1. Acknowledge the Problem
Eating disorders creep into people's lives and slowly wear away at their family life, social life, and emotional and psychological well being. Typically eating disorders start out innocent enough when people skip a few meals or count calories. Some people then take extreme measures, from weighing themselves every day or every few hours, to skipping meals for whole days at a time, to incessant exercise and diet techniques. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating are the most common eating disorders, and their symptoms can be slightly different. However, treatment is only effective if the symptoms are acknowledged by both the person and their family or friends. Often interventions are necessary to get people into a treatment plan. In many cases, it is only way to save their life. When comparing treatment options find a system that treats the whole person: emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical.
2. Recovery Programs Can Help
In-patient recovery programs help sufferers of eating disorders start on the road to recovery. Patients can have their emotional, spiritual and physical health monitored by trained medical professionals in a controlled environment. Typically, in-patient programs last anywhere from 30-90 days, depending upon the severity of the case. Clients receive full psychotherapy, group counseling, support group options, physiological check-ups and cognitive therapy to reframe negative thought patterns. Treatment facilities are usually the best choice for people who have reached a crucial level in their disease. Many people say recovery begins when you leave the facility, and in many cases this is true. Search online for various treatment facilities. Check with local mental health centers and agencies for referrals to in-patient eating disorder clinics.
3. Let's Talk About the Issues
Eating disorders typically have very little to do with food or weight and have everything to do with control, emotions, and self esteem. Many patients find that simply addressing the pain they have been avoiding through controlling their eating habits creates a remarkable shift in behavior. Psychotherapy or counseling can be a great way to explore some of the painful issues. These issues could be causing some of the negative eating habits. Women typically suffer more than men, so finding supportive female role models is extremely beneficial in restructuring negative messages about the mind and body. Women's support group members share their experiences and expose feelings of anger, shame or guilt that typically contribute to eating disorder pathology. Understanding the illness and interacting with others who understand creates a safe community for sufferers during periods of relapse or difficulty.
4. Medications for Eating Disorders
While eating disorder treatment would not be complete without psychotherapy or counseling, research has shown that some individuals respond quite well to psycho-tropic medications and anti-depressants. Some eating disorders are a result of obsessive compulsive tendencies and irrational belief systems. Anti-anxiety medications have been successful in curbing compulsive thoughts and behaviors. Typically this type of treatment is supplemented with counseling, but patients should consider this an option.
