Eating Disorders – Types, Symptoms and Reasons

A well-balanced diet helps the body to stay fit and healthy. But there can be situations when life gets tough due to stress, work issues or any other situation. Thus, the person can get into the wrong state of mind. During such times, eating gives them pleasure. Thus, they end up getting an eating disorder which becomes an unhealthy relationship with food. Herein body image can affect physical, social and emotional problems. When left untreated, the eating disorder can result in various other health concerns like organ failure. While in the worst case, it can even result and death. To avoids aby such a situation, it will be helpful to visit a good eating disorder counselling therapist to start with the treatment as early as possible.

Types of eating disorder

Although people have a misconception that all eating disorders are the same, there are different types of issues in reality. People might experience symptoms of more than one type of disorder. The most common types include.

1. Anorexia nervosa

It is the condition where the person will put in all the efforts to restrict diet or food intake to the point that results in clinical starvation. 

2. Bulimia nervosa

The person in this condition will start with large quantities of food and then take it all out through vomiting. This is just after eating or using enemas. 

3. Binge eating disorder

It is the condition where someone starts consuming a large quantity of food for a short period of time to the point they start feeling uncomfortable, or they can even lose control when this happens.Irrespective of the condition, starting with eating disorder counselling in Brisbane as early as possible will help the person. 

Reasons for eating disorder

A person who has developed an eating disorder might be facing certain challenges in life. There are various reasons why a person can develop the disorder, but none of them can justify the condition. In fact, people suffering from eating disorders start when they are at their lowest. Some people will struggle with past trauma, lack of control over life and society, inadequacy, feeling or depression.

Controlling their food habits is one way to control their life, even when the challenges they are struggling with have nothing or little to do with eating. It is quite uncommon for the individual suffering from the eating disorder to have any conditions that become fixated or result in flaws in appearance.

There can be certain outside influences that can contribute to developing an unhealthy relationship with food or body image. As the eating disorder depends entirely on compulsory behaviour and thoughts, it will be important to look for a good therapist in Brisbane and start with the treatment as early as possible. 

Who develops an eating disorder?

An eating disorder can be found in people of all genders at all stages of life. But they are mostly seen in young women or teenagers. Research has stated that about 13% of young people can experience an eating disorder by the age of 20. 

Symptoms of eating disorder

A person suffering from an eating disorder will face a lot of challenges, especially since food has become a vital part of life. However, it becomes quite difficult to tell if there is a difference between an eating disorder or a typical weight concern, especially when dieting is common. If you suspect someone is struggling, it will be helpful to find a good eating disorder counselling therapist and encourage them to get professional counselling done.

The symptoms indicate the person is suffering from an eating disorder.

Changes in behaviour around food

• Exercising way too much
• Acting in a controlled manner around food
• Spending explained long hours in the bathroom or in need to rush to the toilet after every meal
• Consuming way too much for a very quickly
• Restricting or starving themselves from food intake 

Thinking about food

• Believing they are overweight irrespective of how thin they are
• Hiding lean body with big bulky clothing
• Setting high standards for how successful they are at controlling the weight
• Having negative body image and negative comments about the body 

Mood swings

• Excessive mood changes
• Becoming irritable or defensive when communicating about eating habits
• Feeling helpless, guilty or low esteem
• Showing signs of anxiety or depression 

Changes in physical appearance

• Fine hair
• Feeling cold all the time
• Dry and yellowish skin
• Excessive weight loss
• Chronic sore throat
• Brittle nails

If you find anyone showing the symptoms, it will be helpful to find a good eating disorder counselling therapist as soon as possible and start with the treatment to help the person. 

How to deal with an eating disorder?

When finding the warning signs of an eating disorder, it is important for you to take care of it. Being honest about what you see and courageous enough to start the conversation is important. No doubt it might be right for you to talk to them about the concern they are facing, but it will actually help them in many ways.

Besides, you can easily find a specialist for therapy in Brisbane. They will talk to the person and encourage them to get better. Although it might seem to be quite tough, with proper precautions, things would get back to normal.

Expert help becomes extremely important to ensure the person overcomes the situation fast. Remember, counselling in Brisbane must be started on time to see a positive change fast.

Get the right support

If you have been looking for an eating disorder counselling therapist, then you can trust Happy Peeps Counselling and Therapy. We have got the best professionals. We aim to provide counselling therapy done directly through telehealth. We are here to make the experience easier for you. We will ensure you have a hassle-free experience of starting with therapy right from the comfort of your home. Our experts are licenced and certified. We understand the job requirement well and can ensure you overcome the situation fast.

Contact us to learn more.