Do I Have an Eating Disorder? Advice From an Eating Disorder Therapist
Do you have concerns that you or your child may have an eating disorder? It can be hard to know what is "normal" when it comes to eating. In fact, many people struggle with disordered eating habits at some point in their lives. If you're worried that you or your child may be dealing with disordered eating, know that you're not alone. In this blog, we will go over the signs of eating disorders and disordered eating. And, the importance of seeking treatment.
How Do I Know if I Have an Eating Disorder?
There are many different eating disorders with a range of symptoms. These include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and binge eating disorders. Some eating disorders involve restricting your food intake or purging after eating. Other eating disorders involve overeating (often as a result of restricting your food intake). All eating disorders have different symptoms. But, most eating disorders have a few common signs:
Preoccupation with food
Weight
Appearance
Intense fear of gaining weight
And excessive calorie counting
Other behaviors associated with eating disorders are frequent dieting, excessive exercise, and often checking your body in the mirror for changes in your appearance.
It can be hard to figure out whether these behaviors are normal or not.
This is because they often become normalized through diet culture and athletics. If you are part of a sports team or a regular member of a gym, you may think that it's healthy to count the calories in everything you eat. Or, work out 7 days a week, and do everything you can to keep the weight off.
But, it's vital to realize there is a difference between regular exercise and healthy eating, and extreme restriction and exercise to change your appearance. A helpful practice is to keep in mind what your intentions and goals are. Is your goal to build strength, prevent injuries, or increase your blood flow? Or is your goal to alter your appearance by losing weight? Your intentions don't always dictate your behavior. But, thinking about your goals is a great place to start when assessing if your behavior is healthy or not.
Eating Disorders VS. Disordered Eating
We've noted that it can be difficult to figure out whether you have an eating disorder. This is why it's important to discuss the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating. You might not have every symptom of Anorexia or Bulimia. But, if you have a few of these symptoms you might be dealing with disordered eating. While disordered eating might not lead to a formal diagnosis by a counselor, it is still unhealthy and dangerous. Disordered eating can lead to an eating disorder, and it can lead to severe physical symptoms as well. So, it's important to seek help for your disordered eating habits. Even if you don't have a diagnosed eating disorder.
Disordered Eating Can Affect Anyone
The media often portrays eating disorders in young girls. But, anyone can have an eating disorder or disordered eating habits regardless of their age, weight, or gender. Eating disorders do not discriminate. If you think that you might have an eating disorder, or if you are struggling with disordered eating habits, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking eating disorder treatment, and recovery is possible.
Begin Eating Disorder Treatment in San Antonio, TX
Regardless of your experiences with eating disorders, you deserve support in overcoming these habits. Our team of caring therapists can offer support from our San Antonio, TX-based office. We would be honored to support you! To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
Meet with a caring therapist