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Binge eating is a disorder. It’s not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Because mood disorders can be a cause or a result of this disorder, getting depression and binge eating treatment concurrently can be useful. Here’s what this looks like.
Understanding the Urge to Binge
Bingeing on food is compulsive overeating. You know that you’re overdoing it and need to stop. However, because the urge is so strong, you’re powerless to quit eating. These episodes may happen frequently or just a couple of times a week.
After a binge, you have strong feelings of anger, frustration, and disgust. Similarly, you might slide into depression because you feel out of control. In contrast, you might respond to depression with a binge. Binge eating is the kind of disorder that has strong connections to depression before and after episodes.
Undergoing Concurrent Depression and Binge Eating Treatment
Envisioning binge eating as a circular pattern is easy. Telling the cause from the effect can be difficult. However, undergoing depression and binge eating treatment at the same time is the ideal solution.
This strength-based approach creates a therapeutic setting that helps you uncover connections between depression and food. Because it’s a collaborative effort, you’re in full control of the sessions. You’re safe to explore past traumas as well as current pains that send you into a spiral.
On the other side of the equation is the treatment of depression that results from binges. Working through your emotions takes you back to a sense of self-acceptance and validation. Most importantly, you recognize that your self-worth doesn’t connect to an eating disorder. It can be one of the most liberating feelings in the world.
Combining Depression and Binge Eating Treatment with Evidence-Based Modalities
No matter how effective treatment for mood disorders can be, binge eating calls for additional interventions. Examples of therapies include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which encourages the replacement of dysfunctional patterns with healthy ones
- Dialectical behavior therapy as a method for emotional regulation in times of high stress and unavoidable disappointments
- Acceptance and commitment therapy that connects urges to binge with thoughts and feelings that fuel impulses
- Experiential therapies that can elevate your mood and allow you to express yourself nonverbally
- Therapeutic outings, which help you engage in real life settings with food choices and trigger responses
Because each program participant has different needs, a therapist customizes a treatment protocol for you. Interventions take place in a safe environment to promote healing and personal growth. Healthy nutrition is a big part of the program and replaces dieting. When you choose to receive residential care, you also benefit from the peaceful setting of the facility.
Reaching out for Help
Don’t wait to get the binge eating disorder treatment that you need. Even if you’ve tried to overcome it in the past, this can be your opportunity to heal. The combination of depression and binge eating treatment may be the missing piece to the puzzle. Contact Magnolia Creek therapists today by dialing 205-409-4220 now.
