'Eating disorders thrive on isolation'

A woman who lives with a binge eating disorder says talking about the issue helps to "break down the stigma".

Anna Binet, 30, from Jersey, reached out to Jersey Eating Disorders Support in 2020 for help with a binge eating disorder. The charity supported Binet through different stages of recovery over the years, including a period of grief after both of her parents died within months of each other.

"You can be doing really well and then something happens that pulls you back towards old coping mechanisms," she said. "Recovery isn't always a straight line."

Binet said "eating disorders thrive on isolation" and urged sufferers to take an "incredibly brave" first step and seek help.

Binet said the disorder began when she started trying to lose weight in 2020.

What initially felt like a healthy change gradually developed into a difficult relationship with food, eventually leading to a binge eating disorder.

"I'd only really heard of anorexia and bulimia," she said.

But after being encouraged by a friend, Binet contacted the charity and met with its founder, Karen Dingle.

She began going to support meetings, something she initially found daunting.

"I thought I'd walk into a room and be judged," she said. "But it's completely the opposite, it's like a family."

Binet has now been named the charity's first ambassador.

She said major life events can have a significant impact on recovery, but hopes the ambassador role will help raise awareness and encourage more people to seek support.

Binet's mother died from cancer in August 2025 and her father died from sepsis in December 2025.

In terms of seeking house she said: "I think unless you're looking for that information, you don't necessarily know what's available.

"I just want people to know they're not alone."

She believes one of the biggest misconceptions is that eating disorders only affect a certain type of person.

"Eating disorders can look completely different from person to person," she said.

Binet hopes to use her platform to challenge stereotypes and help others feel less isolated.

"I was absolutely terrified to reach out," she said, before adding the group had "always been there when I've needed them".

Binet continued: "If you're struggling, don't wait until things get worse. Even taking that first step and asking for help is incredibly brave."

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