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Eating Disorders
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible, early intervention usually indicates more positive outcomes. If you are seeking help you are ready to make those first steps towards regaining control of your life.
It is never too late to reach out for help, but it is important to understand that without timely, expert support your condition can become progressively worse over time and will impact your physical and psychological wellbeing, your relationships, and your ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
Anorexia
Restricting food can be linked to feelings of being safe and accepted. Individuals with anorexia have a distorted self-image of their body and have an intense fear of gaining weight. Anorexia is a serious eating disorder that requires treatment. Extreme weight loss in people with anorexia can lead to malnutrition, dangerous health problems and even death.
Who does anorexia affect?
Anorexia can occur in people of any age, sex, gender, race, gender, ethnicity, and individuals of all body weights, shapes and sizes. Anorexia most commonly affects adolescents and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and is increasing in numbers in children and older adults.
What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia?
Anorexia and bulimia are both eating disorders. They can have similar symptoms, such as distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. The difference is that they have different food-related behaviours. People who have anorexia severely reduce their calorie intake and/or purge to lose weight. People who have bulimia eat an excessive amount of food in a short period of time (binge eating) followed by certain behaviours to prevent weight gain such as:
- Intentional (self-induced) vomiting.
- Misuse of medications such as laxatives or thyroid hormones.
- Fasting or exercising excessively.
What are the signs and symptoms of anorexia?
You can’t always tell if a person has anorexia just by their appearance because anorexia also involves mental and behavioural components — not just physical. A person does not need to be underweight to have anorexia. Larger-bodied individuals can also have anorexia. However, they may be less likely to be diagnosed due to cultural stigma against fat and obesity. In addition, someone can be underweight without having anorexia, anorexia also includes psychological and behavioural components as well as physical.
There are several emotional, behavioural and physical signs and symptoms of anorexia.
Binge eating disorder (BED)
Who does binge eating disorder affect?
Binge eating disorder can affect people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds though research shows that binge eating disorder may be the most common eating disorder. It is often a way to cope with challenging or overwhelming feelings, such as anxiety, fear, anger, stress or upset and/or people may binge eat when they are experiencing feeling of elation or excitement.
Binges can be planned, or happen spontaneously but will usually result in a damaging cycle of negative emotions, restriction and then bingeing.
Long-term effects of binge eating disorders include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infertility issues and type 2 diabetes, amongst other conditions.
Psychological signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder can include:
- Spending a disproportionate amount of time thinking about food
- A general feeling of being out of control
- Having low confidence and self-esteem
- Anxiety or depression
- Social withdrawal and anxiety
- Feelings of shame, disgust and extreme distress will often follow the binge
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa (bulimia) is a type of eating disorder that is a serious mental health condition, characterised by a destructive cycle of bingeing followed by compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, excessive exercise (or a combination of these methods) in order to prevent weight gain.
The cycle of bulimia is usually triggered by uncomfortable feelings, such as sadness, anxiety, stress or hunger. Sufferers will tend to set very strict rules and regimens for themselves surrounding eating, dieting and exercise.
Who does bulimia affect?
Bulimia nervosa often starts in the mid-teens though many don’t seek help until their twenties because they are able to hide it, even though it affects their lives. Many seek help when their life progresses – they begin a new relationship or move in with someone for first time.
Psychological signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa can include:
- Extensive worry about weight, gaining weight and calories
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Guilt
- Shame
- Isolation
- Become obsessive about food and eating
What does an Intervention look like?
We work with you
Our team will work with you and your family providing emotional and practical support to facilitate an intervention that supports your loved one at every step.
Food is nourishment, not the enemy.
Let’s help you find a balanced relationship with your body and self. Begin your Eating Disorder healing journey with us.
