Mental Health March is the month I have dedicated to writing HC articles solely with the purpose of bringing awareness to different aspects of mental health! Today’s article; eating disorders.
Eating disorders are more common than one would think – it is estimated that 9% of the population will experience an eating disorder at some point in their life. Our ideas of eating disorders are typically clouded by numerous misconceptions and false information.
Before we go further, first we should discuss what exactly an eating disorder is.
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a psychological condition that is classified by its unhealthy eating habits. In severe cases, an eating disorder can have serious short and long-term health consequences, even death, if left untreated.
Clinical eating disorders include:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder
- Other eating disorders
- Pica, rumination, purging disorder, unspecified feeding or eating disorder, etc.
Despite common belief, an eating disorder is not reflected in someone’s size. Eating disorders come in many different shapes, sizes, and colours. They are not all fueled by the desire to be thin – there are diverse reasons for developing such a disorder, whether it be environmental, physiological, or even genetic.
An eating disorder is exactly what is sounds like: a disorder. What you see as obvious unhealthy eating habits is seen as rational by the affected individual, and it is that rationality and mindset that perpetuates their actions. Many individuals affected are in denial about their own condition. Recognizing you have a problem is the first step in getting better.
What are the effects of an eating disorder?
Eating disorders have numerous effects on its survivors and heavily impacts them mentally, physically, and in their overall health.
Physically
- Weakened heart
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Stomach rupture
- Rotting teeth
- Malnutrition
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Hypothermia
- Hair loss
- Lack of menstrual cycle/infertility
Mentally
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses
- Low self-esteem
- Mood imbalance
- Dependence/withdrawal
- Addiction
- Trauma
Different eating disorders have different effects, but all eating disorder have a negative impact on one’s health in and of itself. These are only some of the many different ways an eating disorder may affect someone.
What are some early signs of eating disorders?
Here are some signs you can try to look for in your family and friends or maybe even yourself to identify the possible onset of an eating disorder.
You avoid eating in public
The idea of eating in front of others makes you feel very self-conscious, so you begin to limit what and how much you eat in front of others. Developing an insecurity for a natural and normal behaviour such as eating is an early sign of disorder.
Obsessing over what you eat
Monitoring what you eat is not abnormal, but not to the point where it is interfering with your life. You should not be worried or anxious about what you have eaten today, or what you are going to eat later in the day. If you experience this, it might be time to think about ways of coping with this obsession before it progresses into something more.
Body checking
This is the habit of constantly seeking information about your body. You find yourself measuring your weight, height, size etc. Perhaps you always sneak a look at your torso every time you pass by a mirror. You have developed an infatuation with the details of your body, a sign of unhealthy obsession.
I hope this article has helped enlighten you on mental illness! Everyone must take care of their mental health, and often at times that is not easy to do. If you need immediate help, please reach out to emergency psychological services. Ontario residents can call 1-866-925-5454 to reach Good2Talk or call Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566. If someone is suffering from an eating disorder, whether it be someone close to you or even yourself, there are always people willing to support you. You are never alone.