Eating Disorders create a complicated and harmful relationship with food that leads to dangerous behaviors, physical health issues, and comorbid Mental Health Disorders like depression and anxiety. Without treatment, Eating Disorders can result in serious physical and mental health consequences.
Unfortunately, social stigma and other factors leave many individuals wondering when it’s the right time to seek help for an Eating Disorder. Read on to learn more about the consequences of Eating Disorders and the importance of receiving the professional treatment you need when you need it with this guide.
Early Warning Signs
Eating Disorders aren’t easy to notice right away. Many early behaviors of Eating Disorders—such as dieting, limiting food portions, or exercising regularly—are similar to common health and wellness habits. The key difference is that Eating Disorder behaviors revolve around appearances and weight loss rather than better nutrition and fitness.
Eating Disorders cause one’s thoughts and behaviors to become obsessive, which in turn leads to strict dieting and other harmful behaviors that create severe health consequences. When thoughts about food and exercise become an unhealthy preoccupation with weight, it’s time to seek help.
Physical Signs of an Eating Disorder
Seeking treatment for your Eating Disorder is easier said than done. However, without professional interference, your Eating Disorder symptoms will only worsen. The physical health consequences become more and more severe as time goes on; these consequences include malnutrition, cardiovascular problems, bone loss, fatigue, hormonal issues, and more. The longer you go without seeking treatment for your Eating Disorder, the more physical health consequences you’ll experience.
Mental and Emotional Signs of an Eating Disorder
Individuals with Eating Disorders also experience mental and emotional symptoms that harm their well-being. Eating Disorders can cause or worsen Mental Health Disorders such as anxiety or depression. You can also experience cognitive issues such as memory loss or trouble focusing.
As with physical symptoms, the mental and emotional consequences of Eating Disorders only get worse without treatment. Once you start noticing these issues, it’s time to seek professional help for your Eating Disorder.
Ignoring the Problem is Dangerous
Many people avoid professional treatment out of fear or embarrassment. It’s common for individuals with Eating Disorders to insist they’re in control of their symptoms and therefore don’t need help, but this isn’t true.
Until you address the root of your Eating Disorder with the help of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, you won’t be able to navigate the thoughts and behaviors that lead to the harmful symptoms you experience. It’s crucial to seek professional help as early as possible so a Skilled Psychologist can treat the issue and help you regain control over your life.
It’s Never Too Early To Seek Help
When should you seek help for an Eating Disorder? The answer is as quickly as possible. A Skilled Psychologist will treat your Eating Disorder, which in turn treats your physical and mental symptoms and improves your overall health and well-being. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can regain control of your life and achieve peace and confidence.
Dr. Blair is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist for Eating Disorders in the Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Century City, Brentwood, Westwood, Irvine, Newport, Orange County, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Corona Del Mar, Dana Point, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo areas. When you’re ready to treat your Eating Disorder, Blair Wellness Group is here to help. Contact us today to discover the treatment, support, and care you need to overcome your Eating Disorder and regain control of your well-being.
