Eating Disorders
The most prevalent eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating. What is not commonly known however, is how serious and sometimes deadly these disorders are. Treatment and early intervention is paramount for a positive outcome.
People choose to deal with life’s stressors and difficult emotions in many different ways.
People suffering from an eating disorder have high expectations of themselves and the eating disorder can be seen as a way to soothe oneself the same way an addict uses their drug of choice. An Eating Disorder does not discriminate between age, sex, gender or sexual orientation. Children as young as 6 have been diagnosed and it is not uncommon to see seniors finally get help after having struggled all their life with an Eating Disorder.
Some of the issues a person with an eating disorder may be attempting to soothe include depression, anxiety, worthlessness, trauma, abuse, financial stress, family problems, relationship issues, feeling out of control, poor sense of self and difficulty tolerating feeling complex emotions. The Eating Disorder has become the only way to express these emotions and soon becomes a way of life. The important thing to know is that there is another way to deal, cope and manage life. Getting the right help is the first step.
People choose to deal with life’s stressors and difficult emotions in many different ways.
People suffering from an eating disorder have high expectations of themselves and the eating disorder can be seen as a way to soothe oneself the same way an addict uses their drug of choice. An Eating Disorder does not discriminate between age, sex, gender or sexual orientation. Children as young as 6 have been diagnosed and it is not uncommon to see seniors finally get help after having struggled all their life with an Eating Disorder.
Some of the issues a person with an eating disorder may be attempting to soothe include depression, anxiety, worthlessness, trauma, abuse, financial stress, family problems, relationship issues, feeling out of control, poor sense of self and difficulty tolerating feeling complex emotions. The Eating Disorder has become the only way to express these emotions and soon becomes a way of life. The important thing to know is that there is another way to deal, cope and manage life. Getting the right help is the first step.
Anorexia Nervosa
Characteristics and Behaviors
- Restriction of food
- Denial of hunger
- Below normal body weight
- Fear of weight gain
- Obsessive/Distorted thinking especially around body image
- Conflicting emotions i.e. power vs. powerlessness
- Secretive behavior
- Isolation
- Use of diuretics/laxatives
- Over exercising
- Counting Calories
- Racing thoughts
- Perfectionism
Bulimia Nervosa
Characteristics and Behaviors
In addition, suffering from Bulimia Nervosa can cause dehydration, which can trigger serious medical complications resulting in heart failure or even death.
- Binging
- Purging
- Consuming large amounts of food in a short amount of time
- Isolation
- Secretive behavior
- Use of laxatives, diet pills and diuretics
- Over exercising
- Usually normal bodyweight
- Fear of weight gain
- Periods of strict dieting
In addition, suffering from Bulimia Nervosa can cause dehydration, which can trigger serious medical complications resulting in heart failure or even death.
Binge Eating
Characteristics and Behaviors
There are variations of each of these disorders and it is important to note that one does not have to exhibit all the characteristics and behaviors mentioned, to be diagnosed with any of these potentially deadly disorders.
- Binging or “unconscious” eating
- Eating out of emotions versus hunger
- Uncontrollable cravings
- Isolation
- Secretive behavior
- Sometimes use of laxatives, diet pills and diuretics
- Over exercising
- Usually normal to above normal bodyweight
- Depression because of weight gain
- Constant dieting
- Intense feelings of guilt
There are variations of each of these disorders and it is important to note that one does not have to exhibit all the characteristics and behaviors mentioned, to be diagnosed with any of these potentially deadly disorders.
