Anorexia and Bulimia Counseling in Houston, TX
Anorexia and bulimia have always been thought of as nothing more than the result of obsession over body image paired with low self-esteem. However, studies are proving that your environment can also contribute to your chances of having this disorder.
How? Peer pressure, for one. We live in a world and an age where certain beauty standards have been set. The sad thing is many people have a hard time reaching those standards and this often leads to psychological problems that cause eating disorders; others think of not eating as a way to get to the desired weight, while others think having more and more comfort food is the only way to go.
If you are experiencing symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, or another disorder, please talk to a mental health professional. Thriveworks Counseling in Houston, TX has eating disorder counselors on our team who can help.
Other Causes of Anorexia and Bulimia
It’s not just limited to what and who is around you. There are other causes of these disorders, too.
Traumatic events have also been linked to eating disorders, especially those involving experiences that resulted in physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or even experiences that caused guilt, shame, or loss of confidence.
Your genes can influence your likelihood of developing these disorders as well. If you have one or more than one family member suffering from them, you are more likely to develop the disorders.
Other mental health issues can also influence whether you have anorexia or bulimia. One symptom of depression is the drive to eat more or to totally avoid food. However, it should also be mentioned you can have depression not related to an eating disorder at all.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
If you suspect you or someone you love has an eating disorder what are the signs to look out for?
- Depression and anxiety
- Obsessing over body image
- Obsessing over reaching or maintaining a certain weight
- Experiencing feelings of guilt or shame after eating
Treatment for Eating Disorders
Millions of people in the US suffer from bulimia and anorexia. These two disorders are treatable and preventable, but according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders as few as 10 percent of this total number are getting proper treatment.
The ill-effects of these eating disorders tend to be massive, whether they are short-term or long-term. Prolonged nutrient deficiency brought about by poor eating habits will make you susceptible to illnesses like scurvy and possibly open you up to even more serious illnesses like stroke, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Those who suffer from eating disorders also have a tendency to fall into a vicious cycle of guilt, shame, and depression, with many sufferers viewing suicide as the only way out.
Schedule Eating Disorder Counseling at Thriveworks in Houston, TX
You cannot avoid food, your body needs it. However, a lone struggle against eating disorders is something you can avoid. If you are in Houston, TX we can help you deal with this problem.
You do not have to be alone in this dark period of your life. Get in touch with us; we have counselors who can guide you with professional advice and the necessary emotional support and get you through this very difficult time.
