National Eating Disorders Awareness week is coming up. Understanding eating disorders is key to fighting this illness. Eating disorders do not discriminate. They impact all genders and races. The purpose of the week is to highlight the impact it has on these individuals and the challenges they face. This disorder is full of stigmatization and misunderstanding. There are a multitude of resources for those who struggle and for those who support those with their struggles.

Understanding eating disorders

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

With this disorder the person has an intense fear of getting fat. Restriction of food is characteristic of AN. The person may see that their bones are jutting out and know they should gain weight, yet are terrified to do so.

Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

With BN the individual binge eats (eating an amount in a short period of time that would be considered excessive). Due to the shame they feel they purge in some way. Purging may include vomiting, excessive exercise, use of laxatives, etc.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Those with BED, binge eat, yet do not purge afterwards. However they do feel the same sense of shame and loss of control while eating, just as in BN.

Avoidant/Restrictive Intake Disorder (AFRID)

Those diagnosed with ARFID do not restrict their food intake due to fear of getting fat. However, they limit what they eat based on things such as a fear of choking, they don’t like the texture or other sensory issues with the food.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

If someone does not meet full criteria for one of the above eating disorder, yet still engages in some of the disordered eating patterns they can receive this diagnosis.

Importance of Awareness in understanding eating disorders

The above eating disorders are very serious. They have the highest death rate of any other mental disorder. Telling a person to just eat, or just stop eating is like telling the alcoholic to just stop drinking. It is not easy. Those struggling from these disorders experience shame or intense fear of getting fat. It takes time to challenge these unrealistic thinking patterns.

Early detection

The earlier an eating disorder is diagnosed, the greater the chance for recovery. Many people don’t seek treatment until they are middle aged and are tired of fighting it. Learning the early warning signs may save your life or that of someone you love.

Destigmatization

Because of the shame with these disorders many people suffer in silence. It has been thought of a white woman’s disease, so if you are male or don’t fit the mold it can be harder to speak up. The more we talk about it and its impact, the more we can decrease the stigma.

Understanding eating disorders and resources

There are all sorts of resources and knowing where to get help can make all the difference. Below are some of them.

Screening tool to see if you have an eating disorder https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) a wealth of information on all things related to eating disorders

Alliance for eating disorders https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/about/

Advocacy

By advocating for those with eating disorders we can shift the culture and make body positivity a focus. Doing so can have a huge impact on mental health.

Signs and symptoms of eating disorders

The first step to change is recognizing the signs and symptoms of eating disorders

Major changes in weight or eating habits

Persons self esteem is based on their weight or shape

Constantly weighing oneself

Preoccupation with the amount of calories in food

Withdrawing socially

Being tired and light headed

Loss of hair

Increase in emotional distress

What to say

Understanding eating disorders will make it easier to have this discussion. Thus, if you have concerns about someone you love or care about, you can express your concern about their well-being. Share with them the behavior you are noticing. Let them know you are worried about them. Be sure you are warm and loving vs. critical or judgmental. Don’t tell them what they should be doing. Set a time to have this discussion in private.

As you are expressing your concerns, you may be met with resistance. Most people don’t want to admit they have an eating disorder, or feel shame and don’t want to talk about it. If this is the case, don’t push back. Tell them that you are there for them and if they ever want to talk about it in the future you are available.

You can also share some of the resources above, or suggest they speak with a therapist.

If you are struggling or want help understanding eating disorders, help is just a phone call, email or text away. Please give me a call a 713-304-6554 if you would like someone to talk to.

Take care,

Debbie Grammas