EATING DISORDER: UNDERSTANDING AND COPING WITH IT

Eating disorders are characterised by severe and persistent disturbances in eating behaviours that are associated with distressing thoughts and emotions. They are complex mental health conditions that affect many worldwide and have a significant impact on physical health and emotional well-being. It can manifest in various forms such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. It is important to understand them and explore some coping strategies. 

 

Understanding Eating Disorders:

1. Anorexia Nervosa:

This condition usually stems from an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Individuals suffering from anorexia show extreme dietary restrictions and may engage in excessive exercise and other behaviours to control weight. They might not even recognise it when they are severely underweight and might continue to refrain from eating. 

 

2. Bulimia Nervosa:

Bulimia Nervosa is like Anorexia except instead of restricting consumption, this is characterised by episodes of overeating followed by compulsive compensation behaviours such as taking a laxative, vomiting or excessive exercise. Individuals with Bulimia might also have a fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. 

 

3. Binge-Eating Disorder:

Binge eating disorder is where an individual has recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period. They feel a lack of control over these eating episodes and usually don't engage in compensatory behaviour. There could be many causes including a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. 

 

Coping Strategies:

1. Professional Intervention:

Eating disorders are complex and usually need professional help such as a therapist or counsellor. Comprehensive treatment is essential to address the underlying psychological and emotional factors contributing to the eating disorder.

 

2. Nutritional Guidance:

Nutritional guidance in the context of eating disorder treatment involves working with a registered dietitian to develop a balanced and individualized meal plan that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of the individual's well-being.

 

3. Supportive Community:

Involving friends and family in the journey can provide a supportive environment. Their understanding and encouragement can help speed up the recovery process. 

 

4. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:

Self-compassion can help counteract the negative self-perceptions and body image. One can practice mindfulness techniques to build awareness and consciously break negative thinking patterns about eating habits and emotions. 

 

5. Establishing Healthy Habits:

Adopting a balanced lifestyle including a reasonable amount of regular exercise, sufficient sleep and introducing healthy eating habits can help with the healing process. This will also help reframe your mindset and beliefs that go on in the self-narrative. 

 

6. Educational Resources:

Finding reliable educational materials and educating yourself about eating disorders can equip a person to better manage the disorder and take appropriate steps in the healing process. 

Author: Nivetha Kannan

Nivetha writes blogs on mental health and wellbeing topics for Silver Oak Health. She is a professional content writer and is passionate about the field of psychology & personal development. She writes impactful content that brings positive changes in people. Her mantra for life is to ‘be curious, and not judgemental’.