‘Eating disorders thrive on isolation’: Jersey woman becomes charity’s first ambassador
Anna Binet, 30, from Jersey, is speaking out about her binge eating disorder in the hope that her story will help others feel less isolated—and make it easier to ask for help.
Binet first contacted Jersey Eating Disorders Support in 2020. The charity has supported her 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 toward old coping mechanisms,” she said. “Recovery isn’t always a straight line.”
Binet said eating disorders “thrive on isolation” and urged people who are struggling to take what she called an “incredibly brave” first step and seek help.
She said her 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.
After a friend encouraged her, Binet contacted the charity and met with its founder, Karen Dingle. She began attending 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 she hopes the role will help raise awareness and encourage more people to seek support.
Her mother died from cancer in August 2025, and her father died from sepsis in December 2025.
When it comes to seeking help, 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.
Advocates say stigma and isolation can make it harder for people to recognize the signs or reach out, particularly after grief or other major life changes. Support groups can offer a sense of community and a nonjudgmental space to talk, they add.
Binet hopes to use her platform to challenge stereotypes and help others feel less isolated.
“I was absolutely terrified to reach out,” she said. The group, she added, has “always been there when I’ve needed them.”
“If you’re struggling, don’t wait until things get worse,” Binet continued. “Even taking that first step and asking for help is incredibly brave.”
Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].
More news stories for Jersey
Listen to the latest news for Jersey
Related stories
- Woman uses own eating disorder to help others
- Helping eating disorder caregivers a ‘life ambition’
- Blue and pink event for eating disorder awareness
Organization: Jersey Eating Disorder Support