Bulimia and Anorexia Therapy – Counselors and Therapists in Chesterfield

Bulimia and anorexia are eating disorders that affect an estimated 30 million Americans today. Sadly, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders say as little as 10 percent of them have access to the proper treatment. The rest either deny the problem, or deal with it in their own way, which often ends in disaster.

Both eating disorders are life threatening and even potentially fatal. Those suffering from it should receive the proper care, guidance, and support. If you happen to be in Atlanta and experience these disorders there is someone who can help you.

What Causes Anorexia and Bulimia

Obsession with the body image and low self-esteem were often thought of as the only causes for anorexia and bulimia. However, studies show that the reasons behind them are even more complex than that.

What are underlying causes for these disorders?

• One reason can be the genes. Anybody who has one or more than one family member suffering from these disorders is 12 times more likely to suffer from it too. Genes also affect one’s attitudes toward food.
• Issues regarding mental health can also be a key influence. One classic symptom of depression is the need to eat more or totally avoid food. However, it can also be that eating disorder suffers have depression that is not tied to their eating disorders at all.
• Traumatic experiences like physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can lead to eating disorders. Even experiences that destroyed confidences, or caused guilt and shame can also cause these.
• Having ready access to diet pills, weight-loss pills, and other such products.
• Peer pressure, and other environmental influences, can also cause anorexia or bulimia.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders

• Depression and anxiety
• Obsession with body image
• Too much eating followed by the act of purging (vomiting the food back out)
• Not eating anything at all
• Dieting too restrictively with the aim of losing weight (but also at the risk of losing essential nutrients)
• Fixating on reaching or maintaining a certain weight
• Feeling guilty or shameful after eating

Challenges and How to Get Bulimia Therapy

Eating disorders are problems that do not go away on their own without professional help.
You may think not eating right isn’t a big deal. You may not experience any trouble at first, but your body has a way of exacting a toll on your health if you don’t take care of it.

You are only setting yourself up for more health problems in the future like stroke, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.You are also setting yourself up for an endless cycle of guilt, shame and depression; a vicious cycle that has been known to end in suicide.

The good news is the fight against eating disorders doesn’t have to be a lonely one; if you are in Chesterfield there are people who can help you solve this problem. Make the right decision and don’t let these disorders lead you to ruin. We have counselors who are familiar with your struggles and can help overcome them with the right guidance, encouragement and support.