What is an Eating Disorder? According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders are defined as “illnesses in which people experience severe disturbances in their eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions.” Oftentimes, those that are dealing with an eating disorder grow preoccupied with thoughts surrounding food and their body weight. There are three major […]
When high levels of stress and anxiety from a painful or disturbing experience persist for long periods of time and make it difficult to complete daily responsibilities, individuals may be diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If individuals do not know how to cope with their trauma in a productive way, it can consume their lives and lead to unhealthy behaviors, including disordered eating patterns. An effective comprehensive treatment program emphasizes whole person care and seeks to help individuals learn self soothing strategies and psychotherapy techniques needed in replacing negative thoughts and behaviors with positive solutions.
It is time to release the negative thoughts about yourself so that you can reach your full potential and become healthy and strong again. The following are 5 challenges that will build up your confidence. By taking charge of your life and accomplishing your goals, cultivating self compassion, connecting to your friends, sharing your voice, and doing fun activities, you will gain the confidence and willpower to overcome any challenges that may come your way.
Art therapy incorporates visual arts, such as drawing, painting and other art forms with counseling and therapy. This simple, expressive practice can help you acknowledge your feelings and emotions by putting words and images together for reflection and exploration. There is a point within the recovery process where you are looking forward, making plans and using learned tools to create structure within your day.
Everyone struggles with trying to remain in the present moment. With constant social media distractions, planning for the future, and memories flooded from the past, it can be difficult for most people to appreciate the present moment. For individuals suffering from an eating disorder, becoming mindful, or aware of the present moment, can help save individuals from the critical voices inside of their heads.
Anorexia nervosa can be an extremely debilitating and life threatening disorder if individuals do not seek effective treatment. People struggling with their relationship with food often have difficulty coping with environmental stressors, such as people and situations, that trigger the stress response. It is absolutely essential that individuals who are silently suffering from anorexia seek the help they deserve and know that they are not alone.
For individuals suffering from anorexia and bulimia, the brain plays a fundamental role in their response to food. Although environmental risk factors such as social media, peers, and familial expectations contribute to feelings of anxiousness about weight and self-image, there is increasing evidence that the brain also plays a major role in the development of an eating disorder.
If individuals are informed and aware of the common myths surrounding eating disorders, they are better equipped to recognize the signs and symptoms to help themselves or someone they love seek treatment. If struggling individuals learn about the common misconceptions of bulimia, they will realize that millions of people suffer from the eating disorder and that they are not alone. Once the common myths are dispelled, individuals can sooner begin the healing process. The mental and physical consequences of bulimia nervosa can ultimately be prevented if individuals understand the common myths associated with the disorder.
Whether it is at family mealtimes or holiday gatherings, food has the power to bring loved ones together and can be an enjoyable experience. When individuals do not listen to hunger cues and use food as a coping mechanism for difficult moments, these destructive behaviors can ultimately lead to food addiction. Food addiction can ultimately lead to weight gain and other health problems associated with obesity. If you or someone you love is suffering from food addiction, there is a team of professionals waiting to help you every step of the way.
However, when feelings of hopelessness and questions about self-worth arise when people are struggling with their weight and self-image, individuals may be diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. The causes of depression can be linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals diagnosed with bulimia nervosa are often characterized by engaging in destructive behaviors such as purging, using laxatives, exercising excessively, or fasting in an unhealthy way. The only way to truly restore the individual’s mind, body, and spirit back to its healthy state is to seek a treatment recovery plan that emphasizes whole person care.