It is essential to understand Eating Disorders aren’t “virtual” or a “phase” of an individual’s life. They are real and complex, much like our lives.
What is Eating Disorder? Contrary to common perception, Eating Disorders are mental illnesses involving an unhealthy preoccupation with thoughts related to food, exercise, and body shape. These disorders are characterized by abnormal eating habits and can cause huge physical, mental and social turmoil. There are several types of Eating Disorders. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, etc.
Needless to worry, early diagnosis of the illness aids the recovery of the same. We have mentioned the red flags and therapies so you’re covered!
What are the symptoms?
Identifying the warning signs can help de-escalate the situation, thereby here are the sym
ptoms of Eating Disorders: ❖ Dramatic weight loss/gain ❖ Obsessive overthinking about food, dieting, calorie count, etc ❖ Avoiding mealtimes or eating in front of others ❖ Menstrual distress like PCOD or PCOS ❖ Repeated induced vomiting and purging ❖ Social awkwardness such as change of dressing sense and social anxiety ❖ Clinical Depression ❖ Abnormally low heart rate
What are the consequences?
Physiological consequences:
The bodily costs include:-
❖ Missing out on important nutrition, an example being essential electrolytes
❖ Lack of proper nutrients leads to health issues, such as cardiovascular and kidney problems
❖ Pulse and blood pressure begin to drop
❖ If it is extreme, it may prove to be fatal
Neurological consequences:
The impact on the mind is such:-
❖ Difficulty in concentration due to calorie-deficiency
❖ Sleepless nights or insomniac tendencies
❖ Inadequate or slow neurotransmission
❖ Fainting, dizziness, sleep apnea (disorder when a victim forgets to breathe while sleeping)
❖ Productivity issues
Where to seek help? Diagnosis and therapy The foremost step to healing (from every hardship) is loving yourself and acknowledging the smallest beauties within you. Recognizing the need to seek help for EDs is a good place to start. Further on, you can contact professional dieticians and ED support groups such as individual or group therapy, family therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring. As put, “The road to recovery will not be easy and it will take time, but you will have to focus on the moments you have dreamed for, so long. Be strong. It’s our choice to heal.”