This might feel like a basic question, but there are many ways something like this can manifest and if we look at the definition, it can be a ‘range of mental conditions’ that contribute to serious eating problems. This doesn’t mean the person suffering “is mental”, it just means there could be a number of things triggering this kind of behavior for an individual, making it a sensitive and sometimes complex subject to approach.
An eating disorder is both a battle with food and within the mind, shaping the way a person sees themselves and how they feel. It can start subtly, like cutting back on certain foods, skipping meals, exercising a bit more every day or even binge eating, and it can escalate quickly. For the person with the disorder, it can feel impossible to escape.
What are the Symptoms of an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders come in different forms. Some people restrict their food intake, while others binge and purge, and some feel compelled to overeat beyond comfort. It’s not always visible from the outside, but it’s an emotional and physical affecting disorder.
Some common signs include:
- Constant worrying about weight, calories, or food intake.
- Avoiding meals or making excuses to skip eating.
- Feeling guilt or shame after eating.
- Compulsive exercise, often to “make up” for eating.
- Extreme mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal from social situations.
- Physical changes like dizziness, fatigue, hair thinning, or digestive issues.
Remember, eating disorders don’t always present the same way in every person. Some people become hyper-focused on “clean eating” to the point where they fear certain foods. Others may secretly binge, feeling out of control and overwhelmed afterwards.
How Can you Stop an Eating Disorder?
Sadly, it’s not that simple. It’s easy to believe that stopping disordered eating habits is just about willpower. That if someone simply tried harder, they could fix it on their own. But eating disorders are rooted in deeper emotional struggles like perfectionism, control, trauma, or self-worth issues, so therapy plays such an important role in recovery.
Our specially trained therapists can help sufferers get to the root cause of what’s driving the behaviors. We understand that providing tools to carefully challenge and break away from destructive habits, and to rebuild a healthier relationship with food and the body, is critical for recovery. Therapy allows you space to explore your fears, address past experiences, and develop coping strategies that don’t revolve around restriction or guilt.
We ensure that recovery is at your pace, and we work alongside any other medical professionals you need to make sure you achieve your goal. Someone experiencing disordered eating may require the help of psychological, nutritional and specialist medical professionals for a complete treatment plan.
Eating disorders are reported to affect several million people globally at any one time, at any age. Some widely known disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED).
*All conversations with our team are strictly confidential.
PVD Psychological Associates specialize in college mental health, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship difficulties.
We also see clients for a range of other issues.
If you would like to discuss your needs with a therapist, complete the enquiry form on our Contact page and we’ll call or email you for a confidential chat.
