Eating Disorder

Self Injury and Eating Disorders

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:53:38 +0000

Self injury is often a common occurrence in those with eating disorders.
Self injury has become more discussed in today’s society. As a result, more people are coming forward to seek the help they need to recover from self injuring patterns. Those with eating disorders like binge eating, anorexia , and bulimia often suffer from self injury as a part of their disease. In seeking out the root of the self injury pattern, recovery from the self harm as well as the eating disorder is highly possible.

What is Self Injury?

Self injury is when someone causes a self inflicted injury upon themselves. Some people will inflict injury directly on their bodies causing harm and producing an injury. Others may use the form of alcohol abuse and drug abuse as forms of injury to their body. The method of injury varies from person to person. Some individuals verbally abuse themselves from within. They put themselves down and hurt themselves emotionally. It is also important to know that those who self abuse themselves carry tremendous amounts of guilt and shame inside and by carrying these negative emotions around, this is also very self destructive to the individual. If something you do has a negative impact on your safety and health, it is self abuse.

The Link with Eating Disorders

Individuals often use food as way of self-abuse. They may deprive themselves of food or eat too much. These behaviors can include bingeing, purging and vomiting and this behavior is very self-destructive and yet another form of self abuse.

The Causes of Self Injury

The issue of self injury is a complex issue and the degree and frequency is different for everyone. It is said that first episodes of self abuse can begin in adolescence. It typically begins after a major difficult change that has occurred in one’s life such as a divorce or as indicated in the story above, a new school. But this may not be the case for you.

Many find that self abuse has a very soothing and calming effect. It allows them to cope with feelings and emotions and even escape from them. If individuals feel angry towards themselves, this is a way in which they take out their inside anger out upon themselves. While there is pain inflicted on the outside, the pain on the inside is eased and even dulled. There is a slight endorphin rush when the skin is cut or burned, causing the person to feel ‘better’ for a few moments. But as with anything that’s addictive, more and more is needed to get that same positive feeling.

Possible Causes/Triggers for Self Injury:

Depression
History of family problems and abuse
Low self esteem
Psychiatric disorders
Relationship problems
Substance abuse

Stopping Self Injury Patterns

While eating disorders often have treatment programs, there may not be a program dedicated solely to self injury in your area. Here are some ways you can begin to manage your self abuse troubles on your own.

Talk with others – Instead of bottling up your feelings, be sure to talk to those you love and care about to let them know how you’re feeling. Those who love you want to help you, but only if they know you’re having troubles.

Find help online – You will also find a number of great resources online and in books to help you cope with self injury.

Work with a therapist – Ideally, you should work with a mental health professional to find the source of your self injury and the find ways to address it.

Self Esteem and Eating Disorders

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:53:06 +0000

Self Esteem and Eating Disorders

Self esteem is interconnected with eating disorders, with those suffering from low self confidence being at a higher risk of troubles.

Low self esteem seems to be a common trait among those with eating disorders. While it’s difficult to say whether self esteem troubles caused the eating disorder or if the eating disorder creates low self esteem, or both, this is not the most important question to answer. What is important is addressing the self esteem issues in order to enhance recovery from an eating disorder.

The Importance of Self Esteem

Self esteem is how you think and feel about yourself. Self esteem is feeling that you are worthy and deserving of good things in life. Healthy self esteem can bring confidence and success to your life leading to happiness. Self esteem isn’t something we were born with and it’s not an easy thing to build. Often, we begin by creating self esteem from what our parents and friends tell us about ourselves, but as we grow older, we need to look within ourselves for self acceptance and high self esteem.

Changing Your Self Esteem

Making a change of any kind can be a challenge and this is no different. The first step is realizing or pinpointing this problem and then taking steps to change the way you think. Here are some simple ways to stop the negative thinking in your brain right now.

Make a list of the positive things about yourself – While this might seem awkward at first, you will want to write down all of the good things about yourself. This might be everything from accomplishments to the way you laugh. Everything that’s good about you goes on this list.
Look at the things you’ve learned – Instead of focusing on all of the mistakes you’ve made in your life, try to think about what you’ve learned during all of the mistakes you’ve made. This way, you will begin to see the value of mistakes as opposed to beating yourself up about them.
Don’t worry about what others say – You can not change what others think of you, no matter how hard you might try. So, it’s up to you to focus on recovering from your eating disorder without listening to what others say.
Change the way you talk to yourself – Of course, you also need to stop the negative self talk in your mind. You should be treating yourself the way you would treat a friend. Think about the things you’ve told yourself. Are these things you would say to a friend?
Realize you don’t have to be perfect – While you might strive for perfection, realize that this is a quest you might never win. You need to focus instead on being the best YOU can be.
Take some risks – If you don’t take chances in your life, how can you know what you are capable of? Do some things each day that scare you and feel your self esteem and self confidence grow.

Self Esteem Resources

Support groups are valuable for helping with self esteem issues, as are online resources, therapists, and books on the matter. But in the end, you are your own best resources for boosting your self esteem and helping to heal your eating disorder.

Scared You Might Have an Eating Disorder?

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:51:17 +0000

If you’re scared you might have an eating disorder, you’re not alone. Knowing that you might need help is the first step towards making a full recovery.

Fear and eating disorders seem to go hand in hand. If you need help with an eating disorder, but are scared and don’t know where to begin, you’re in the right place.

What Do You Need?

At this site, we offer information about eating disorders and related issues. Eating disorders afflict millions of people from around the world and annually many people will die as a result of their eating disorder. If you are looking for help, we want to provide it.

This site explores the issues of eating disorders and offers online support resources. It contains information, books, a webring ,website links, and other useful resources.

The Problem of Society

There is no doubt that in today’s society and culture the accepted image for a woman is to be thin. Women and young girls are surrounded by images of thin women on television and magazines. Although most women will never be as thin as the images shown to them, it is an image that they want to capture so they can feel worthy or accepted in today’s society. Many women and those with eating disorders have troubles loving and accepting themselves for whatever size and shape they are in spite of what culture and society dictates.

If you or someone you love suffers from an eating disorder or a related issue, help, understanding, support and hope is closer than you may think. Please take the time to read the information that is here and don’t hesitate to reach out to those who want to help you and to those who have shared your pain.

Eating disorders that are left untreated can lead to permanent health damage and even death. They are not just severe dieting but rather serious complex psychological illnesses that require help and treatment to overcome.

Recovery from Eating Disorders

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:50:21 +0000

Recovering from eating disorders is possible when you have a strong support system in place as well as medical help.

Recovery from eating disorders can seem like a dream to come. That goal seems impossible, especially in the beginning of an eating disorder. But with time and focus, you can recover.

Recovery is Scary

Recovery can be a very scary time and a time when people need the most comfort and reassurance. Apart from the misery an eating disorder can bring, people like the feelings it provides for them. For many it is a way to express pain and a coping method. It’s not easy to let it go or want to let it go. Many wonder how they will ever live without it. Many people wonder and doubt if they are ready to recover. While you may never feel completely ready to recover, you must find it in yourself to find reasons for heading in a healthy new direction.

Eating Disorders are Trouble

A key step is admitting you have a problem and admitting that you need help. In many cases, people get to the point of being physically sick and unhappy with how things are in their life. You might already be there, or you might be close to being done with your eating disorder.

The process of recovery is not easy but it will be an important time in your life. Getting help is essential and while it might not always be easy to find, it is out there. Typically, the initial step in getting help is seeing your family doctor for a professional diagnosis. While this may be a difficult step, doctors can be a great place to start as they can offer information and resources to patients. Your doctor will then be able to monitor your physical health as the recovery process continues, helping you make decisions along the way.

Treating Eating Disorders

Treatment is different for everyone as everyone has their own problems and individual needs and local resources. The severity of an individual’s condition will also determine what kind of treatment they will require. Some patients require hospitalization before any treatment can take place to stabilize their health. Others may simply need to go to outpatient treatment and therapy.

Know that the perfect therapist may not exist. In the beginning, people often have difficulties in finding a therapist that they feel comfortable with and can be honest with. It’s important that you be honest with the person caring for you so they can help you to the best of their ability. There are many therapists who specialize in the area of eating disorders and know how to treat them.

Along with therapy, you can also see a nutritionist or dietician to help you with your eating disorder. Nutritionists and dieticians offer a variety of different services: nutritional counseling, planning therapeutic diets, etc. They can be found in places such as hospitals, nursing homes and may also work in private practice. Nutritionists can help you relearn how to eat to fuel your body.

During any recovery process, support is crucial. There are many support groups consisting of anorexia and bulimia sufferers who get together to talk and to support each other by sharing their person experiences and strategies for healthier living. You can find local groups in your area by talking to hospitals and by looking in the phone book or online.

Recovery from an eating disorder is not an easy process and it is a process that takes great willingness and determination. You may have already suffered a long time, but you do not need to suffer any longer.

Prosites Promote Eating Disorders

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:49:48 +0000

Prosites have been developed to help anorexics and bulimics support each other in their disordered eating. By sharing tips for weight loss and hiding one’s weight loss, these prosites offer a dangerous place for eating disorder patients to congregate and to learn.

It is no secret that eating disorders are serious and sometimes fatal illnesses affecting men , boys, girls and women all over the world. While there is progress being made, there is still a long way to go when it comes to finding cures and new treatment strategies for sufferers.

Going Online with Eating Disorders

In the day of the Internet, information and resources is widely available to anyone who searches for it. The number of eating disorder and related websites is growing. Many of the websites are in the category of “Recovery and Support” and many websites belong to eating disorder organizations offering referrals and treatment resources to website surfers.

There are many Pro-Anorexic sites and even Pro-Bulimia web sites currently in operation on the World Wide Web. Pro eating disorder material comes in the form of web sites, groups, clubs and even message board forums.

What about Freedom of Speech?

The issue of free speech is a popular one and a complex one. There is free speech and there is abuse of free speech. While individuals have the right to publish such material, you the viewer (visitor) have every not to choose to view it. You have the option to leave the website.

If you have a daughter or son who has been suffering from an eating disorder, please be careful as to what material he/he views while surfing the Internet. Pro anorexic web sites are not for your child in any shape or form. Of course there are programs out there such as Net Nanny and Cyber Patrol but they are not foolproof. Please be aware of what your child is doing on the Internet.

What Do Pro Sites Include?

These web sites offer explicit information about individuals suffering from eating disorders. Some of these web sites contain on line journals, dieting tips, various types of deadly competitions, etc. These web sites can be extremely triggering, upsetting and could even prove fatal to those who are severely suffering or young girls who believe engaging in this sort of behavior is fun.

Why Create a Pro Eating Disorder Web Site?

There are several reasons why individuals choose to have such an eating disorder website on the Internet. While owners of these sites know that eating disorders have been linked to deaths and are very dangerous, they are very proud of their beliefs.

Many have fallen prey to the idea that anorexia is a chosen lifestyle. Anorexia is often named and considered a friend, something to be cherished. When it comes to the question of why, for many of us, this question is difficult to answer. For those who have suffered and know the pain involved, they can’t see nor understand the joys of anorexia. To millions, there are no joys but rather only sorrows.

While low self esteem is common in eating disordered individuals, a website of this nature can promote feelings of pride and accomplishment. These girls say they don’t fit in anywhere else and that no one understands them. They feel this is the only way they can be open and honest but this is false. They can be honest with others but few will support or encourage their eating disordered habits and behaviors.

An Argument for Prosites

Some pro anorexics do have other resources and options for support, but they fail to choose these options as recovery oriented websites will not permit the swap of dangerous and potentially fatal tips and ideas. No other support systems in the way of pro eating disorder support.

Those who are pro anorexic have no problem displaying their mental illness on a tool as large and public as the Internet. None of which have ever denied having a life threatening eating disorder. Many of these girls would be accepted by other groups and clubs but because other sites will not support the swapping of dangerous information and messages they firmly believe in, to the death, it seems.

Pica Eating Disorders

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:49:12 +0000

Pica is an uncommon eating disorder, but can signal health troubles in those who suffer.

Pica is a word that originates from Latin, originally meaning magpie. Today, pica is a word used to describe a condition in which a person craves and/or eats foods that are not actually food.

Pica across the Globe

Pica isn’t limited to humans either. The eating of soil is widespread among many animals on every continent. Among wild animals, eating dirt seems to be a weapon in the ancient competition between plants and animals. Geophagy is used in the struggle between plant reproduction strategy and the animal desire for food.

Some of the non-food substances that may be ingested by an individual include:

Dirt
Clay
Chalk
Cigarette ashes
Sand
Soil
Newspapers
Paint
Paper
Plaster
Rocks

Is Anyone at Risk of Pica?

People who may be at risk or have pica include those who are pregnancy, those who have poor nutrition or vitamin deficiency including those who live in poverty. Some families can have a history of pica as some ethnic customs include pica as can some cultures.

The Problems of Pica

There are many possible complications in those who suffer with pica. The eating of non food substances may interfere with the body’s consumption of normal nutritional food. And if there are ever any stomach pain in a person with pica, they should be taken to a hospital immediately.

Anemia
Constipation
Intestinal infections or parasites from soil
Intestinal obstruction
Lead poisoning – especially in children
Liver and kidney damage
Malnutrition
Mercury poisoning

Pregnant Women Often Have Pica

Pica has been very common among pregnant women. Pica in pregnant women commonly disappears after childbirth takes place yet it has been know to continue during the postpartum period. It has been said that Pica is a response to fill nutritional deficiency, such as low iron or calcium. In some parts of the United States the consuming of clay is very common and even sold in some states for consumption purposes. If you are pregnant and experience Pica, you should call and see your family doctor to discuss problems that could occur to you and your unborn baby.

Cases of Pica in Children

More often than not, pica is seen in children than adults. Children between 2 to 6 years of age are most at risk. Some children with pica have been said to be imitating a family pet who they have watched eat a particular item. Appropriate supervision of children and any dangerous substances should be placed well out of their reach. Some instances of pica are considered harmless however it never hurts to tell a healthcare provider to ensure the health of your child.

Pica in Those With Eating Disorders

Many of those who suffering from eating disorders commonly suffer from iron or other vitamin deficiencies. Pica can result from eating disorders in which food is not consumed regularly or kept in the body for long periods of time. In cases of anorexia, for example, it may be possible that a person suffering from anorexia would consume non-food items to ease extreme hunger.

Where poor self esteem is an issue, a person may believe they do not deserve to eat real foods. If you think you or someone you love may have pica, it is important to seek out medical attention and advice.

Paying for Eating Disorder Treatment

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:48:36 +0000

Paying for eating disorder treatment can be challenging, even if a family is financially stable.

Paying for treatment of an eating disorder might be the last thing on your mind when you or a loved one begins the road to recovery. But treatment does come with a price tag.

Help for Eating Disorders is Available

When it comes to the cost of eating disorder treatment, many are shocked and often discouraged. For those whose eating problems have reached a stage of medical and/or psychological crisis, a more intensive approach may be needed, such as hospitalization or other structured treatment programs.

One can access these services either through hospitals, family physicians, community agencies, schools, or individual therapists. It doesn’t matter where you live, whether it’s a large city or small town, help is available somewhere, please don’t give up looking. When it comes to accessing medical help, be prepared for a journey of education and consultations with your doctor and other doctors. If you live in a small town, there is probably help a city near you. Call, write, email, or fax an eating disorder organization that can help refer you to a low cost center. Low cost options are available, but you’ll need to do some research to find them.

Canadian Resources for Psychological Help

Canada has a number of options for those seeing psychological assistance for eating disorders. Canadians have a healthcare system that allows them to seek medical treatment regardless of their ability or lack of ability to pay. The services of a psychologist are not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Unless you are very financially well off or have excellent private insurance, these specialized services are not accessible to you. Even those who have good extended health care insurance, find the level of coverage is insufficient to suit their needs or not enough for the particular professional service required. There are many who can’t afford to purchase extended health care coverage.

Quite often people won’t seek the services of a psychologist because of the expense they can’t afford, they often abandon treatment and in many cases, psychologists end up subsidizing their fees. OHIP does cover treatment from psychiatrists, but they also have long waiting lists and patients must get referrals from their physicians. There are ways to cut the costs of services, though you will want to ask your doctor before you come for your appointment. Some doctors are willing to work on a sliding scale system.

Treatment Centers for Eating Disorders

There are many eating disorder treatment centers worldwide. For the most part, these centers offer in patient and out patient care to those who suffer from different types of eating disorders. While these treatment centers will often work with clients and their families, they still can be a very expensive treatment option. Here are just a few of the eating disorder clinics in Canada and the United States.

The Eating Disorders Clinic Inc. under the direction of Patricia J. Perry, R.N., M.S.N. This center is based in Toronto, Ontario. This is a private, outpatient, community based clinic and the services of the clinic are not covered under OHIP or the majority of extended health care plans. Clients who seek treatment at this clinic are responsible for all payments.
Bellwood Total Health Centre based in Toronto, Ontario, will help people at all income levels. They have programs that are on a fee-for-service basis but also have programs that are covered by provincial health plans. Bellwood also offers programs which are covered by provincial health plans and are free of charge.
New Realities in Toronto, Ontario offers s list of fees. They have a therapist located in Thornhill, Ontario who will work on a sliding scale for hardship cases.
The Westwind Eating Disorder Recovery Center is located in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, which has as its mission and sole purpose, the treatment of people who suffer from eating disorders. While this center seems to have a great program, setting and staff, their fees are very expensive and not covered.
Homewood Health Center in Guelph, Ontario offers the largest in-patient Eating Disorders Program in Canada. Our program helps women and men aged 16 and older with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa to regain control of their lives.
Remuda Ranch based in Arizona has a variety of options to help people pay for treatment at their facility. In addition to this, Remuda Ranch has established a non-profit entity called the Remuda Foundation. There are specific guidelines for the eligibility of being a recipient of funds. A treatment facility or professional determines the degree of financial assistance needed. The Remuda Foundation funds in-patient as well as out-patient treatment.

Will My Insurance Cover Eating Disorder Treatment?

Eating disorder treatment can last three to five years and many insurance companies do not provide adequate coverage of these illnesses. This can often make paying for treatment difficult and services often impossible to obtain. Insurance companies simply don’t provide adequate mental health care coverage, especially for the long terms needs of those with anorexia or bulimia.

If you have insurance coverage, you should call your insurance company and discuss your needs with them. You may even want to request information to be sent to you so you can look over it at home. In your insurance is through your employer, you may want to ask your employer for more information regarding your needs.

Types of Insurance Coverage in the U.S. and Canada

Private pay insurance companies may be helpful for covering eating disorder treatment, given you can afford their premiums. A health maintenance organization (HMO) is a type of managed-care health plan that provides your health care in return for a fixed payment from you or your employer. There are many types of HMOs. A common feature and often a problem is that you’re often restricted to a network of physicians affiliated with the HMO. In addition, many HMOs also require that you obtain a referral from your primary-care physician if you wish to see a specialist.

If you are low income and do not have medical insurance contact your local government office about applying for Medicare and/or Medicaid. Restrictions do apply.

In Canada, for more information about the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, Please visit the Ministry Of Health and Long Term Care Government Web Site. OHIP covers diagnostic and treatment services. If you have information about specific services and whether OHIP covers them, call the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care INFOline at 1-800-268-1154, Toronto (416) 314-5518, TTY 1-800-387-5559.

Free Money for Eating Disorder Treatment

There are some eating disorder clinics and organizations that offer scholarships or grants to help people in low-income situations so that treatment and recovery care is an option for them. Check with your treatment center to see if they can help defray costs.

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center is providing scholarships of 5 sessions at a significantly reduced rate, which will be paid for by $250 Scholarships.
Remuda Ranch has established a non-profit entity called the Remuda Foundation. There are specific guidelines for the eligibility of being a recipient of funds.

Cheaper Eating Disorder Treatment at School

If you’re a college or graduate student, you might be in luck when it comes to affording eating disorder treatment. Some graduate universities or colleges may have intern programs where you may receive treatment from a student at a reduced rate. In some cases, students (interns) are available through other clinic and treatment centers or even therapists themselves. If you are low income, you may want to ask about this possibility being available and it being an option for you.

There are also a number of medical universities and colleges who are continuously conducting research and studies on eating disorders. To participate in these studies, you may receive care and even medication for free. Of course you must be willing to participate and cooperate. Check with local newspapers to see what studies are currently being run.

Eating Disorder Treatment at Local Hospitals

It is against the law to be turned away due to your lack of ability to pay for health care. There are many serious complications that can arise from an eating disorder and there are many cases where emergency care is urgently required. Thus, you might be able to access eating disorder treatment in this way, but only when things get really bad. If you are interested in hospital care, please contact your hospital’s eating disorder program and unit and see if you qualify. If you don’t, most are willing to provide you with referrals to private therapists and outside resources.

Parents With Eating Disorders

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:48:05 +0000

Parents of children with eating disorders can have troubles knowing what to do and how to help their teens. With the proper resources, parents can begin to support their children on the road to recovery.

Parents are supposed to know what to do, but when it comes to eating disorders, they can be confused as to how to help. While it may be tempting to simply force a child to eat, other parents deny their children have problems until it is too late. By learning how to deal with eating disorders, parents can begin to take a more active role in the health of their children.

The Feelings You’re Feeling

There are no right and no wrong feelings right now. As a mother or father, your sole purpose has been to nurture, love and to protect your child since the day they were born. You fill their needs and will do almost anything to safeguard their health and happiness. So, when your child is in pain, a parent’s first instinct is to ease that pain and ultimately eliminate it. But eating disorders require more than just a bandage and a kiss.

As your child grows and learns to experience life, it will become more difficult to protect them from everything that may arise. The world is their playground and they have lots to explore and discover; it’s how they will learn and also it’s how they will discover who they are. Sometimes, you do have to sit back and watch as your child makes mistakes and, hopefully, learns from them.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

As a parent, you want answers when your child is in pain. But finding that underlying factor of an eating disorder is not always an easy task. Your child may have seemed happy and you may never have suspected that your child has suffered from an eating disorder. Sometimes kids, especially teenagers, don’t always talk about their inside feelings, they fear no one will understand them and even that someone will be angry at them for feeling the way they do.

Once you know or suspect that your child has an eating disorder, getting them professional treatment becomes extremely important. Never forget that eating disorders are life threatening conditions. Kids will often lead you to believe that it’s not that bad or that they will change but that is not always the case. Don’t always take their word that their behavior will change or even stop. Don’t let their begging and pleading sway you away from getting them the help they need and deserve. Their disease is stronger than them and it’s stronger than you.

Treating a Child with an Eating Disorder

When it comes to treatment for you child, this will be a difficult task. Your child may become defensive and even nasty towards you should you make decisions regarding their health. Their eating disorder has become their way or coping or dealing with something, hiding pain and emotions, making them feel good, they don’t want you to take it away. They may say awful things because they are scared and they feel they are in control.

If your child is under 18, you will have to make these difficult decisions about their health and their treatment. You may have to look into what options are available to you. Some children fare well with outpatient treatment while others are better off with inpatient treatment. Discuss your options with their pediatrician.

If your child is over 18 there isn’t a whole lot you can do. All you can do at this point is listen to your child and give them the support they need to make the right choices for their health and well being. Hopefully, they will take care of their health.

Communication with Your Child

Sometimes, it might feel like nothing you say will help, but your child is probably listening, even when it seems they aren’t. Talking to your child and keeping the lines of communication open is essential. If there comes a time where you can’t talk to your child, it creates more distance and your child will feel even more distant and alienated. Some parents feel uncomfortable and don’t know what to say but the more you talk, the more these feelings will fade and talking will become easier.

When dealing with a child who has an eating disorder, your patience will certainly be put to the test. There will be times your anger will seem to get the best of you and you may say things that you regret later. While this is sometimes hard to avoid, you really have to make an effort to control your anger. Being gentle with your child is the best decision to make as you are dealing with a person who wants to control their life and if you attack that control, this may make them all the more resolved to continue with their behaviors.

Find the Support You Need

You probably find that your child’s eating disorder is affecting your life as much as it is your child’s life. It is important for you to find a forum in which you can vent your feelings and emotions where others can relate and understand. Other parents who have traveled this road with their child can often give you the support and advice like no one else. You should head to the Internet for help, as you already have. There are chat rooms and mailing lists that offer a forum for parents to discuss their children who have been afflicted with an eating disorder. There may also be support groups in your area for parents of children with eating disorders.

Other family members may give you grief over how you are handling a situation, but it’s best to ignore others for now. Listen to the therapists, the doctors, and to your own heart. Your child can overcome their eating disorder – and you are their parent are helping them as much as possible.

Panic Attacks and Eating Disorders

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:46:46 +0000

Panic attacks can happen anytime, to anyone, but those with eating disorders may find them to be more frequent in nature.

Panic attacks aren’t often talked about everyday conversation. Thought to be made up or perhaps even silly, panic attacks are a common occurrence in the lives of many. By taking the time to learn about panic attacks, especially in relation to eating disorders, you can learn not only how to control them, but how they begin in the first place.

What are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are episodes of great fear and can cause a sufferer discomfort. Not only are panic attacks scary , but they are also difficult to control. They can occur suddenly without any obvious cause or reason. Some sufferers have been asleep and woke up in panic from an attack. The severity and length of panics are different for everyone. Some people have attacks once daily while others can have several attacks during a day. People may begin to have panic attacks in their late teens and early thirties. But some have been older and even younger during the onset of their attacks.

Causes of Panic Attacks

While some people never seem to know why they have a panic attack, others do. There are various causes that have been said to trigger a panic attack. Some people have clear triggers, while others will not.

Certain objects may also be a trigger for a panic attack. For some, being exposed to a dog, cat, snake, spider or any other object can trigger an attack. At one time or another, the person suffering the panic attacks may avoid certain objects and situations altogether just to avoid a panic attack. For example, driving or going over bridges are situations which may incite a panic attack.

Signs of a Panic Attack

Some of the signs of a panic attack include:

Chest pains
Chills
Dizziness
Fear of dying or losing control
Fear of going crazy
Feelings of terror
Hot flashes
Nausea
Perspiration
Racing heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Stomach pain
Sudden anxiety
Trembling

Treatments for Panic Attacks

There are different types of treatment available for those who suffer from panic attacks. Not only can proper treatment help prevent them, they can even reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Below are some common treatment options. Your primary care doctor will be able to diagnose and treat your panic or anxiety condition.

Medications – Some people choose to use antidepressant medication to control frequent panic attacks or a fast-acting anti-anxiety medication to deal with attacks as they occur.
Therapy – If there are certain triggers for panic attacks, therapy can help you overcome these fears.

Do You Have a Panic Disorder?

A panic disorder is a very serious health problem and should never be taken lightly. Panic attacks can cause a person to develop irrational fears that are called phobias. The sufferer suffers great anxiety and fear about another panic attack, it may leave the sufferer unable to get on a bus or even leave their home. At this point, the sufferer is said to have panic disorder. This disorder can seriously affect a person’s life. The person may not be able to hold down a job or function in the general population.

Many people who have had or who are having panic attacks may not tell anyone about them. They might be embarrassed or think they are going crazy. But panic attacks and panic disorders are treatable. All you need to do is to talk to your doctor to see how they can help you.

Mothers with Eating Disorders

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:45:48 +0000

Mothers often succumb to eating disorders just as teens and other younger women do. With the added pressure to be the perfect caregiver, eating becomes a way to establish control again.

Mothers aren’t immune to eating disorders. While some feel there is a time in life when we should be able to avoid eating troubles, mothers also have problems controlling their eating. What starts as a diet becomes an obsession, one that is isolating and embarrassing – and often unnoticed.

How Many Mothers Have Eating Disorders?

As mothers, women are supposed to be the nurturers and caregivers. When mothers begin to have troubles with eating, they can be so ashamed, they often never seek help or confess their illness and struggles. This shame and utter embarrassment often leads to great isolation and despair. Women from 30 to 65 years of age are often just as vulnerable to eating disorders as though much younger. And you might be one of these women.

Not Just a Teen Problem

It is important to keep in mind, that eating disorders do not just affect adolescents. Television, magazines and the media in general bring up the issues of eating disorders in younger individuals yet fail to raise the issue of older women and women with children who also suffer. As women get older, they go through different changes on our lives. Becoming wives and mothers means new responsibilities and new expectations from others and from ourselves.

The Challenges of Mothers with Eating Disorders

As a mother, the needs of our children come first. But things change when a mother has as eating disorder. While many mothers would like to seek treatment, often the needs of their children must be their priority and they often fail to seek the help they need. Another challenge is when a mother requires needs to be hospitalized. What happens to her children?

Women fear their children will be taken away. Many women don’t want and will refuse to be separated from their children to be hospitalized. Not all women have strong support systems and resources available and even when they do, sometimes there is a financial cost that cannot be met. Single mothers have great difficulty as they lack the support and help that a spouse can bring. Marriages can also be affected by an eating disorder.

The Whole Family Shares the Eating Disorder

Eating disorders affect an entire family and can cause stress to your children. All aspects of motherhood can became more difficult and many find it extremely difficult to cope. While mothers feed and care for their children very well, they are often physically tired and fatigued. Mothers may fear they are never going to get better, which causes them to isolate and withdraw from their children.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you are a mother who is dealing with an eating disorder:

Support system – Make sure you kids have all the support, understanding and comfort they need. If you can not be around, make sure someone is. Look into organizations which can help.
Education – Kids should have some idea of what eating disorders are and why they happen. Like anyone, it is easier to understand something if you have some facts. Let your children know that recovery is possible and that an eating disorder is not necessarily a death sentence.
Listen – Encourage your kids to talk about their own feelings and emotions. The longer you listen, the safer they will feel about sharing feelings when they come up again.
Therapy – Sometimes families will need outside professional help to aid them in working out their problems and difficulties.

You can’t change the past, but you can change the future. By showing your children how to handle a difficult situation, they can learn how to handle future difficult situations in their own lives. Hopefully they won’t have to deal with eating disorders when they are mothers, but if they do, you will have shown them how.