It is not uncommon for people with eating problems to have other difficulties. These vary in nature but often involve problems with mood, self-esteem, and assertiveness; problems with perfectionism; and unsatisfactory relationships and life circumstances. What should be done about these accompanying difficulties? The answer depends upon their seriousness and your circumstances. If the problem is a major concern, you should seek professional advice, if only to have it assessed. This particularly applies if your mood is unusually low and has been like this for some weeks. It is not uncommon for clinical depressions to coexist with binge eating problems. If the problem does not merit seeking professional advice, you could try to tackle it yourself using one of the following self-help programs.
RECOMMENDED SELF-HELP BOOKS
There are books, similar to this one, that provide clear, sensible guidelines for overcoming many of the difficulties that commonly accompany binge eating problems. These are listed below classified by the topics that they address. It is a select list based on my knowledge of the available books and that of trusted experts. No doubt there are many other excellent books that I could have listed, but had I done so I would have strayed away from the books that I know or have had recommended. All the books are readily available and in each case the latest edition is cited.
General
Butler, G., & Hope, T. (2007). Managing your mind (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
Unlike the books below, this one covers a broad range of topics including problems with mood, relationships, substance use, sleep, studying, making decisions, and much more. Its strength is its breadth. It is a good first stop if you think you might have a problem and would like to learn more about it and its possible solutions.
Lack of Assertiveness
Alberti, R., & Emmons, M. (2008). Your perfect right. Atascadero, CA: Impact.
This is a bestseller and deservedly so. It addresses both over- and underassertiveness in an engaging and extremely practical way. Few people would not benefit from reading this book.
Perfectionism
Antony, M. M., & Swinson, R. P. (2008). When perfect isn’t good enough. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
Another long-established book that has survived the test of time. Written by two experts in the field, this book addresses the often overlooked problem of having excessively high standards. If you suspect that you might have this tendency (and others would agree), then this book is for you.
Low Self-Esteem
Fennell, M. (2009). Overcoming low self-esteem. London: Robinson.
Written by an expert on self-esteem, this book helps readers explore their self-esteem and what it is founded on. It then goes on to recommend ways of bolstering one’s self-regard using strategies and techniques from cognitive behavior therapy.
Marital Conflict
Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (2007). The seven principles for making marriage work. London: Orion.
This book has been recommended by colleagues whose opinion I trust. It provides straightforward, evidence-based guidelines for improving marital relationships, the focus being primarily on restoring the core relationship.