- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health, Fay or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
How Do I Know If I Truly Have an Eating Disorder?
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Of all the mental illnesses that a person could potentially be subject to, eating disorders are the most highly stigmatized. This is largely in part to the media influence on the imagery associated with eating disorders, in combination with the overall lack of education about these deadly illnesses.
Unfortunately, eating disorders continue to be seen as diseases of “vanity”, as though someone might develop this mental illness in attempting to change something about their appearance. This implies that eating disorders are a choice, which could not be farther from the truth.
Eating disorders are in fact, among the most deadly psychiatric illnesses influenced by biological and psychosocial components. A person does not choose to have an eating disorder any more that someone “chooses” to have diabetes or heart disease. Understanding this important fact in itself helps eliminate much of the confusion that surrounds eating disorders, breaking the stigmas that are involved with these diseases.
Challenging the Stigmas About Eating Disorders
Unfortunately, it is the stigmas created about eating disorders that make it difficult for those who are struggling to seek out the help and support they might need for recovery. This also creates confusion for those who might be suffering with an eating disorder as well as loved ones, including family members and friends.
Eating disorder behaviors can be misunderstood or mistaken for other issues, which can prevent an individual from seeking out the appropriate treatment and care that is needed for recovery. Time is of teh essence when it comes to awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of an eating disorder, and many individuals with these diseases are often racing the clock when it comes to their own health and wellness.
Eating Disorder Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms that characterize eating disorders can vary based on the illness at hand, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and more. Eating disorder symptoms can range in acuity and intensity, with some more obvious and apparent than others. Any type of disturbances in eating behaviors should never be taken lightly.
Even if there do not seem to be any other obvious signs or symptoms, a drastic change in how a person eats can be indicative of a problematic eating disorder. Eating disorders also permeate a person in every aspect of their life, including their physical well-being, emotional and mental state, spirituality, relationships and more.
Stigmas seem to indicate that weight in itself is a factor that might reveal an eating disorder, but this is another misconception. A person can have an eating disorder at any weight, and this should not be allowed to discriminate against an individual who is in need of help and treatment.
If you feel as though something might not be right but are not sure whether or not you have an eating disorder, it is important to seek out the advice of a qualified health professional. Understanding what you may be facing can be the first step towards getting the help you need for recovery.
Community Discussion -Share your thoughts here!
How do you think our culture does a disservice to those struggling with eating disorders?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer 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.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 28, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
