In this age, which believes that there is a short cut to everything, the greatest lesson to be learned is that the most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest.
What Are Eating Disorders?
An eating disorder is marked by extremes. Eating either a lot or eating very little. Eating disorders often are long-term illnesses that may require long-term treatment. It is present when a person experiences severe disturbances in eating behaviour, such as extreme reduction of food intake or extreme overeating, or feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape. Eating disorders are real, treatable medical illnesses with complex underlying psychological and biological causes. They frequently co-exist with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders.
Who has eating disorders?
More than 90 percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25. Eating disorders frequently appear during adolescence or young adulthood, but some reports indicate that they can develop during childhood or later in adulthood.
What are some eating disorders?
There are many, but the three main ones are anorexia nervosa, binge eating, and bulimia nervosa.
What to do if I know someone who has an eating disorder?
- Be supportive. Let them know that you will be there for them.
- Do not be critical of them.
- Do not place blame, guilt, or shame on your friend.
- Set a time to talk. Set aside a time to talk privately with your friend. Make sure you talk in a quiet place where you won't be distracted.
- Tell your friend about your concerns. Be honest.
- Avoid conflicts. If your friend won't admit that she or he has a problem, don't push.
- Ask your friend to talk to a professional. Your friend can talk to a counselor or doctor who knows about eating issues. Offer to help your friend find a counselor or doctor and make an appointment, and offer to go with her or him to the appointment.
