So I told someone about my binging problem and...

I wasn't taken seriously.

I decided to tell my roommate about my binge eating problem in an effort to reach out and come clean and because I REALLY want to stop.  I figured that she would listen or something.  But no, she's just like "oh its ok, people over eat, its not a big deal."  I tried to explain that what I do is not "just overeating," but she just looked at me like I was exaggerating.  I just got angry and left the room.

I was just wondering if anyone else with a binging problem ever told anyone and if so, how did they react?

she probably just didn't know how to respond.  people often minimize in situations in which they're powerless to help.  putting something like this on a roommate or friend is really not fair; you need to talk to family and/or a professional.

Also, because you're so thin she probably doesn't see how it could be a problem for you. But I think unless she's you're closest friend, she's probably not the best person to tell...     

my friend found out from my younger sister by accident.. I was sitting right there and she tried to say the same thing... that everyone does it.. .and I just proceeded to tell her what I ate the night before (a stack of ritz with pb on every single one, then a lot of tortilla chips) and she realized that no, that isn't a healthy eating habit... nothing really came of it but yeah, I got the same initial reaction before..

maybe just go into a little more detail to help her understand?

best of luck :)

I think a lot of the time people (myself included) throw around the term "binge" so often, that when you use to mean what it really means -- things like 5000 calories in a matter of an hour, eating until your stomach hurts, etc. -- that meaning is lost (if any of that makes sense!).  If you really want her to understand, you could go through one of your binges with her (verbally I mean); otherwise, I think I'd let it go.  Is there a particular reason you wanted her to understand?

The average person hasn't the first clue about healthy eating let alone eating disorders.  It isn't a roommates job to give you help and support on this issue.  Realistically for roommates you can expect that you won't clash too much and that neither of you will make life miserable for the other.

A counselor would be the best person for you to tell as they actually have a start to a clue on the subject even if they're not well versed.  Your parents would also be good people to tell.  Close friends who will help you to tell a counselor or support your telling your parents would also be good.  Please be aware that close friends like all people can only do their best with the limited information that they know and what you give to them.

Thanks for all the replies.

I don't really know what kind of reacion I was expecting...it just wasn't what I got so I needed to vent a little.  I don't even know if I want to bring it up again but who knows; I guess it depends on my progress.

Hey there

In regards to talking to people about binge eating - in my personal experience (still trying to overcome it) I've found that the only people who really understand are either counsellors, or 'fellow' binge eaters.

I fact, I find talking to 'non bingers' about it just makes me feel worse somehow.

In saying that, I've also found that talking to another person with a binge eating problem can actually trigger me into a binge, when they start talking about specific foods.

Anyway, I told a few of my close friends and they just kind of brushed it off as no big deal - as did my mum. So my advice would be to either get counselling, or talk to other people on here

Hope that helps

I agree with kelsmi01.  I find that it's impossible for people who are not professionals or current/former bingers to understand that there have been times when I literally cannot stop eating.  That I can eat thousands of calories worth of food that I don't even like the taste of. 

That said, I do think friends should be good listeners and be supportive, even if they can't totally understand how you're feeling.  I'm sorry your roommate wasn't like that.  My boyfriend can't understand at all how it could be possible for someone not to be able to stop themselves from doing something that they don't want to do, but he still listens to me talk about it whenever I want.    

Agreed - I think you should talk to people who are in the same boat. Even if a binge is not only a few cookies or a whole 1000+ calorie crusade, people don't understand the upsetting feeling of being unable to stop putting something in your mouth although your stomach is full. It's not overeating per se, it's different, and they don't get that.

I know how you feel, I tried coming clean to my mother last week and she told me to, "go eat an apple or something instead". I think it's best not to discuss it with non-bingers as they wont understand it. Try going to a counsellor maybe? I'm going to go talk with one as soon as I get back to Uni.