Eating disorders are often associated with teenagers and adolescents. But many adults struggle with this same issue.
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are mental health issues that involve unhealthy or obsessive eating habits. Some of the most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.
Anyone can develop an eating disorder at any point in their life, though a disproportionate number of those diagnosed are young females. Researchers have found there are often biological factors involved in developing an eating disorder, as well as social and interpersonal pressures. Many men and women develop eating disorders as a response to culturally mediated body image concerns.
Eating Disorders and Physical Health
If not treated, eating disorders can and do often lead to poor physical health. Here are just some of the physical symptoms that commonly occur in people with eating disorders:
- Drastic changes in weight (either increase or decrease)
- Hair loss
- Dizzy spells and fainting
- Feeling cold
- Stained or discolored teeth (from purging)
- GI upsets like stomach aches and cramping
- Dehydration
- Nutritional deficiencies
It’s important to mention that while these symptoms are common, not everyone will present with them. Eating disorders and their physical and emotional effects will look different for each individual.
If you have anorexia, you need to get professional help.
There are a number of reasons why you might find it difficult to get help. If so, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for a referral. You can also look online for support groups in your area or seek out other people who have been through the same thing as you. Sometimes just talking with someone who is experiencing similar symptoms can be helpful and provide insight that could lead you toward recovery.
If none of these options work out, try seeing a therapist or psychologist instead of your regular physician. Therapy has helped many patients overcome eating disorders by providing them with an unbiased mediator who can help sort out their feelings about food and eating without judgment or bias from anyone else involved in the treatment process (including family members).
Your doctor will likely suggest a multidisciplinary approach to treatment for your anorexia.
Your doctor will likely suggest a multidisciplinary approach to treatment for your anorexia. This means that you will be referred to a therapist and nutritionist, in addition to a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication if needed.
The idea behind the multidisciplinary treatment is that each discipline plays a specific role in helping you get better:
- The therapist works on how you feel about yourself
- The nutritionist teaches you how to eat more healthily and gain weight safely (if needed)
- The psychiatrist helps with any underlying mental health issues or medications
Make sure you have a doctor who understands eating disorders and keeps in touch with them.
You may need to seek out a specialist if your GP or other health professional doesn’t understand eating disorders.
You may also need to find a doctor who is willing to see you at very short notice and who will also be available when you are in crisis.
It’s important that you keep in touch with your doctor, even if they don’t have any experience in treating anorexia.
Treatment Options
Eating disorders can be very stressful for the person and their loved ones. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening. If you have anorexia, you need to get professional help. Your doctor will likely suggest a multidisciplinary approach to treatment for your anorexia. Make sure you have a doctor who understands eating disorders and keeps in touch with them. Be willing to try out new treatments even if they make you uncomfortable at first. Try not to be too hard on yourself if you slip up or relapse.
There are a few different treatment options for those suffering from an eating disorder:
Speaking with a Trained Therapist
If you have anorexia, you need to get professional help. Your doctor will likely suggest a multidisciplinary approach to treatment for your anorexia. Make sure you have a doctor who understands eating disorders and keeps in touch with them. Be willing to try out new treatments even if they make you uncomfortable at first. Try not to be too hard on yourself if you slip up or relapse
Medications
Medications may be needed to help treat any anxiety and depression that often coexists with an eating disorder. Your medical practitioner would decide what will be the best medication treatment plan for you.
If you or someone you love is living with an eating disorder, it is important that you get some help. With the right treatment plan, life can become healthy once again.
Conclusion
If you have anorexia, it is important that you seek treatment immediately. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of recovery. If you have had a history of eating disorders or have been struggling with anorexia for some time now then it is even more important to get help from someone who understands what’s going on in your head and knows what methods work best for treating this condition.
Begin Eating Disorder Counseling in Huntsville, AL
You deserve to love the skin you’re in. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to help you cope with your eating disorder and improve the relationship between you and your body. We can offer support from our Huntsville, AL-based practice and across the state. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Aspire Counseling
- Meet with a caring counselor
- Start overcoming eating disorder symptoms!
Other Services Offered With Aspire Counseling
Eating disorder counseling isn’t the only service our team offers at Aspire Counseling. We are happy to offer multiple services in support of your mental health. Other services offered include teen counseling, marriage and couples counseling, individual counseling, anger management therapy, anger management classes, and depression therapy. We also offer support with continuing education and offer online clinical supervision for social workers. Please feel free to visit our blog or FAQ for more helpful info!
