Eating Disorder Awareness Month - What To Look For And How To Help
February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month. During this time, Sillon Wellness would like to take a moment to dive into the intricacies of eating disorders. Easily misunderstood, eating disorders can cause a lot of harm, making awareness even more crucial. Through discussion and education, more people can understand what an eating disorder really is, what it looks like, and how to talk about it. When 30 million people are said to suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime, it’s important that no one feels alone.
Eating Disorders Today
Eating disorders don’t discriminate. They can happen to anyone with no regard to age, gender, or race. They also present many different ways, making them more difficult to notice. A common misconception is that to have an eating disorder, you must be excessively thin, but that is not the case. In reality, physical appearance rarely gives the whole story – someone with an eating disorder may be thin, average, overweight, or anything in between. To add to the complexity, there is no one particular cause when it comes to eating disorders. They can come from social pressure, trauma, coexisting mental health conditions, negative body image, athletic pursuits, bullying and more.
Eating disorders have always existed, but there has been a noted increase over the last several years. The isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic created an uptick, with indications that times of stress and uncertainty can exacerbate mental health issues. An eating disorder may feel like a way to gain control as a coping mechanism when life feels chaotic. Additionally, technology and access to the internet has increased substantially. That includes social media, online forums and a constant onslaught of societal pressure, body comparisons, trends and negative body image messaging overall.
Recognizing An Eating Disorder
With multiple types of eating disorders with varying symptoms, they don’t always look they way you’d expect. Types of eating disorders include:
- 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 is different, but there are common red flags to watch for:
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
Not every person with an eating disorder will experience every one of these symptoms, and not everyone who experiences one or two of these symptoms has an eating disorder. This is just a list of potential signs and symptoms that can be a cause for concern. If you recognize yourself or someone you care about as you’re reading through this list, even if you’re unsure, the team at Sillon Wellness suggests you reach out to a therapist, doctor, friend, or family member that you trust.
What To Do When You Suspect An Eating Disorder
Getting better first requires an acknowledgement of a problem. If you have realized you have been struggling with food and/or body image, you don’t need to fight it alone. Reach out to a safe, trusted person in your life for support. Having someone by your side can help encourage you to push forward when your resolve may waver. Often, treatment works through a coordinated effort between a general physician who can assess your physical health and a therapist with experience with eating disorders.
If you recognize these signs in someone in your life, don’t be afraid to broach the subject with them. Coordinate a time when both parties are calm and can discuss things in a safe, comfortable atmosphere. Explain your concerns without judgement, being sure to focus more on behaviors you’ve noticed instead of physical appearance. Be prepared for potential pushback in the form of anger or denial. It may take some time for someone to come to terms with what is happening, but showing your support and compassion will always be helpful. Ask how you can help, suggesting helping find resources, joining them for appointments, or just being there to talk.
Therapy for Eating Disorders in Texas
Talking about eating disorders can be difficult, but necessary. They are complex and often hard to detect. But there is a way to move forward and get help. Therapists at Sillon Wellness are compassionate and experienced, trained in evidence-backed methods specific to eating disorders. Methods vary based on specific needs, but may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Family Based Treatment (FBT)
We will match you to a specialist based on your personal needs, who will work with you to help discover your triggers, implement healthy coping skills, and uncover any potential coexisting conditions. With the right support, you can look forward to a healthy, happy future. To learn more about how we can help, contact us to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation appointment.
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