Mental Health Concerns

Eating Disorders: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Support

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and weight. They affect people of all genders and ages, often leading to significant emotional and physical health challenges. Understanding the types, symptoms, and impacts of eating disorders is the first step toward recovery.

Eating Disorders: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Support

Mental Health Concerns

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Characterized by intense fear of gaining weight and extreme restriction of food intake, leading to dangerously low body weight.
Symptoms: Severe calorie restriction, distorted body image, excessive exercise, and denial of hunger.

Bulimia Nervosa

Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives to prevent weight gain.
Symptoms: Eating large amounts of food in short periods, feeling out of control during binges, and engaging in purging behaviors.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress. Unlike bulimia, purging behaviors are absent.
Symptoms: Eating rapidly, eating when not hungry, feeling ashamed or guilty after overeating.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

Covers disordered eating patterns that do not fully meet the criteria for the above disorders but still cause significant distress and impairment.

Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress. Unlike bulimia, purging behaviors are absent.Symptoms: Eating rapidly, eating when not hungry, feeling ashamed or guilty after overeating.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

Covers disordered eating patterns that do not fully meet the criteria for the above disorders but still cause significant distress and impairment.

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Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:

Preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape
Extreme dieting, food rituals, or avoidance of meals
Fear of eating in public or social situations involving food
Mood swings, irritability, and social withdrawal

Physical Symptoms:

Significant weight changes (up or down)
Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting
Gastrointestinal issues
Changes in hair, skin, and nails (e.g., thinning hair or brittle nails)

Causes of Eating Disorders

Biological

Genetic predisposition and chemical imbalances in the brain.

Psychological:

Low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a history of trauma.

Social

Cultural pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, peer influences, or social media exposure.

Biological

Genetic predisposition and chemical imbalances in the brain.

Psychological

Low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a history of trauma.

Social

Cultural pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, peer influences, or social media exposure.

Impact of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have serious consequences on both mental and physical health, including:

Mental Health

Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Physical Health

Malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, heart complications, and damage to vital organs.

Social Life

Strained relationships due to isolation, secrecy, and changes in behavior.

Impact of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have serious consequences on both mental and physical health, including:

Mental Health

Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Physical Health

Malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, heart complications, and damage to vital organs.

Social Life

Strained relationships due to isolation, secrecy, and changes in behavior.

Getting Help for Eating Disorders

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible with the right support. Treatment often involves:

Therapy: Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), helps address underlying emotional issues and unhealthy thought patterns.

Nutritional Counseling: Working with a dietitian to restore a healthy relationship with food and nutrition.

Medical Monitoring: Regular health check-ups to manage and prevent physical complications.

Family Support: Involving family members in therapy can provide additional encouragement and understanding throughout the recovery process.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Getting Help for Eating Disorders

Sanctuary Clinics – Helping You Rebuild a Healthy Relationship with Food