Eating disorders have a vastly consequential impact on those who suffer from them. Whether it’s psychological or physical, eating disorders are one of the most dangerous mental health illnesses.
At MPower Wellness, we understand the pain associated with eating disorders. Ultimately, our desire is to help those who suffer with this mental illness on an individual basis. Our utmost goal is that those who need help feel seen and understood.
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Eating disorders can lead to severe health complications and even death. Treatment for eating disorders typically includes some combination of psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, and medication.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by weight loss (or lack of appropriate weight gain in growing children); difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age, and stature; and a powerful fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa occurs in both sexes, although it is far more common among girls and women. There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa: the restricting type and the binge-eating/purging type.
People with anorexia nervosa may experience a range of physical symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, constipation, insomnia, amenorrhea (loss of menstrual period), dry skin, and brittle nails. They may also have emotional and behavioral problems, such as social withdrawal, irritability, and depression. Anorexia nervosa can lead to serious health complications and even death.
People with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted view of their bodies, thinking they are much larger than they actually are. They may weigh themselves frequently, eat very small amounts of food, and exercise excessively. People with anorexia nervosa may also engage in purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging. The individual may feel out of control during a binge and then use methods such as vomiting or excessive exercise to get rid of the calories consumed. Bulimia can have serious health consequences, including electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and heart problems. It can also lead to social isolation and depression.
If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia nervosa, there is help available. Treatment typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and medical care. With treatment, most people with bulimia nervosa are able to recover and live healthy lives.
Binge-eating disorder is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of uncontrolled, compulsive overeating. Binging is usually accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment. People with binge-eating disorder often eat large amounts of food even when they are not hungry and continue eating even after they feel full.
Binging may occur in response to positive or negative emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anxiety, or boredom. Binge-eating disorder is a serious condition that can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Eating disorders are characterized by distorted thoughts about food and body weight, as well as unhealthy behaviors around food and exercise. This only has a negative impact on a person’s thoughts and behavior, but also a detrimental impact on their lives.
Left untreated, eating disorders can lead to serious medical complications and even death. People with eating disorders often suffer from malnutrition, which can lead to organ damage and failure. People with anorexia nervosa, for example, may suffer from heart problems, bone loss, and low blood pressure. Bulimia nervosa can cause electrolyte imbalances that can lead to heart arrhythmias and seizures.
Eating disorders can also lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with eating disorders often have a poor body image and low self-esteem. They may also be at increased risk for suicide.
Is it Difficult to Recover from an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are serious and complex illnesses that cannot be overcome without professional help. Recovery is possible, but it is often a long and difficult process. Many people who suffer from eating disorders relapse multiple times before finally achieving lasting recovery.
There are many factors that can make eating disorder recovery difficult. One of the most important is the fact that eating disorders are usually accompanied by other mental health disorders. This means that treating the eating disorder itself is not enough – the underlying issues must be addressed as well.
Another factor that can make recovery difficult is the fact that eating disorders often involve distorted body image and a deep-seated fear of weight gain. This can make it hard for sufferers to accept that they need to change their eating habits and can lead to relapse even after significant progress has been made.
What are the Stages of Recovery for Eating Disorders?
There are a few stages of recovery when it comes to being treated for eating disorders. These include the following:
- Pre-contemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Relapse
The precontemplation stage of recovery is characterized by denial and a lack of awareness of the problem. Individuals in this stage are often in complete denial about their eating disorder and do not believe that they have a problem. They may be in complete denial about the negative consequences of their eating disorder and continue in their behavior despite the negative consequences. It is important to remember that individuals in this stage are not yet ready to change; any attempts to push them into change will likely be met with resistance. It is important to wait until the individual is ready to change before trying to help them.
When people are in recovery, they often go through different stages of contemplation. This is where they start to think about their options and what they want to do with their lives. They may start to question whether or not they really want to be healthy, or if they want to try something else. This is a normal part of the process and it is important to allow yourself time to explore all of your options.
Some people find that they are able to be healthy without any major problems. Others find that they need to make some changes in their lives in order to stay on track. No matter what you decide, it is important to remember that recovery is a lifelong process. There will be ups and downs, but as long as you keep moving forward, you will be successful.
The preparation stage of recovery is a crucial time when you are getting yourself ready to make some serious changes in your life. This is the time when you need to start making plans and setting goals for your future. You will need to start looking at your life differently and begin to see the potential for change. This is also the time when you need to start taking action towards your goals. The preparation stage of recovery is the time when you need to start making positive changes in your life and begin to see the possibility for a better future.
The action stage of recovery is when people start to take concrete steps towards being healthy. This may involve attending therapy, joining a support group, or starting medication. It is also when people often make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet. The goal of the action stage is to start making positive changes that will help to support healthy living.
The maintenance stage of recovery is all about keeping up the progress that has been made during treatment and preventing relapse. This stage can last for months or even years, and it is important to have a solid plan in place to maintain healthy habits. Aftercare programs can be incredibly helpful during this stage, as they provide ongoing support and accountability. Relapse prevention is also key during the maintenance stage, as it can help to identify warning signs and avoid triggers.
The relapse stage of recovery is characterized by a return to poor dietary behavior after a period of abstinence. This can be a difficult stage to identify, as there may be no obvious signs or symptoms. However, there are some common warning signs that may indicate that a person is at risk for relapse. These include:
- A return to old patterns of eating unhealthily
- A loss of motivation or interest in recovery
- A decrease in self-care or personal hygiene
- An increase in social isolation or withdrawal
If you are concerned that someone you know is experiencing a relapse, it is important to reach out and offer support. There are many resources available to help those who are suffering from a relapse.
Find Help Today Through MPower Wellness
At MPower Wellness, we make it a priority to treat those who need help with their eating disorder on an individual basis. Our utmost concern is treating the unique needs of each person so that they have the best chance at long-term success. We also understand that eating disorders may co-occur with substance use issues. Therefore, we offer specific programs to help deal with the dual diagnosis. If you or a loved one would like to find out more, give us a call today.
