In today’s blog post, I’ll cover why it is important to seek help for an eating disorder as soon as possible.  Before we do so, I think it is important to mention some of the truths surrounding eating disorders. I have found from my clinical experience that many individuals hold myths that have stopped people from reaching out for help.

Truths:

• All eating disorders regardless of diagnosis, have health and psychological consequences including an impact on one’s social life, self-esteem, and relationships.
• Individuals struggling often have other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
• Eating disorders do not discriminate and affect all ages, racial/ethnic background, body sizes, and genders.
• Although the typical onset of an eating disorder occurs in adolescence or in younger adults, this is not always the case and adults can develop an eating disorder as well.
• Eating disorders can be life-threatening and have the highest mortality rate than any other mental illness
• There is no magical cure, however there are many evidence-based treatments that can support recovery.
• Individuals of any size or shape can develop medical complications due to disordered eating affecting every organ in the body. The International Academy for Eating Disorders does an excellent job outlining medical concerns, physical signs, and symptoms, and I have attached a link here if you are interested. https://www.nyeatingdisorders.org/pdf/AED%20Medical%20Management%20Guide%203rd%20Edition.pdf
• Regardless of the eating disorder diagnosis or severity of symptoms, individuals should seek treatment. I often heard from clients that they didn’t believe they were ill or sick enough.

Do any of those truths surprise you? For me, people were always surprised to hear that eating disorders affect all ages, racial/ethnic background, body size and genders!  This is so important to keep in mind because that myth can hold someone back from seeking treatment.  It is important to note, the sooner someone seeks help, the sooner they can return to their old self and experience success in treatment. The longer an illness goes on, the longer the eating disorder behaviors become entrenched in ones life. In treatment there are many goals, such as medical stability, nutritional rehabilitation such as weight restoration (if necessary), restoring meal patterns, decreasing symptoms such as binging or purging, eating without concern about food and engaging in a social life and improved body image. All of these goals focus on restoring the persons life.

Recovery for an eating disorder involved a lot of work, eating disorders don’t develop overnight, and the same goes for recovery.  Recovery involves small steps towards self-acceptance, tackling challenging behaviors, thoughts and feelings.  With the right supports and treatment, individuals can regain their health, find joy again and break free from the cycle of an eating disorder.