Disordered Eating
Do you feel like food controls you rather than the other way around?
Do you find yourself skipping meals or strictly limiting what you eat?
Are your thoughts frequently consumed by concerns about your body shape or weight?
While many are familiar with eating disorders, the term “disordered eating” may be less recognized. It’s not a diagnosis but rather a label for various problematic eating behaviours. Although not as severe as diagnosed eating disorders, disordered eating can still significantly impact one’s life.
For instance, individuals struggling with disordered eating may miss out on important events due to food-related anxieties or obsessive exercise regimens. This preoccupation with food and exercise can also affect their ability to concentrate, leading to academic or professional setbacks.
Furthermore, disordered eating can have both mental and physical repercussions. Negative self-perception can harm mental well-being, while unhealthy eating patterns can impact physical health, including cardiovascular and digestive health. Additionally, engaging in disordered eating behaviours raises the risk of developing a full-blown eating disorder.
If you relate to any of the following:
- Constant dieting or obsessive calorie tracking
- Strict food restrictions or meal-skipping
- Feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame surrounding food
- Compulsive exercising or using exercise as punishment for eating
- Bingeing and/or purging
- Tying self-worth to body weight or shape
- Feeling powerless around food
…you may be grappling with disordered eating.
Understanding the root causes of harmful eating habits can be complex and varies from person to person. Individual therapy offers a safe space to explore these underlying factors, fostering self-acceptance and self-love. Together with a therapist, you can develop healthier habits and coping mechanisms to navigate challenging triggers.
If you’re struggling with disordered eating and seek support and guidance, a licensed therapist is here to help you cultivate a healthier relationship with both your body and mind. Reach out to our office today to schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation and begin your journey toward healing.