This interview is with Sue Smey, Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Reality TV Star at Survivors Path Coaching.

Sue Smey, Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Reality TV Star, Survivors Path Coaching

Sue, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience in the field of eating disorders?

I suffered as a teen into my mid-20s with bulimia. I grew up in a very unhealthy environment, which I believe caused me to have no self-worth or self-love. I feel bulimia was my way of trying to feel better about myself if I could only be skinny, But instead, it only made me hate myself because I couldn't control it.

What led you to specialize in eating disorders, and what are some of the biggest lessons you've learned throughout your journey?

There are so many people with eating disorders, whether it's anorexia, bulimia, or obesity. I believe the actual cause of this is deep-rooted. If a person wants to get beyond it, they must understand what caused inner turmoil and a lack of self-worth. I realized I had no identity, was a people-pleaser, and didn't love myself. I worked hard to learn to love myself and know I was worthy. This is when I took hold of my bulimia.

You mentioned going through phases of craving unhealthy foods. Can you elaborate on the emotional and psychological triggers that often precede these cravings for individuals struggling with eating disorders?

I was filling that void with food because I never felt loved. I couldn't stop shoveling food into me. But within a few minutes, I thought I was growing fatter by the second, and I hated myself for being unable to control it. So, I needed to punish myself by purging. It was a horrible punishment. And only made me hate myself even more.

Given your experience with clients, what are some common misconceptions or myths surrounding eating disorders that you often encounter?

I find most overweight clients feel there is a quick-fix. They go on fad diets that are usually impossible to maintain or use all their money for surgical procedures. Nine times out of ten, most clients go back to being overweight. They do not understand that it is an emotional disorder.

You mentioned finding alternative recipes and using carbonated water as a strategy to manage cravings. What other practical tips or coping mechanisms have you found helpful for individuals struggling with binge eating?

I feel most binge-eaters are not even hungry. It's like it's bored eating or nervous eating. At a particular time of night, they live in the refrigerator, searching for anything to put in their mouths. The first step is to recognize this pattern of behavior. Then, they need to act on it. Find something that will change the pattern. Call a friend, read a book to the kids, get out of the house, go for a walk, do jumping jacks. If they can continue to do this, they will feel proud. It's a huge accomplishment. Eventually, this pattern of behavior will disappear.

How important is it for individuals with eating disorders to seek professional help, and what are some key signs that indicate the need for professional intervention?

I believe it's essential to get professional help when your eating disorder has gotten so out of your control that it feels impossible to get back. A few red-flag symptoms are mood swings, fatigue, fainting, dizziness, thinning hair or hair loss, and dental issues. More importantly, you are hiding all you're doing. This is when it becomes critical to seek professional help or intervention.

Based on your experience, how can family and friends best support a loved one struggling with an eating disorder while respecting their boundaries and autonomy?

Most family members don't understand the true nature of an eating disorder and how the person has no control over it. They feel they can tell the person to stop doing what they are doing, which is not the case. What they need to do is show support and encourage where needed. They need to understand to give them space and respect for the effort they are putting in. As I say, "Baby Steps."

In your opinion, how has social media and societal pressures influenced the prevalence and perception of eating disorders?

I feel more people are struggling with eating disorders than not. Years ago, people were ashamed, and it was taboo to talk about. I believe people are more open to admitting or talking about their eating disorders, even on social media. The beautiful thing is that there are growing numbers of communities to support each other. I am hoping to see this continue to grow, as social media has become the new norm for communication.

What message of hope and encouragement would you like to share with individuals who are currently struggling with eating disorders, emphasizing the possibility of recovery and a healthy relationship with food and their bodies?

I feel I had the most disgusting of the disorders. I look back on my life and remember that all I thought about was my out-of-control craving to "binge and purge." I felt so ugly. It took me time, and even to this day, I have some struggles every once in a while. But there is nothing more rewarding than knowing I overcame this disorder, learned to love myself, and now know I am worthy of all life has to offer. My life's goal is to help as many people as I can.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

It is possible to overcome eating disorders. In my opinion, it's a deep-rooted issue from your past. If you are brave enough to go back there and discover the event/events that caused you to feel so insecure, unworthy, and hopeless, you will then be able to release it and begin a new, happier, healthier life.