It can be scary to struggle alone, and alarming to watch someone you love struggle. The burden of this disorder can weigh you down, but shouldn’t make you feel helpless. Luckily, there is so much help, information, and research that can help lead you or your loved one to eating disorder recovery. Finding the right kind of eating disorder treatment and help is crucial to making a full ed (eating disorder) recovery. On that note, the earlier an eating disorder is identified, the better. Additionally, the chance of eating disorder recovery is greater the earlier it is detected. Within this post, we created a complete guide with ideas and resources you need to learn how to help someone with an eating disorder, find the right eating disorder treatment for recovery, and how to deal with an eating disorder if you are the one struggling.
How to KNow if Eating Disorder Treatment is Needed
How to KNow if Eating Disorder Treatment is Needed
Our society is hyper-fixated on body image and dieting. As a result, it can be difficult to know when a line is being crossed into disordered eating. An eating disorder usually goes beyond just wishing you could lose 5 pounds. Instead, it is a mental health issue that causes an obsession with weight, food, and body shape. It is a difficult position trying to get help for someone that you think has an eating disorder. On the one hand, you don’t want to strain your relationship by making them feel bad or ashamed that you are concerned. However, you love them and want a life of wellness and happiness for them. Eating disorders cause a lot of emotional distress and physical suffering. Despite this, those struggling with an eating disorder often still reject help or deny that a problem exists. The shame and inner turmoil they feel can cause them to try to hide their issues and mask their distress. As with many mental health issues, eating disorders can be an embarrassment or point of shame, causing people who suffer to turn away from help to hide the depth of their problems. The best way to know if an eating disorder exists is to talk with a doctor. Another helpful tool is the Eating Attitudes Test.
What causes Eating Disorders
What causes Eating Disorders
The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, but ample research suggests they most often coexist with psychological and medical issues. Biological factors, such as a family history of eating disorders and hormonal changes, can contribute to the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Psychological factors are also commonly seen with eating disorders. These include things like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, emotional control, and substance abuse. Finally, social factors may also play a role. Bullying, abuse, trauma, and even struggling with school, sports, or other activities can play a role. For many, food becomes a way to exert control over an aspect of their life. Starting out, it may just be eating more or less than usual, but it then can spiral into a much bigger issue–eventually preoccupying all thoughts and feelings. Eating disorders have serious medical implications and should not be left untreated.
Signs of an Eating Disorder
Signs of an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders do not always present how you would expect them to. For example, based on stereotypes, you may assume a person suffering with anorexia nervosa would be very thin, but this is not always the case. Diagnosis is not based on weight alone; there are behavioral components that contribute as well. Additionally, people with eating disorders can get very good at hiding their issues, so knowing exactly what to look for is important. Many struggling individuals show signs of eating disorders differently, but there are many warning signs of eating disorders that you should watch for. Signs and symptoms from the following list will be specific to a certain type of eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, ARFID, pica, rumination disorder, UFED, laxative abuse, compulsive exercise) but most types of eating disorders share similar traits.
Sudden loss of weight or other body changes. Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body.Discomfort during mealtimes.Constant dieting.Hoarding food for binging.Not eating in social situations.Being constantly preoccupied with food.Cutting food or moving it around excessively.Taking a long time to eat meals.Excessive need to exercise.Avoiding certain foods because they are “bad.”Having strict habits or rituals around food.Feeling bad for eating dessert.
This list is just the beginning. But if any of these bullets sound familiar, some form of an eating disorder could likely be present. Here you can find a more comprehensive list of eating disorder signs.
HOw to Help SOmeone with an Eating Disorder
HOw to Help SOmeone with an Eating Disorder
If you have noticed concerning signs that someone you care for may need eating disorder treatment, what are the next steps? Of course, the ultimate goal is to get them professional treatment. But you may not be able to control their choice to get help. So what can you do? Here’s a list of how to help someone with an eating disorder.
What to Do if YOU have an Eating Disorder
What to Do if YOU have an Eating Disorder
We have mainly geared this post toward caregivers and spouses showing support. But here we will offer advice if YOU are looking for help with an eating disorder. It can be scary to feel like your actions are not in your control. So what can you do?
Eating Disorder Recovery: Conclusion
Eating disorders are very complex and can be difficult to treat. However, there is hope and help for everyone. Through the tips and suggestions shared above, we believe you can overcome this struggle and find happiness both in yourself and in those around you. Below are eating disorder treatment resources for how to deal with an eating disorder.
Academy of Eating Disorders (AED)National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)Eating Disorders AnonymousEating Disorder HopeEating Disorder Referral (EDReferral)Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, Inc. (MEDA)National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
