Understanding and Getting Help for Disordered Eating
Did you know that 9 percent of Americans will have an eating disorder at least once during their lifetime? The term eating disorder is commonly understood as, as well as used to describe a mental health disorder characterized by abnormal eating behaviors that negatively impact an individual's physical and psychological wellness. The disorders that fall into this category include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. These can be severe mental health conditions that require intensive, individualized care provided by a multidisciplinary team.
While many people may not have an actual eating disorder, there are still unhealthy and risky behaviors that we can engage in relating to food. We call these behaviors and patterns disordered eating, which is an umbrella term for symptoms that may not meet clinical criteria for an eating disorder, but still impact an individual’s wellbeing.
Common Signs of Disordered Eating
Restricted Food Intake: Limiting how much food is consumed, or following rigid dietary guidelines.
Compulsive or Over-Exercising: Excessively working out to burn more calories and lose weight.
Skipping Meals: Foregoing meals during the day, which leads to increased hunger and less energy.
Food Obsession: Frequently thinking about food, calories, and/or body image.
Eating Alone: Individuals may feel uncomfortable eating with others or in a group, so may choose to eat alone.
Consequences of Disordered Eating
Chronic disordered eating has been associated with nutritional deficiencies and physical health issues, as well as mental health struggles including feelings of guilt, fear, and shame. It has been associated with various factors, including:
Biological factors include genetic predispositions, or higher risks for developing disordered eating or an eating disorder.
Sociocultural factors incorporate a particular culture’s perspective on healthy eating and body image. This can be seen in traditional media such as TV shows, movies, and magazines that idealize thinness and engage in “fat-shaming” and more recently, social media influencers who have contributed to this by advertising weight loss pills or cosmetic surgeries to alter one’s body image. Alarmingly, the frequent consumption of this type of toxic content is fueling Americans’ dissatisfaction with their body image and contributing to low self-worth.
Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of disordered eating, and may include trauma, bullying, discrimination, or food insecurity.
Psychological factors, including having a poor relationship with food, may also lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
Approaches to Recovery
Treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of disordered eating often focus on the concept that recovery is possible, and typically focus on:
Cultivating Self-Compassion: Treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would with a friend.
Practicing Mindful Eating: Being aware of and intuitive about your eating habits, helping you to be more in tune with your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues.
Connect with a Support System: Surround yourself with those who understand your experiences and are actively working to help your recovery.
Join Our Virtual Support Group
Recovering from disordered eating can feel isolating, but it is important to remember that it does not have to be done alone. Finding a community that is accepting and supportive is important in your healing journey. Deepwater Counseling is providing a safe space that fosters an accepting and supportive community with our weekly virtual support groups, facilitated by counseling intern Tabatha Walford, to help you work toward recovery. You’ll explore your relationship with food and exercise, develop a “pro-recovery” mindset, and more.
This weekly support group will be held on Mondays from 2-3 pm, beginning February 3rd. Open to all ages and genders. Please note, this group is not appropriate for those needing immediate or individualized support.
For more information or to register, contact Tabatha Walford at tabatha@deepwatermichigan.com or 734.203.0183 x 702.
-By Tabatha Walford, Counseling Intern