There are several different types of eating disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and each is categorized under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. Eating disorders are neurological disorders that are loosely characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious illnesses that are often accompanied by life-threatening physical and mental health complications. Assuming the role of caretaker for a loved one struggling with an eating disorder can be an enormous and overwhelming undertaking. When caring for an individual with an eating disorder, it is essential to understand the specific eating disorder your loved one is battling and arm yourself with an array of coping techniques and strategies to offer the most useful support. As a caretaker faced with navigating a loved one’s eating disorder consider the following suggestions to set yourself up for success:
- Learn as much as you can: Caregivers should educate themselves and try to understand the disorder by reading credible sources and speaking with professionals.
- Practice self-care: It can be easy to lose sight of the importance of maintaining and prioritizing your own health and well-being. However, if you become emotionally or mentally unwell you will be doing a disservice to your loved one who is battling an eating disorder, as you will be unable to properly care for them.
- Do not take things personally: Individuals who are struggling with an eating disorder did not choose their diagnosis and they usually do not intentionally mean to hurt their loved ones.
- Acknowledge big and small accomplishments: Caregivers should always offer encouragement to their loved one by expressing pride for any accomplishments that align with and reinforce a healthy relationship with food.
- Appearing preoccupied is to be expected: Keep in mind that obsessive thoughts of food, weight and body image are occupying your loved one’s mind from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep.
- Pay attention to red flags: A caretaker must be able to recognize the warning signs that may indicate setbacks in one’s recovery.
- Patience is key: Recovery is a long process and does not happen overnight.
- Nobody is to blame: Although the exact cause behind why an individual develops an eating disorder remains unknown, research has found that it is likely due to a combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), an estimated 30 million U.S. adults will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
