top of page

Dealing with an Eating Disorder

The term "eating disorder" covers various forms of disordered eating, so it's critical to get both a professional diagnosis and professional treatment.  Some of the most common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia, but symptoms and severity can vary over time.

If you battle an eating disorder, you may feel plagued by extreme anxiety or feelings of hopelessness, and despair of ever reaching recovery.  You may experience feeling of guilt, shame, or frustration when you can't simply "get better," or "get in control" of yourself and your behaviors.  The road to recovery can be long and arduous, but you are not the first to take it; there is hope.  With proper treatment, you can learn better coping mechanisms for life's challenges, how to manage your symptoms and behaviors, and begin reclaiming your life.

Recognizing Signs & Symptoms

Eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes, and it can often be difficult to know when someone is struggling; below are some of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder:
​

  • Rapid weight loss or weight gain

  • Intense fear of gaining weight

  • An abnormally low body weight

  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or anxiety

  • A distorted perception of body image, weight, or shape

  • Feelings of depression, worthlessness, or hopelessness

  • Excessive exercise

  • Using purging behaviors, including self-induced vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics

  • Overeating, "binge" eating, emotional eating, or secret eating

  • Feelings of a loss of control over one's life and/or eating habits


Source: Mayo Clinic

Getting Help

Any form of eating disorder should be taken seriously, as they have serious physical and emotional consequences.  If you or a loved one is battling disordered eating, please seek treatment.  Call The San Diego Center for the Treatment of Mood Disorders today to schedule an appointment.

Other resources for support include:

Chasing Wellness: A mental health and wellness blog devoted to those battling an eating disorder, depression, or anxiety.

Weightless: A blog about body image, disordered eating, and dieting.

Let´s Talk

bottom of page