When My Spouse Has Binge Eating Disorder

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope

Relationships in themselves are beautiful things. The opportunity to share your life with someone you love and care for can bring countless joys and create unforgettable memories. When an eating disorder is also present in a relationship, this can complicate many things, as a person’s identity begins to change and conform to the will of these illnesses.

On the surface level, eating disorders can be difficult to identify, which may make things more confusing for a loved one who is observing from the outside. There may be a sense that something is not right or the buildup of tension, but it may be challenging to put a finger on the issue at hand.

Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

If your spouse or partner is struggling with binge eating disorder, it may appear that there are an array of issues pertaining specifically to food. For example, you may find large amounts of food disappear in a short period of time. You may also come across wrappers, empty containers, and excessive trash that leave a trail to your spouse or partner.

In some instances, you may have found your spouse or partner in a “binge episode”, where they appear to be eating out of control and rapidly and may seem embarrassed or ashamed that you have seen them.

As frustrating as it may be to see such signs and symptoms, it is important to understand that binge eating disorder is not just a lack of control around food or self-indulgence. Binge eating disorder is a psychiatric illness with debilitating consequences if left untreated. While binge eating disorder may not necessarily be as widely understood or discussed as anorexia or bulimia, it is much more commonly experienced.

The Binge Eating Disorder Association has estimated that approximately 1 in 35 adults struggles with BED, with about 5 million women and 3 million men seeking out professional treatment for this eating disorder [1]. Understanding the severity and reality of this illness is an important first step towards helping your spouse. They are not doing anything to deliberately hurt you, and you are by no means to blame or at fault for the illness either.

Working Together To Seek Out Help

Seeking out professional help is the most necessary step for intervention. If you suspect that your spouse is dealing with binge eating disorder, it is crucial to approach them in a loving and gentle manner. Communicating your concerns for their health and for your relationship can help you voice your thoughts and feelings.

Committing to join them on their recovery journey may also help them feel secure and/or safe in processing their struggle with BED. Educating yourself further about binge eating disorder can also help increase your empathy and understanding about their struggle. Know that you are not alone in this battle, and by supporting your spouse through their recovery efforts, healing can be found.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

In what ways can you show support to a spouse dealing with an eating disorder?

References:
[1]: What is BED? The Binge Eating Disorder Association. http://bedaonline.com/understanding-binge-eating-disorder/what-is-bed/

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating.

Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 16, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com