How Do I Know If I Have an Eating Disorder?

Someone struggling with an eating disorder commonly:

Avoids eating in public
Constantly thinks of food
Cooks for others but not self
Eats large amounts of food
Hides food
Feels fat but is actually thin
Has extreme weight fluctuations
Exercises excessively every day`
Becomes isolated from friends
Feels everything has to be perfect
Has unrealistic expectations
Constantly seeks approval
Is confused about their identity
Has a great fear of criticism
Avoids sexuality

Why should I seek treatment early?

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia have serious medical consequences. Early intervention is essential if treatment is to be provided on an outpatient basis rather than in a hospital. Medically dangerous weight loss has physical consequences many people don’t know about until it happens to them:

Menstrual irregularities in females
Excess hair on face, arms and body
A grayish or yellowish skin tone Thin, wiry hair
Rapid decay of tooth enamel
Decreased heart rate
Irregular heart beat

How can the Center Help?

The Center’s goal when treating clients with eating disorders is to
identify and address the underlying emotional issues that result in unhealthy eating behavior. Our interdisciplinary approach includes an initial screening and regular check-ups with your personal physician, nutritional counseling (when prescribed by your physician), and psychotherapy.

With the help of your Center therapist, you will:

Improve your self-esteem
Learn to express your feelings
Experience self-acceptance
Remove food obsessions
Develop healthy eating habits
Improve family communication
Learn to reach out to others

Don’t wait to get help for yourself or your loved one. Call Samaritan Counseling Center today for more information, to ask questions, or to schedule an appointment.

There is hope for those suffering with an eating disorder, and early intervention speeds recovery. This is the day to begin the healing and stop the hurting. This is the day to take back your life from the painful existence that is an eating disorder.

LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION :

• Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders

 

An eating disorder develops when we use food as a survival tool in response to the challenges of life. We are unable to eat food in a manner that was normal for us before. Physical symptoms begin to develop and, without professional help, our eating behavior begins to seriously hurt our body, mind, and spirit.