Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder
Before considering the psychological roots, let’s start by thinking about the food related signs of eating disorders. First, disordered eating can be viewed as an extreme importance of control over food intake, which leads to compensatory actions such as restricting, purging or in the event binge cycles, of obsessive overeating. Next, eating disorder signs can sometimes include fat, that is only in their imagination centered problems. Which lead to self-misery or compensatory behaviors. For example they may over-exercise, have chronic laxative abuse or insulin treatment. Third, eating disorders often replicate stringent dietary behaviors such as consuming only raw greens or removing beef, fatty foods and high carbohydrate foods, etc. Fourth, eating issues include body image distortions in a way that patients view themselves, this is not reality. They see themselves as fat when in fact they may be extremely thin. They may think their legs are too big, their belly is too fat or their arms are too flabby.
An eating disorder is just the tip of the iceberg
Despite these very particular food-related obsessions, it’s a mistake to consider these ailments to be about food. In reality, the disordered eating symptom basically demonstrates the hint of the iceberg that implies a much deeper mental challenge. If a person feels they have control over food this may be their way of coping with their mental issues, this is not a healthier way to handle anything. Different damaging coping methods could also have already been employed including substance abuse, sexually acting-out, disordered conduct, aggressive or chaotic behavior, etc. The decision of control over food is a subconscious choice to cope with overwhelming emotions or tense circumstances which might be currently happening in their life.
Know the causes of eating disorders
In a variety of ways, our bodies speak in metaphors. In eating disorder symptoms this kind of body conversation regarding mental disturbances is beautifully shown. For example, lots of people who suffer from Anorexia convey a need to “disappear” due to inadequate self-esteem or pressures of the media to be perfect. Our society creates an image of beauty that is unrealistic but many people with anorexia or bulimia believe this a reality they must attain. They are becoming uncomfortably and unrealistically skinny. They feel they will be cultural unacceptable if they are fat. People affected by Bulimia often record the requirement to “clear themselves” because it relates to the frequent connection with extreme or overwhelming feelings. Hence, the act of purging delivers momentary reduction towards the psychological storm within. Folks struggling with Binge-Eating Disorder have the desire to cover or protect themselves from others and the world around them. It’s not uncommon for them been sexually abused and to have an unconscious need to protect themselves from this happening again.
Why teenagers might have eating disorders
Maturational worries might be the cause of eating disorder in pre-pubescent, fresh adolescents and youngsters. As an example, teenagers who are fearful to become an adult may unconsciously make an effort to delay the onset of adolescence and also the associated extra sexual traits (i.e., breast development, curvy hips, menses) by lowering body fat or through restriction, avoid the desired fat arrangement from accumulating that would induce menses. Thus, your body maintains purpose, the appearance and purpose of the prepubescent child. The individual thinks by appearing to be immature or an adolescent allows them to get guidance and continued care from their parents. Or if they have parents who are going through a divorce they may feel if they stay young then their parents may wait until they are more mature before they divorce.
Understand their actual need
In summary, when associating with individuals who have problems with an eating disorder, look beyond the food-related symptoms. Look at their entire situation and at what emotional needs are present. Whether you’re a parent, partner, family member or friend, they need assistance in establishing better coping skills, facing their doubts, socially relating in a wholesome approach and growing their power to communicate their needs better. To think it is only about food (e.g., saying, “Why won’t you just eat?”) isn’t just unhelpful, but also an insult to their actual need. Featured photo credit: jose assenco/http://www.freeimages.com via freeimages.com
