Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating are categorised by unhealthy patterns of eating that usually are paired with misperceptions of body image and a fear of gaining weight. They can have extremely detrimental effects not just on your physical health, but also on your psychological wellbeing.
Why might I get an eating disorder?
Eating disorders can arise in individuals for any number of reasons. It could be that the individual is unhappy with their own body image or that they are particularly perfectionistic and display that through trying to achieve their possibly unhealthy body ideals. Although eating disorders are often thought of as predominantly affecting young women, men too are regularly diagnosed with eating disorders; they are not gender specific. Though body image pressures may be different for men and women, there is still an unfortunate social strain on people to look a certain way. In many cases it may be that the individual is suffering with other issues at home or in their social groups and they alter their eating habits to regain a sense of control that may have been lost due to other circumstances.
How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
It can often be the case that individuals with eating disorders do not recognise they have a problem. However, common symptoms may include:
- Negative perception of or dissatisfaction with your body
- Obsessive weighing
- Comparing your body with other people who you may deem ideal
- Self-consciousness, low self-esteem and/or shame
- Perfectionism
- Excess eating or restricted eating
- Extremes of BMI
- Purging
- Fear of gaining weight
How can The Blue Tree Clinic help?
Eating disorders can often be the culmination of a number of factors, be it familial strain, peer pressure or an inherent unhappiness with yourself.
We are here to offer a wide range of support and will assess your needs in order to create a treatment plan tailored to you. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy help you to start working on identifying what triggers these behaviours and thoughts and what techniques you can use to overcome them.
Additionally, many eating disorders have an extremely detrimental physiological impact. Therefore, it may be decided that Psychiatric Supervision or Treatment should be undergone in the form of medication. We also offer Weight Management and Nutritional Support where our nutritionists can work closely with you to help rebalance your diet and help you maintain a healthier lifestyle.
At The Blue Tree Clinic we offer non-judgemental and caring support for anyone who may be experiencing some of these issues. Please contact us by phone or via the form below.