Bulimia and anorexia are eating disorders that affect an estimated 30 million Americans today. Don’t think that they are matters that can be taken lightly; both eating disorders are potentially fatal.
How do you spot if someone has an eating disorder? How can you tell if you yourself are suffering?
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Depression and Anxiety – Those who suffer from anorexia or bulimia also often have these. However, it should also be mentioned these are not exclusive to eating disorders but may also be symptoms of other ailments.
Feeling guilty or shameful after eating – There is no reason to have these feelings after eating, so if you get them then something is wrong.
Obsession with body image – You should actually care about this, but only to an extent; if you start to value how people see you over how you see yourself then that isn’t healthy anymore.
Fixating on Maintaining a Certain Weight – You get upset if you gain a pound, never mind if you already underweight. You would rather die than gain more weight.
What Causes Anorexia and Bulimia
One reason can be the genes. If you have at least one family member suffering from these disorders you are 12 times more likely to suffer from it too.
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 should be mentioned you can have depression that is not tied to 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 can also raise risks of developing these disorders.
Peer pressure, and other environmental influences, can also cause anorexia or bulimia.
Even with those staggering figures, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders say as little as 10 percent of those who suffer from eating disorders 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.
Those suffering from it should receive the proper care, guidance, and support. If you happen to be in Fredericksburg, VA and experience these disorders there is someone who can help you.
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 Fredericksburg, VA 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. 540-322-5424
