Columbia, MD Anorexia and Bulimia Therapy—Counselors and Therapists
Today, the presence of social media is huge. Whether it is a “like” on a photo, or comments from your followers, you feel as if you are under constant judgment. With all of the judgment one could face, it has the ability to take a serious toll on their mental well-being. It’s hard to know which way to turn when you feel as if your image does not fit what society portrays as the “norm.”
Eating disorders may seem harmless on the surface—probably a case of someone who wants to achieve a model-like figure, or a person who wants to trim down her waistline. However, anorexia and bulimia expose people to serious health threats that everyone should be aware of. In the US alone, there are about 30 million people suffering from eating disorders. However, the good thing about it is that these cases are curable and may be prevented at the onset through effective Thriveworks Columbia, MD bulimia and anorexia counseling.
While cases are curable, there is still 10% of the affected population that is not getting treatment, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. At Thriveworks Columbia, MD we have therapists and coaches who want to help those affected by these disorders.
Understanding the Cause and Symptoms of Anorexia and Bulimia
People who are suffering from eating disorders can be easily judged by the people around them—it can be because of low self-confidence or obsession over a certain body image, but there are other factors that can cause eating disorders:
- Genetics plays an important role in the likelihood of the person to develop an eating disorder. This happens when one or more relatives are affected by anorexia or bulimia. The family’s genes may also affect the person’s behavior towards food.
- The person’s experiences which either traumatized him/her or destroyed their self-confidence also attribute to him/her perception of body image.
- Mental conditions such as depression trigger eating disorders.
- One’s exposure to wrong and unhealthy diets and products that promote weight loss can also impact the person’s view of ideal body image.
- His/her peers can strongly influence his/her decisions on losing weight or eating habits.
Additionally, here are some common symptoms in those with anorexia or bulimia:
- Depression and anxiety.
- Obsession over one’s weight and perception of ideal body image.
- Episodes of binge eating that are combined with purging.
- Purposeful non-intake of food.
- Observing the wrong diet that totally removes important nutrients that your body needs.
- Feeling of shame or guilt after eating.
Health Threats and How to Treat Eating Disorders
Anorexia and bulimia both put the person in danger for serious health risks. Once the body lacks the nutrients that it needs, it will deteriorate and will suffer from life-threatening ailments. This can cause stroke or hypertension and both of these cases need urgent medical attention. A simple choking on one’s vomit can cause asphyxiation or the cut-off of oxygen supply.
To add to the physical health risks, it is also important to note that studies have shown strong association of suicide and eating disorders. People who have anorexia and bulimia can also suffer from depression and other mental health problems. The health threats people face while suffering from an eating disorder can snowball and one after another continuously lead to huge overall health issues. Help is needed for someone suffering from an eating disorder, and therapy or coaching at Thriveworks Columbia could be exactly what they need.
Schedule a Session at Thriveworks Columbia Today
If you know someone who is suffering from these disorders, it is best to start his/her treatment urgently with Thriveworks Columbia counseling for anorexia and bulimia. We have therapists equipped with all of the tools needed to help people suffering with eating disorders. At Thriveworks Columbia we strive to create a personalized treatment plan for every patient. In this manner we try to ensure that our clients’ individual needs are met in the best way possible. At Thriveworks we accept many different insurance plans as well as offering flexible hours with weekend and evening availability. Thriveworks has a “no waiting list” policy. We want our clients to get the help they need as soon as possible, and new clients can have an appointment set up within 24 hours.
One of our therapists or coaches would be happy to further discuss the effects eating disorders have on those suffering. Call our office today to schedule an appointment at (410) 910-2708.
