Anorexia Nervosa Treatment
Anorexia Nervosa or just Anorexia for short can feel like a war between your body and your relationship with food. Maybe you feel trapped in a cycle of disordered eating, rigid behavior around your body and meals, or isolating yourself from your support system. Perhaps it is not you who is struggling, but there are warning signs that a loved one might be struggling. It is important to be able to recognize the warning signs and understand the different aspects of eating disorders. If you are finding yourself on this page for help for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, know that you are not alone. Beginning Anorexia Nervosa Treatment in Georgia can help!
Anorexia Nervosa:
There are several types of eating disorders, one of the most prevalent being Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia Nervosa is a psychological eating disorder that is typically characterized by the extreme restriction of food intake. With this, individuals with Anorexia will often eat certain meals or food that feels safe and will avoid all other food out of fear of gaining weight.
While the main symptom is food and caloric restriction…
Someone struggling with Anorexia may begin to engage in compensatory behaviors including over-exercising and purging. Over-exercising can look like excessive working out to the point of exhaustion and feeling as if they cannot go off their workout routine or schedule. Purging is the attempt to get rid of food that has already been eaten; this usually occurs through self-induced vomiting or excessive laxative use.
Body Dysmorphia in Anorexia:
Dysmorphia is also common in individuals struggling with Anorexia nervosa and most eating disorders. Additionally, body dysmorphia is the disruption of how you view your physical self. For someone struggling with body image issues, they may view themselves as being a higher weight than they actually are. Experiencing body dysmorphia is almost like looking in a ‘fun house mirror;’ at times you do not know what you look like or if you can trust your judgment on how you really look.
Anorexia nervosa is centered around limiting food consumption and controlling body size, but these patterns most often stem from something more. Most of the time, eating disorders are an extreme way to cope with the difficulties experienced in the past or the present. For someone with an eating disorder, using food to help control the uncertainties and hardships feels safe and consistent.
Physical Symptoms of Anorexia:
Typically, individuals with Anorexia are underweight, however, it is essential to note that Anorexia, like all other eating disorders, is a psychological disorder with physical symptoms. It can be difficult to spot or know if the low weight is due to an eating disorder or other causes. Sometimes, individuals struggling with an eating disorder will hide their bodies in larger clothing or avoid being around others as much as they can.
Other physical symptoms can include
Hair loss or hair thinning, high levels of exhaustion, trouble going to sleep, fainting, or feeling lightheaded. The loss of your menstrual cycle can also occur. If they engage in purging behaviors, they may find physical issues with their teeth and mouth as well. There are other physical symptoms that can become more severe and require a higher level of medical attention such as heart or bone issues. Anorexia, like most eating disorders, can become life-threatening, and it is important to seek immediate anorexia nervosa treatment in Georgia.
Psychological Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa:
Eating disorders thrive in isolation and secrecy; you may find someone with Anorexia pushing away their support system and wanting to spend excess time by themself. They may want to eat in private and struggle to finish a meal around others or lie about how much was eaten. Often you will find them talking about food frequently, planning out their future meals, or focusing on the food others are eating around them. With this, they may skip meals often or will only eat at specific times of the day. Many individuals have foods that are that considered ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ and will only feel comfortable eating foods that they have labeled as okay to eat. Eating ‘unsafe’ foods will usually bring high levels of distress and discomfort.
Body Checking is a Common Psychological Symptom
Along with the preoccupation with planning future meals or avoiding certain foods, body-checking behaviors will also become a regular part of their routine. Body checking is related to body dysmorphia and consists of checking certain areas of the body obsessively in the mirror for reassurance. Sometimes, it can seem almost ritualistic and they feel a need to body check throughout the day. Anorexia may also be accompanied by anxiety, depression, or self-harm. It is important to note that not everyone will present with each symptom. Anorexia is complex and the symptoms, side effects, and presentation can vary from each individual.
Get Support with Anorexia Nervosa Treatment in Georgia!
If you or a loved one is struggling with Anorexia, it is crucial to get help. Each individual is different, which means recovery is unique for everyone. There are several approaches to eating disorder recovery. The main goal of eating disorder recovery is to help you feel comfortable and confident in yourself. Plus, it can help to develop a better relationship with food. Oftentimes, eating disorders serve as a way to cope with life’s difficulties or past traumas.
Therapy is a Safe Space
In order to heal and grow, we want to provide you with a safe space to heal and process your life experiences. Through the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you will learn various coping skills to help you navigate discomfort and distress. These issues can arise during recovery as well as learn to positively change the way you view yourself and your body. Through anorexia nervosa treatment, we are here to help you through the highs and lows of recovery towards the life you deserve.
Begin Anorexia Nervosa Treatment in Georgia for Support and Healing!
You don’t have to keep living with such a complex relationship with food. When you’re ready to get started, we’re ready to help. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Contact us by filling out the form below or emailing us at info@eastcobbrelationshipcenter.com.
- Next, one of our caring and competent therapists will respond to your inquiry within one business day to set up your appointment.
- Then, it’s time to begin healing and bring balance back to your life and relationships.
Other Counseling Services in East Cobb, GA:
We know that mental health is important and challenges many. Therefore, Anxiety Therapy isn’t the only thing that East Cobb Relationship Center offers. We also offer effective counseling for adults, teens, and young adults suffering from eating disorders, depression, compulsive sexual behavior, body image, bulimia nervosa, and enmeshed men. Our therapists also specialize in couples counseling and affair recovery.