Eating Disorder Awareness Month - What You Need To Know
February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month, an opportunity to shine a light on the realities of eating disorders while sharing information on how to get help. Eating disorders can easily be misunderstood, and bringing more awareness can help educate people on what they look like, where they may come from, and how to talk about them. The larger the conversation, the less people feel alone – and when 30 million people are said to suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime, that’s an essential goal.
The Modern Reality of Eating Disorders
The first thing to understand about eating disorders is that they can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or background. They can also be notoriously difficult to detect as not every eating disorder presents the same. While the media may perpetuate a certain stereotype of an extremely small individual, that’s not always reality. Individuals with an eating disorder may appear thin, average, or overweight – none of these physical attributes tell the full story. There’s also not a particular cause of an eating disorder. They can stem from trauma, coexisting mental health conditions, bullying, poor self-esteem, sports and more.
Eating disorders are not a new challenge; however, the increasing prevalence and dangerous complications of disordered eating underscore the need for early diagnosis and intervention. More access to the internet, including social media and online forums, has made it difficult for people to escape societal pressure, fads and negative body image messaging. A noticeable increase was documented during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, a finding that relates back to what times of stress and uncertainty can do to mental health. An eating disorder may begin as a need to feel in control as a coping mechanism.
How To Recognize A Potential Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are complex, and don’t always look as you’d expect. There are also multiple types of eating disorders that present in different ways.
Types of Eating Disorders
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Other Specified Feeding & Eating Disorder (OSFED)
- Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Pica
- Rumination Disorder
- Orthorexia
Each type of eating disorder has its own set of criteria for diagnosis, but there are certain things to look out for as red flags for disordered eating patterns. Symptoms of an eating disorder include:
Emotional/Behavioral Signs
- Excessive concern over weight, caloric intake, dieting, food in general
- Refusal to eat certain foods
- Frequent avoidance of meals
- Development of food rituals
- Self-Isolation
- Concern with appearance, including comparison with others
- Extreme mood swings
- Excessive exercise patterns
- Poor self-esteem
- Food hoarding or hiding
- Lifestyle rituals revolving around food or binging
- Feelings of a lack of control
Physical Signs
- Noticeable change in weight (loss or gain)
- Frequent gastrointestinal complaints
- Menstrual irregularities, if applicable
- Trouble with focus/concentration
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Feeling cold
- Sleep disturbances
- Dental issues
- Cuts or callouses across fingers (signs of self-induced vomiting)
- Dry skin
- Dry or thinning hair
- Brittle fingernails
- Skin discoloration
- Frequent illness (impaired immune system)
- Misuse of laxatives or diuretics
It’s important to note that not every person with an eating disorder will experience all of these symptoms, and that experiencing just a couple does not automatically mean that you have a problem. If you recognize yourself or someone you know in this list, even if you’re unsure, the team at Peak Psychological Services strongly encourages you to reach out to a trusted therapist, doctor, friend or family member.
What To Do If You Suspect An Eating Disorder
If you have realized you have been struggling with food and body image, you’ve already taken the first step toward getting help. Often, admitting to ourselves that something is going on is one of the more difficult parts. You don’t need to carry this on your own. Reach out to a safe, trusted person in your life and tell them you are worried you have a problem. Often, help comes from both a general physician who can assess your physical and nutritional well-being, and a therapist who has experience with eating disorders.
If you are worried about a friend or family member who is showing potential signs of an eating disorder, don’t be afraid to bring the subject up with them. It’s better for this conversation to take place one-on-one in a place that feels safe. Express your concerns calmly and without judgement, laying out things you’ve noticed while avoiding direct comments about their appearance. You may be initially met with denial, anger, or embarrassment – that’s okay. Ask how you can support them, letting them know you are by their side and ready to help. This may look like gathering resources, tagging along to appointments, and being a good listener.
Therapy for Eating Disorders in Colorado
Eating disorders are a difficult topic to broach, but a necessary one. They can be complicated and confusing, but help is available. Therapists at Peak Psychological Services are trained in science-backed methods that are specific to eating disorders. There are a variety of methods used for treating eating disorders, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Family Based Treatment (FBT)
No two eating disorders are the same, and the same goes for treatment paths. A compassionate specialist, matched with you based on your needs, will work with you to discover your personal triggers, potential coexisting conditions and coping skills that will encourage improvement. Together, we can work toward the healthier, happier future that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to find out if Peak is right for you.
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