Twitter Facebook Feed

Causes Of Eating Disorders

Causes of eating disorders are more complex and common than one might think. With so many striving for the "perfect" body or dealing with psychological down falls, food has become the enemy for some and the savior for others. Many struggle with these illnesses that can and often do, lead to death. Men, women, and even children in their preteen years have faced this terrible ordeal. Causes include abuse, body image, lack of self worth, and control issues. Seeking eating disorder treatment is vital in helping to recover from this battle.



No particular person is singled out by these maladies-they are everywhere- in our cultures, in our schools, in our families, and within our circle of friends. The causes of eating disorders disguise themselves as "no big deals," but are manipulative and hurtful in the long run. "But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we better; neither if we eat not, are we the worse." (1 Corinthians 8:8)



According to the National Eating Disorders Association, (NEDA), "These disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors." People who struggle with these tend to use their views of food as coping mechanisms. Whether they choose to eat very little or starve themselves, tend to overeat or vomit afterward, there is a battle that wages within their very soul. It desires satisfaction and wholeness, something that allows the person to be in control and no thought of seeking eating disorder treatment.



The psychological factors that can be causes are "low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life, depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness," stated the NEDA's Help Guide. In today's society, people of all walks of life struggle with self-esteem. For many, this can be a battle that is dealt with on a day to day basis. The home life of an individual who struggles with the causes of eating disorders can affect the way they function. If abuse, abandonment, or apprehension in any way marred their childhood, their problem is sure to have depression and loneliness surface also. These are concerns that should cause someone to seek treatment.



Just like psychological factors can contribute to eating problems, so can interpersonal ones. Lots of teenagers come from dysfunctional homes and encounter many hardships. Because of the lack of attention at home, they may find it more difficult to "open up" and express their feelings and emotions. A history of ridicule and abuse can also contribute to a struggle with the causes of eating disorders and may result in the need for sufferers to seek treatment.



Our culture itself indirectly promotes some of the causes. On every newsstand and checkout counter there are magazines highlighting beautiful supermodels that scream, "you can look like this, too!" Many young people fall into this trap and believe that their only means of becoming like these fashion models is to be thin and stay thin. They consider beauty to be a certain size and a certain shape. According to the NEDA's Help Guide, it is the "cultural norm that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and strengths."



There are many factors that contribute to the causes, but there is hope and eating disorder treatment available. The NEDA's recommendation for treatment consists of any of the following combinations: a physical exam, nutritional counseling, a psychiatric evaluation, cognitive and interpersonal therapy, as well as medication and possible hospitalization. "The sooner the eating disorder is acknowledged and help sought, the better the chance for recovery. Seventy to eighty percent of people who receive treatment respond positively, and although relapses can occur, treatment provides a foundation for full recovery," stated the NEDA's Help Guide.

0 коммент.:

Отправить комментарий