Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are illnesses, not choices. They are also complex, chronic and are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. An eating disorder occurs when food is used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for dealing with challenging life issues and emotions. Much like some individuals turn to alcohol, drugs or gambling, persons with eating disorders turn to either restricting their food intake, bingeing, purging or emotional eating to soothe their feelings. This pattern often begins unconsciously and can often start with a decision to lose weight. In our thin-obsessed culture, we have all been taught that being thin brings happiness. Many of those more vulnerable to developing eating disorders feel badly about themselves and in their minds, losing weight is a way to feel better or gain a sense of control over their lives. It becomes easier initially to count calories, fat grams and carbs than manage the complicated issues, feelings and/or relationships they might be dealing with in their lives.
Most individuals who develop eating disorders have not learned healthy ways to manage their feelings, problem-solve or deal with stress. Some individuals have learned that going to people for support does not feel good, is not helpful or even hurts. For others, they simply do not want to be a burden. They are more comfortable supporting others and are not really in touch with their own vulnerable feelings and need for emotional support. Restricting or turning to food is safer, more predictable and at least at first, more effective for them. But everyone needs their feelings heard and acknowledged. Everyone needs emotional support.
So what starts out unconsciously as a way to take care of oneself emotionally, gain some sense of control over one’s life or try to please others can quickly become a preoccupation and an obsession. After all, when one is busy over-exercising, bingeing, purging or starving oneself, one is distracted from the pain, sadness, hurt, anger or other feelings that underlie the eating disorder behaviors. This process can quickly become addictive because it does help the person to cope, at least in the moment. The pattern becomes highly reinforcing and rewarding psychologically. After some time, the eating disorder can take on a life of its own. It is not easy to give up something that helps you cope with your life — even when that life begins to spiral more and more out of control.
This spiraling out of control is why it is essential that professional treatment be sought as soon as possible. The sooner one seeks treatment the easier it is to treat. Waiting allows the eating disorder behaviors to become even more deeply entrenched and can take much longer to resolve. Having said this, it is never too late to seek help and be helped for an eating disorder. See your doctor and let she or he know that you are struggling with this issue or contact a therapist specializing in eating disorders. Recovery is possible.
