Have a Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosis?

The decision to talk about a serious mental health issue like binge eating disorder can be a daunting one but you will need support if you're going to start treatment, which, in itself, can be difficult. By now, you probably already know who you can speak to about this. Go to friends or family members that have been supportive and non-judgemental in the past. Remember that if you decide, as I have, to openly talk about binge eating disorder, you're going to get a variety of opinions about it, some of which are not helpful or supportive.

If you're not ready or if you don't feel able to discuss your binge eating disorder diagnosis yet, then don't. Don't feel that you have to tell others or that you owe it to them to reveal everything. This is a very personal issue that you need to talk about when you feel comfortable. Don't let anyone pressure you into revealing everything.

Where Do I Go After Being Diagnosed With Binge Eating Disorder?

This is a question for your doctor. Your treatment is going to be individual, based on where you are and what you need to deal with your problems. Talk with your doctor about what your ultimate goal is with your eating and health. Discuss what options you have and educate yourself on your disorder.

It's scary to think that you have a psychological problem that will never go away. But no amount of denial is going to change that. Be brave, face your problems head on, and remember that you can only deal with your disorder if you acknowledge it, learn how to cope with it, and put in the work that will help you lead a full and happy life. Coping with a diagnosis of binge eating disorder can be very difficult, but it's essential to come to terms with what you have so you can not only cope with your illness, but learn how to life a healthy, successful life.

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