Eating Disorder Help

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Author:
Michael Russell

In this article in our continuing series on eating disorders we're going to concentrate on how to prevent an eating disorder from ever starting in the first place.

There are a number of things someone can do to see that they never fall into the trap of dealing with an eating disorder.

The most important thing a person can do is get educated. Learn everything there is to know about Anorexia, Bulimia, and binge eating disorders. Awareness of these diseases will help you make informed decisions about what constitutes proper food intake and what your body should look like for your height and bone structure.

Get the idea out of your head that diet and the way your body will ultimate look will lead to happiness. There is more to being happy than just looks. This helps build self esteem.

Challenge the ideas that weight loss and being thin are great and anything to do with fat is a bad thing. Naturally you don't want to eat to the point of obesity. But you do want to strike a balance between the two.

Try not to categorize foods as being either good or bad, fattening or slimming. Try to remember that we need a balanced diet in our lives.

Don't judge others and yourself by their appearance of being either fat or thin. It's what's inside a person that counts. Look beyond the physical appearance.

Try to avoid the feeling that people will like you better if you lose weight. Remember that your friends are your friends and will like you no matter what you look like.

Become critical of the media and their messages that in order to be popular you need to be thin. If you see one of these ads, yell back at the TV. If you see one of these ads in print, write to the editor. Don't let the media beat you.

If you think someone has an eating disorder confront them in a personal caring manner. Show them your concern without being judgmental. Offer them support as someone they can speak to.

Most of all, be a model of self esteem and body image. Carry yourself in such a way that others will notice and respect you, regardless of how heavy or thin you may or may not be. Talk about yourself with confidence in a manner that commands respect and appreciation. Value yourself based on your goals, what you've achieved, your talents and your character. Avoid the way you feel about your body weight becoming the main focus and the ruler of your day. Realize that everyone has a different body and shape and regardless of that shape everyone has value, not based on their looks.

Finally, support local organizations and non profit eating disorder associations by making donations or volunteering your time. Your donations may someday lead to a cure for these type of illnesses.

Hopefully, by doing all of the above, you can prevent someone you care about, especially yourself, from falling victim to one of these terrible diseases.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Eating Disorders
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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Eating Disorders... Hypnosis For Eating Disorders? Today, eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia are running rapid. If a person intentionally starves him or herself yet believes they are overweight, they could very well be suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, which is a severe emotional disorder that needs serious intervention. With this, the diet is drastically restricted, coupled by excessive exercise. The result is dangerous weight loss that can cause serious damage to the body to include death. Bulimia is a form of Anorexia, which is characterized by misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, and/or vomiting to rid the body of food consumed during binge eating. In both cases, the body is put at great medical risk. The problem is that both Anorexia and Bulimia are not just serious but difficult to treat. In addition to the body needing intervention, the mind also needs intervention since the individual with the eating disorder sees him or herself as fat although they could easily be 50% of their normal weight. These eating disorders typically begin in adolescents, which are seen most often around time of puberty. However, although rare, eating disorders can affect people over the age of 40, and again, both males and females although girls are in the highest risk category. If you have a child and you begin to notice things like infrequent or stopped menstrual cycle, dry skin, thinning hair, cold and/or swollen feet, or a bloated stomach while watching drastic weight loss, then you need to pay attention. The psychological signs generally involve poor judgment, problem with memory and/or concentration, a distorted perception of the body, denial, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and depression; these could well be indications that an eating disorder is a problem. Treating eating disorders is a long process that...