Everyone has a different relationship with food, to some it is a comfort and a delight whilst for others it’s been associated with negative connotations. It poses a serious risk to people’s daily lives, being one of the common mental health disorders. However, as more and more people build up the courage to share their stories online and off, people are becoming increasingly aware of what an eating disorder is and how to help those suffering with it. As of today, over 30 million Americans are living with an eating disorder and the numbers only keep rising as more cases are discovered. Through awareness, the information available helps people to understand what the disorder is but awareness is more than learning, it’s about getting involved to better prevent, identify, and treat them. The week of February 26th to March 3rd serves as an opportunity to help those around you.

What are eating disorders?

They are disorders that affect people’s relationship with food and body image; those who are suffering with an eating disorder have excessive thoughts about food, body weight and shape, and how to control their own intake of food. There are three types of disorders:

• Anorexia nervosa: categorized by weight loss or maintenance by extreme dieting, starvation or too much exercise.

• Binge eating: categorized by frequently consuming an unusually large amount of food in one sitting.

• Bulimia nervosa: categorized by symptoms of purging, taking laxatives, exercising, or fasting to avoid weight gain.

Causes of an eating disorder:

People tend to attempt to control their food intake or eat their emotions as they’re unable to cope with the underlying problem of unresolved feelings of low self-esteem, lack of worth or repressed trauma. Though these cognitive reasonings contribute to developing eating disorders, other factors including biological, psychological and socials factors affect it.

• Biological factors include genetics, puberty or menopause and dieting.

• Psychological factors include anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and stressors.

• Social and environmental factors are increasingly impacting the development of disorders such as eating disorders quickly through beauty standards, social media messages and weight-based comments and teasing.

Eating disorders: Hiding in shame

Those suffering with this disorder tend to hide away their symptoms, minimizing it as much as possible, therefore the illness can go unnoticed for long periods of time which further causes damage. It’s key to being unnoticed for so long is the rare changes in physical appearance and demeanor, which only ever last so long till the signs start to show. Another contributing factor towards hiding their disorder is the stigma, stereotypes and self-criticism all being packaged under the term ‘shame’ which leads to the false belief that the disorder makes the person weak and vain.

Treatments: Worthy of care

All types of eating disorders are worth treating as many people wonder if they are ‘sick enough’ to be treated when in reality, every person deserves care. Though the symptoms vary person to person, any unhealthy relationship with food and body should be highlighted with attention and care. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, treatment options include psychological and nutritional counselling and monitoring; 60% of those who received treatment made a full recovery.

Remember you’re not alone in this, there are various resources and people around you wanting to help you.