Eating Disorders (Counselling)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 3:27PM 
Having an eating disorder is a common problem that should be taken seriously. Lots of people are affected by eating disorders every year. Around 1% of people aged between 10 and 20 suffer from anorexia each year and 4% aged 16 - 25 suffer from bulimia. Although it predominantly effects young people it can effect you at any age.
The main issue for some one who has an eating disorder is there obsession with their weight. These obsessive thoughts can lead to severe consequences in both their health and their actions.
It is not known exactly what causes eating disorders, it may be a combination of factors:
•Social pressure about being thin
•Being able to control what you eat or your weight can give a sense of control
•Puberty- for some growing up can cause confused feelings
•Family problems
•Low self esteem and low mood
•Genes-possible that it runs in the family
Often someone with a eating disorders will use food to deal with uncomfortable or painful emotions. By restricting food they can gain a sense of control. Overeating temporarily soothes sadness, anger, or loneliness. Purging is used to combat feelings of helplessness and self-loathing.
Common Symptoms:
• Drastic weight loss or gain in a fairly short period of time.
• Obsession with weight
• Obsession with calories and fat content of foods.
• Mood swings, feeling depressed and tired
• Insomnia or poor sleeping habits.
• Experiencing low self-esteem
• Experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide
• Obsessing about food and body image
• Isolation and fear of eating while others are around
• Unusual Food rituals and secretive eating patterns
• Hiding food in strange places to avoid eating or to eat secretly at a later time
• Feeling anxious, lonely or depressed
Types of eating Disorder:
Anorexia nervosa:
Bulimia nervosa:
Binge eating disorder:
If you feel that you have a problem it is important that you seek professional help whether this is from your GP or a counsellor or psychotherapist.
Helping some one you love with an eating disorder:
If you have concerns about someone close to you who you may suspect has a problem with food you may be unsure how to approach them for fear that you’re mistaken, you’ll say the wrong thing, or you’ll alienate the person. Although it is difficult to bring up such a delicate subject, it is still important to talk to the person. Eating disorders will only get worse without treatment, and the physical and emotional damage can be severe if not life threatening.
Approaching the subject:
When approaching someone you are concerned about express your concerns in a loving and non-confrontational way. Choose an appropriate time to voice your concerns in private. Be careful to avoid critical or accusatory statements, as this will only bring out your friend’s or family member’s defences. Instead, focus on the specific behaviours that worry you.
Tips for Talking about an Eating Disorder
•Communicate your concerns.
•Avoid conflicts or a battle of the wills.
•Avoid placing shame, blame, or guilt
•Avoid giving simple solutions. Source:
Adapted from National Eating Disorders Association
Don’t give up if the person shuts you out at first or reacts in anger or denial. The eating disorder is your loved one’s way of dealing with emotions that are too painful to face directly. It may take some time before your friend or family member is even willing to admit to having a problem. Lecturing, getting upset, or issuing ultimatums won’t help the situation. Instead, make it clear that you care about the person’s health and happiness and you’ll continue to be there for him or her.
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