Our health habits have many factors that influence them on a large and small scale. There is a growing trend in the United States and around the world for eating disorders to develop, in part as a result of systemic factors that promote and sustain dissatisfaction with self and chasing a physical ideal that is unattainable for most people. Eating disorders also emerge because of misinformation about what health really is, biases against certain body types, trauma manifesting in the body, lack of appropriate support and coping skills, and other issues. It’s not just an attempt to lose weight or gain muscle gone awry. Research suggests that eating disorders can exist in much the same way as other forms of addiction; people rely on disordered eating behaviors to soothe themselves when they are triggered, need to do more and more extreme behaviors to get the same relief over time (known as “tolerance” in the addiction world), and a cycle of shame and secrecy perpetuates it. Eating disorders are the most fatal mental health diagnoses a person could have because of the potential for severe physiological damage and vulnerability to accidents, increased risky behaviors, or suicide attempts. There are many ongoing efforts to expand accurate knowledge about eating disorders to health care professionals, families, educators, coaches, spiritual counselors, legislators, and other leaders to help with providing interventions that could save lives. It’s an uphill battle, as they are up against multibillion dollar industries and social media platforms that have a dominating presence in mainstream society as well as increasing rates of trauma, grief, and isolation in recent years.
Our practitioners who treat Eating Disorders and Body Image Problems aim to provide accurate information about eating disorders, use evidence-based interventions and screening tools, stay connected to social supports and external providers, and make recommendations for additional services as needed. There is always hope for healing and being able to see yourself (and your body) with kindness.
Our practitioners who treat Eating Disorders and Body Image Problems aim to provide accurate information about eating disorders, use evidence-based interventions and screening tools, stay connected to social supports and external providers, and make recommendations for additional services as needed. There is always hope for healing and being able to see yourself (and your body) with kindness.