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Fallout of the Pandemic Shutdown for Eating Disorders
As more individuals are infected with COVID-19 than at the start of the pandemic, legislators are once again suggesting people lockdown. This second wave of COVID-19, and the corresponding return to lockdown, is devastating for the many who are being impacted socially, financially, mentally, and emotionally. With this pandemic, we are seeing an alarming increase in eating disorder behaviors, relapses, diagnoses, and individuals seeking treatment.
Studies are finding that “people with eating disorders might be disproportionately affected both by the pandemic crisis and the mitigating measures implemented to contain it [1].” In fact, one survey found that “the vast majority of (eating disorder) patients reported that lockdown measures had impacted, moderately to severely, their life routines [1].”
One study noted three particular ways in which individuals struggling with disordered eating may be impacted by the COVID-9 pandemic, all of which are important to explore to understand the risk factors at-play [2].
The Woes of Lockdown
If you are an optimist, lockdown isn’t all bad. Even so, Rodgers and colleagues point out that the “disruptions of daily routines, and constraints in outdoors, and social activities” can be a huge risk factor for those with eating disorders [2].
Consistency in daily routine can be hugely important to those newly recovered, as moments of boredom or complacency can be a breeding ground for disordered thoughts and fears to creep in.
Not only that, remaining indoors, only to leave for a walk or necessary grocery store visit, is a far cry from the busy and activity-filled lives that many enjoyed before. Individuals are also cut-off from their social supports, and feelings of isolation or loneliness are known to trigger eating disorder behaviors.
As Rodgers and colleagues emphasize, daily structure, hobbies, activities, and socializing are some of the most effective and most-used tools for recovery and emotional regulation [2]. Quarantine is leaving many without these, leaving them at risk for less effective methods of coping.
Eating Disorder Triggering Media Content During the Pandemic
Rodgers and his colleagues also noted the increased exposure many are having to “eating-disorder-specific and anxiety-provoking media-content [2].” During this season of our world’s history, many have had to contend with not only the daily messages of diet culture and the beauty industry, but those same unhealthy message catered to COVID.
With advertisements, articles, and social media overflowing with the content on how one should eat, act, behave, think, or appear during the COVID-19 pandemic, eating disorder triggers are everywhere without ever leaving home.
Health Fears, Realized
A final risk factor contributing to eating disorder behaviors during COVID-19 quarantine is “emotional distress caused by fears of contagion and increased health concerns [2].” Fears regarding “wellness” and “health” can bring many to engage in disordered food rules and exercise behaviors.
With many wanting to ensure their body is optimally healthy to fight a potential disease, there is concern that valid concerns over health will become harmful disorders. There is no telling the long-term impact that these risk factors will have on individuals struggling with disordered eating or body image.
What is certain is that eating disorder treatment professionals cannot ignore the effect COVID-19 and quarantine measures have on patients and must consider this in their work.
Resources:
[1] Machado, P.P. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on a cohort of eating disorder patients. Journal of Eating Disorders, 8:57. [2] Rodgers R.F., et al (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorder risk and symptoms. International Journal of Eating Disorders.About the Author:
Margot Rittenhouse, MS, PLPC, NCC is a therapist who is passionate about providing mental health support to all in need and has worked with clients with substance abuse issues, eating disorders, domestic violence victims, and offenders, and severely mentally ill youth.
As a freelance writer for Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope and a mentor with MentorConnect, Margot is a passionate eating disorder advocate, committed to de-stigmatizing these illnesses while showing support for those struggling through mentoring, writing, and volunteering. Margot has a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective on eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published December 8, 2020, on EatingDisorderHope.com
Reviewed & Approved on December 8, 2020, by Jacquelyn Ekern MS, LPC
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
