What is the Relationship Between Mental Health and Eating Disorders?

Our eating behaviors are influenced by many things. Eating disorders are not a choice. They are complex mental illnesses with many causes. Each eating disorder seems to have its own particular underlying physical symptoms. According to the NIH, people with eating disorders have problems with self-esteem and value, not about how they look. Although we all may be concerned about our weight and appearance at times, some people may become obsessed with weight loss, body weight and image, and controlling their own eating. They may withdraw from society. These may be signs of an eating disorder.

According to withinhealth.com, in the US, we tend to be fixated on fitness, food, weight, and striving for good health. These fixations can impact eating disorders. For example, listing calories on menus may be harmful to some with eating disorders, as they send a message that overweight people should be selecting lower calorie offerings. Calorie counting restaurant menus may be a trigger to those recovering from eating disorders. In social gatherings, what is said casually or in a joking manner may have an undesired effect on someone with an eating disorder.

The Mayo Clinic says that eating disorders may be difficult to overcome by yourself, or you may not realize you need assistance. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely you are to have a full recovery. Next month we will address specific eating disorders.

For more information visit Nationaleatingdisorders.org or Nimh.nih.gov and watch the video below.

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