The Dr. is in! February – National Eating Disorder Awareness
During the week of February 20th to 26th, we recognize National Eating Disorder Awareness.
by Samantha Renfree LPC
CCTP
To inspire healthier communities through compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment; science-driven education; and trusted, accessible resources.
Lukin Center
Driven by Science. Led by Compassion
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are a category of mental illnesses in which there are multiple types. As a whole, eating disorders involve a persistent challenge of eating or behaviors related to eating that impact the individual’s ability to consume food which creates challenges in the person’s ability to engage in their daily activities. Different eating disorders include and aren’t limited to Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Depending upon the experience, an individual may experience restrictive eating, avoidance of food, anxiety around food and distorted body image. Individuals affected may use food as a form of control and/or self-harm. Eating disorders are complex psychological conditions that produce physical complications. Eating disorders are not just about food, for many there are connections with stress, anxiety and other mental health experiences. Eating disorders are not limited to a body size or weight, they do not only look one way.
Does it affect both adults and children?
In short, yes. Eating disorders can occur in infancy, childhood, adolescence or adulthood. ARFID most commonly begins in infancy or early childhood while Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge eating disorder may begin in adolescence and early adulthood. Eating disorders can affect anyone, they affect people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds.
How and why does this occur? Are there signs we can see to know there is an issue?
Eating disorders are complex experiences and can develop for a multitude of reasons. Food is the symptom and not the cause. People with eating disorders use disordered eating behaviors as a way to cope with difficult situations or feelings. This includes limiting the amount of food eaten, eating very large quantities of food at once, getting rid of food through unhealthy means (e.g., making themselves sick, misusing laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise) or a combination of these behaviors. Some signs can include adopting habits and rules around eating (e.g., eliminating food groups, limiting food intake and restricting quantities), refusal to eat with others, changes in exercise patterns, low self-esteem and starting to be extremely concerned with body size and shape.
What do you recommend for this type of issue? Are there preventative steps?
Like any other illness, the sooner someone with an eating disorder is treated, the more likely recovery is. Meeting with eating disorder specialists is a great place to start in order to obtain a course of treatment that is most congruent with an individual’s needs. An eating disorder team can include a therapist, dietitian and primary care physician. Preventative steps can include discouraging the idea that food has a moral value (not calling foods “good or bad”), encouraging intuitive eating behaviors and that weight does not determine health. Learning adaptive coping skills along with avoiding comments about the quantity or type of food one is eating can all be ways to help nourish a better relationship with one’s body and food.
Anything we missed?
Eating disorders are mental illnesses and being so it’s important to remember that they are not a choice. To anyone who may be considering exploring or seeking support for their relationship with their food and body, I’d want to say that recovery may not be linear, but it is worth it.
Lukin Center — Westfield Office
128 S. Euclid Ave.
Westfield, NJ 07090
(908) 509-8336