Hi, I'm Dr. Ellen Hendrickson, and you're listening to episode 22 of the savvy psychologist.

I'll help you meet life's challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

We'll use the best of psychology to help you be happy, healthy, and most importantly yourself.

I recently received an exceptionally touching email

from an anonymous listener who's facing a challenge many of us can relate to.

She can't stop eating.

For her and all of us who have ever felt powerless against food, listen on for six tips to battle binge eating.

But first, here's her message.

Dear savvy psychologist, I can't stop eating. Like crime, my eating mostly happens at night. By the

light of day I have an exemplary diet, but after work or after dinner I find myself

in the pantry, funneling cookies straight from the sleeve.

Last night I ate a pound of chocolate, a bag of maple glazed nuts, and a box of cookies.

While it's happening, I'm not even in control.

The cookies call to me and before I

know it I go numb and something automatic takes over. It's like my body has been

hijacked. I feel a mixture of denial and release while it's happening but afterwards I hate myself. I feel a mixture of denial and release while it's happening, but afterwards I hate myself.

I feel spent, guilty, and helpless.

I think terrible things about myself, like how my husband would be better off married to someone

else, how I'm effing up my life and how there's no hope for me.

Did I mention I hate myself?

My last physical even showed that my blood sugar is in the pre-diabetes range, but I still can't stop. I've tried all the tricks.

Use a smaller plate. Only eat when sitting at a table. Don't eat after 8 p.m. Go for a walk

...