EDA #4 Understanding Eating Disorders Beyond the Surface
Eating disorders, often masked by outward symptoms, are complex conditions stemming from a multitude of underlying factors. Beyond the surface, individuals dealing with these disorders may be contending with a range of issues, including self-harm and intrusive thoughts. It's crucial to recognize that not everyone experiencing an eating disorder will have these specific behaviors, though intrusive thoughts commonly manifest as feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, or, conversely, entitlement.
Delving deeper, various conditions contribute to the development of eating disorders, such as trauma, depression, and stress. These disorders often serve as unhealthy coping mechanisms, attempting to address underlying emotional distress through disordered eating patterns. Reflecting on the deeply touching lyrics of Johnny Diaz's "More Beautiful You," which sheds light on society pressures and self-image struggles, underscores the pervasive nature of these disorders.
Within the spectrum of eating disorders, distinctions arise, each with its own set of behaviors and challenges. Anorexia Nervosa (referred to as Ana), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), and Bulimia (referred to as Mia) represent a few manifestations. While Ana involves food restriction, BED entails compulsive overeating without purging, and Mia involves bingeing followed by purging, often through vomiting or excessive exercise.
It's essential to differentiate between eating disorders and disordered eating, the latter involving picky eating habits rather than a pervasive and harmful relationship with food. Recognizing the differences within each disorder is key to understanding the diverse experiences individuals face.
Considering the root causes of eating disorders prompts reflection on healthier coping mechanisms. Shifting towards constructive outlets for managing emotional distress, such as therapy, mindfulness practices, and self-care routines, can help those towards recovery. By addressing underlying issues and building resilience, individuals can embark on a path towards healing and holistic well-being.
How are you dealing with your eating disorder and underlying conditions?
What defense do you have against the intrusive thoughts?
@DanCat1128 my ED is caused by trauma. I am in therapy for it, but no matter how hard I try, I just don't like eating. Every thing tastes the same and I don't like all the different textures😞 my only defense is I want to be healthy. I don't want this to become another health issue all the time. But it's hard
@Tinywhisper11
*sends big comfy huggie wuggies for lola beanie if okie*
@LoveMyMoonflowers huggggs lovely back ❤❤❤
@Tinywhisper11
@Tinywhisper11 It sounds like you are going through a challenging time with your eating disorder and trauma. Feeling uncomfortable with food can be difficult to navigate, especially when there's a desire to be healthy. What supports do you have in place to help cope with these feelings?
@Tinywhisper11 Sending strength 🦾 it must be very hard mentally to keep that up. But it sounds like you have something to hold on to!
@DanCat1128
Right now I'm avoiding the compulsion to trigger myself on purpose tbh. I have some bad habits I'll say to avoid being triggering but I've been relying on them less and less for emotional regulation. Unfortunately this means I have to actually feel my emotions and I've been much more cranky. On the outside this looks like me "getting worse" but I'm practicing what alternative coping skills I have.
I've also been developing a positive example/view by following and saving examples of people that look more like me, like fashion vloggers within my body type/size and filling my Pinterest feed with body neutral quotes.
I have aesthetic goals re: makeup, clothing style, etc. but I don't want to let my body get in the way of those. I'll just buy the same cute clothes in the bigger size, yanno? 😅
@JarofSeeds627 It sounds like you're working hard to find healthier ways to cope with your emotions and find positive role models. That takes a lot of courage and determination. What motivates you to keep going?
Just today I started seeing a therapist to deal with my eating disorder and we tried to discover some underlying issues and factors that play a part in it. So I guess there is that in terms of taking action.
I always find it difficult to navigate through those thoughts because I can't really talk to anyone with them, but I noticed that this does really help. Relieve the burden on just yourself!
My defense usually consists of trying to be as healthy and correct as possible in moments that I am not dealing with my ED-related struggles to compensate. Not the healthiest approach to go from extreme to extreme, but it does balance some things out. I want to find a better balance for sure in the future.
Hi, @Michelh1996
I am by no means an expert, but I do have some personal experience with eat.dis. stuff.
I just wanted to say to you, Keep going! Keep trying! I hear your desire for health = that is great! It is an important step, too, to acknowledge that you have a problem, or issues, or even that things in life are just not as you'd hoped they would be. I certainly do not have it all patched together myself, but I do know that finding balance is a huge thing! And learning to forgive your own self. <-- This is a big one for me. Another thing I battle with is being able (and willing) to close the door on yesterday, or even to say, "Self, the morning is over. Here I go, new start for the afternoon or the rest of today." This is by no means an easy thing. But it IS an important thing. @Anomalia @internalAcceptance
It can be so much easier for me to encourage and remind another hooman bean, than it is to remind myself. So here's the post for you and for me too :) @yourcaringconfidant @kristynsmama
Keep going! Just keep swimming! (wow that sounds tiring!) ok, Keep on breathing! One minute at a time. One breath at a time. and perhaps most important:
You CAN do it! :)
<>< your friend, Platy
@cyanPlatypus6370 Thanks for your motivation and sharing your personal experience! I get it is a long road so you sharing some things that sound really good and motivational must mean you've made quite some progress yourself 🦾
Forgiving/resetting is something I do struggle with a lot for sure. I feel like talking about it on here helps a lot, but in the end it also means it is on my mind more and if you can't win the battles yet by yourself it is actually harder sometimes. That is why I reached out for more help. Hoping to find more things and tricks to hold on to in those difficult moments. Like making a decision, forgiving, eating something without overeating and so on. So also always looking for shared experience from others on that subject!
Again, happy to hear some words of motivation! I hope to make a big effort to make things more healthy -> and by healthy I mean mentally, the cycle and situation I am in of course!