Written by: Ong Natalie & Bashirah Uzma
Whether it is stress from hectic work-school schedules, financial problems or the passing of a loved one, mental health issues are becoming more prevalent. Thus, World Mental Health Day, which falls on 10 October annually, raises global awareness of mental health issues and mobilises efforts to support mental health.
According to a study conducted by National Institute of Health, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 clinic eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, is at 6.2% whereas there is a massive 37.0% for other specified feeding or eating disorder and another high 19.5% of participants at high risk of developing an eating disorder among the 797 participants, aged 21 to 77 years old.
An Institute of Mental Health study conducted in 2021 showed that 8.7 percent of respondents met the criteria for clinical depression while 9.3 percent met the criteria for mild to severe stress.
Binge eating is one such mental health condition. It is characterised by loss-of-control eating, when one loses control of their food consumption, regardless of the food intake.
What is Binge-eating?
As reported by The Straits Times in October 2020, binge eating has become common for coping with stress, especially during the pandemic.
There are many aspects whereby binge eating could be triggered easily or developed. Most binge eating episodes are triggered by hostile confrontations that one faces, which leads them to find comfort in whatever they are binge eating. Some may face fights with insults or get bullied by peers around them. Others could be stressed from academics or feeling mentally exhausted from personal problems they face..
Individuals who struggle to express their emotions clearly and lack social interaction tend to fall into episodes of binge eating. One may channel their loneliness into overeating food to gain that comfort and company, almost acting like a replacement for human interaction.
Further, binge eating rewards individuals who have accomplished small hurdles or obstacles in their life. For instance, an individual went through a day without negative thoughts. Small accomplishments like that would be celebrated by enjoying their favourite snacks.
As one falls into the pits of binge eating, how does it affect them? Binge eating harms one’s physical health. Some binge eaters snack on mainly junk or processed food as it is faster to consume than having a whole meal served on a plate. Too much unhealthy foods could lead to many health issues such as coronary heart diseases, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol in the body, which could cause heart attacks.
Binge eating also psychologically affects an individual.
Body image issues are on a steady rise amongst many youths. It only takes one glance at social media feeds to have their self-esteem plummet.
A 2019 study focused on the use of four social media platforms which most teenagers use, namely Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Tumblr. The study found that about 52 percent of girls and 45 percent of boys opt for skipping meals, heavy exercise, and other behaviours associated with eating disorders. Of all participants, about 75 percent of girls and 70 percent of boys have been found to have at least one social media account, with Instagram being the most common. It has been shown from the study that these numbers were accumulated as many youths put too much thought and focus into how they are perceived physically on an online platform. This will then lead to them being meticulous in their calorie intake, conscious about their body image and weight.
As society demands specific standards for people to attain the “perfect body”, individuals are emphasising too much on how they appear. Thus, this makes them conscious of their appearance and might struggle with binge eating and body dysmorphia and find it hard to achieve this, taking an even harder toll on their mental health. Hence, leading to an emotional spiral.
How to treat binge-eating?
According to Mayo Clinic, there are two ways of treating binge-eating- namely psychotherapy and medication.
As for psychotherapy, patients have to talk with their psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health provider as they aim to facilitate positive change in the patients seeking better emotional and social functioning. This form of emotive therapy improves patients’ feelings of self-satisfaction and the overall quality of their mental health and lives.
Psychotherapy benefits the patient by allowing them to seek an emotional and social outlet to share their problems and seek support and guidance from these professionals. However, there are some disadvantages as well. Psychotherapy works best when patients can develop trust to open up to their psychologist. On top of that, patients have to be optimistic and trust the treatment process prescribed by their psychologists. Hence, if patients cannot meet any of these requirements, the treatment process will be more difficult or slower and, in some cases, might not work.
Secondly, patients can request medication, which can only be purchased from a clinic. Available drug treatments include antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, and drugs traditionally used for hyperactive disorders. By taking the prescribed medication regularly, as given by the doctor, the patients will gradually be able to control their food intake. Prescription benefits the patient as it is often cheaper and faster than traditional therapy. Psychotherapy is still the most effective in treating binge eating in the long run. As for prescribed drugs, there might be other side effects, including headaches, stomach problems, sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, and anxiety.
Treatment is always available for individuals facing difficulties with binge eating disorders. To avoid such habits, always take a step back and consider the essential things in life, such as staying connected with your loved ones. This mindset will lead to a better headspace and a stress-free life.
If you are struggling or going through a binge eating episode, do not hesitate to visit for tips and information on how to overcome the situation.
