Many people associate the term “restriction” with a deliberate limitation of food intake throughout the day. While calorie/energy restriction is one type of restriction that may lead to binge-eating behaviors, there are many other forms of restriction that can play a role in eating disorder urges and behaviors.
While eating disorders all share certain commonalities, it is essential to distinguish between each type of eating disorder to receive proper individualized care. Orthorexia has gained significant popularity over the past 10-20 years, and while it is not officially recognized as an eating disorder in the DSM-5, it is often confused with anorexia nervosa. Some aspects of these disorders overlap, but each presents differently, and it is crucial to distinguish between the two.
While anorexia and bulimia nervosa are the most recognized eating disorders, several lesser-known eating disorders also significantly impact those suffering. There are eight different diagnoses within the Feeding and Eating Disorders chapter of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition- text revision (DSM-5-TR), a comprehensive manual covering all psychiatric and related diagnoses in the healthcare field.
We don’t often hear about men struggling with eating disorders, not because it doesn’t happen, but because it has long been taboo for men to talk about their mental health and well-being. Recently, the rhetoric has been changing.
“Nobody can love you until you love yourself.” That phrase went viral on the Internet in the early 2010s, and it plagues Pinterest boards and mental health blogs to this day. Disguised as a motivational quote to inspire self-love for those who lack it, this rhetoric often has the opposite effect, especially for those struggling with mental health. Promoting such an idea can be dangerous and detrimental in eating disorder recovery.
People often use the terms "eating disorders" and "disordered eating" interchangeably, but the two have significant differences. The fad wellness and starvation diets, weight loss programs, and fasting regimes that people participate in today make it difficult to differentiate these disordered eating patterns from eating disorders.
Your eating disorder may be a source of stress in your life. Be mindful of your response to stress, as long-term stress can impact your physical and mental health. In honor of April being National Stress Awareness Month, here are some tips on managing stress in response to eating disorder urges or behaviors.
Stress is a natural response to the challenges of everyday life. Work-related pressure, personal relationships, financial issues, and other factors can cause it. However, if you or someone you love struggles with an eating disorder, stress can feel insurmountable, especially when pursuing recovery.
Families can play a crucial role in supporting recovery. While eating disorders are by no means a direct reflection of parents' or siblings' approach to food, it is necessary to be self-aware about food or movement. Whether you change rules around eating at the dinner table, how you comment on your own food intake or exercise choices, or even rethink comments about appearance in general, listening to your child and their support team can be incredibly helpful.
You may believe you can manage your recovery and healing from your eating disorder alone, but getting support is essential. It is human nature to both need and seek support, comfort, and accompaniment from loved ones, peers, and other beings. Finding a stable support system can be challenging. However, it is worth pursuing because it is crucial for a successful recovery.
It can be difficult for many people in eating disorder recovery to enjoy the summertime without stressing over their body image. The upcoming warm weather can bring anxiety. So, as you prepare for summer, do not let your eating disorder or negative body image hold you back.
Eating disorders do not discriminate, and anyone can develop an eating disorder. However, specific populations, such as athletes, endure experiences that put them disproportionately at risk for developing an eating disorder.
