Why Wait? Finding Help for an Eating Disorder
by Dr Rachel Evans
On average, 149 weeks pass before those experiencing eating disorder symptoms seek help. That’s almost three years, 37 months or 1,043 days.
Eating Disorder Psychologist, Dr Rachel Evans shares the common reasons why someone might wait before seeking help for an eating disorder:
1. They’re not aware that there is a problem.
With so many different diets and exercise regimes, it seems almost normal to have lots of rules around food. Often we aren’t aware that well intentioned healthy eating and lifestyle practices can have the ability to transition into something more sinister. I talk about this further with Sarah Macklin on this episode of the Live Well, Be Well podcast.
On the other end of the spectrum, it’s normal for us to eat in response to emotions, and someone might not notice when this tips into binge eating, defined as eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, often quickly, with a feeling of loss of control.
The Be Well Collective has a useful resource explaining how one can identify an eating disorders and seek help, watch here.
A YouGov survey found that more than one in three adults in the UK could not name any signs or symptoms of an eating disorder, and losing weight or being thin was cited twice as often as other factors. Many people have the stereotype that an eating disorder looks like a painfully thin Caucasian teenage girl; if they don’t fit that description themselves then they might not be aware that their changing relationship with food is disordered eating or an eating disorder. It’s important to know that anyone of any ethnicity, age, gender, and body shape or size can develop an eating disorder.
Although everyone who has an eating disorder will experience it in a unique way, there are some thoughts and feelings towards food, as well as observable behaviour that may indicate an issue.
Hyper-focus or pre-occupation with food
Restrictive eating and/or feeling out of control around food
Rigid food rules that must be adhered to despite any inconvenience caused
Feelings of anxiety, guilt and shame towards food
Purging after meals, via vomiting, laxatives and/or diuretics
Compulsive exercise as a means of weight or anxiety control
2. They don’t want to admit that there is a problem
There are lots of reasons why someone might be aware they are showing signs of an eating disorder, however, they don’t want to acknowledge what is going on. For example, for some, an eating disorder is a way to cope with difficult situations (e.g., to feel more in control by controlling what you eat or to zone-out while eating a large amount). Therefore, this makes sense that one wouldn’t want anyone to take that form of control away.
No one can promise what will happen to your weight as a result of seeking treatment and that can be really scary. For many people, being diagnosed with an eating disordered on their medical records can be perceived as a damaging ‘label’, and something that will negatively influence other people’s perceptions, as well as impacting future prospects.
It can be scary to think of those things, but it’s even scarier to think about what life might be like in 6 months or a year if things carried on as they are. Eating disorders can have a negative impact on every areas of someone’s life, from physical health and vitality to relationships, school or career, finances and hobbies. The longer that someone is in denial, the greater the effects of the eating disorder can be.
If you’re ready to explore the good and not so good aspects of your relationship with food, exercise and your body, you can download and work through this free e-book.
3. They don’t know how to seek support or treatment
Ideally, you should seek support as soon as you recognise that something is wrong, as evidence suggests that early intervention is associated with better outcomes. However, you might not know where to look or what support you need.
At first it often seems like there is no one who understands what you’re going through or who will be able to help. Then when you do start to look on Google or social media to find resources, all of the advice can be a bit overwhelming and at times conflicting.
One comprehensive resource is the BEAT website, which has educational posts, recovery tips, and a helpline.
Seeking support from a loved one
Before speaking to someone, it can help to take some time to think about how you would like them to support you; maybe you need someone who is a good listener to help you work through your worries. Or maybe you need someone who is going to call you out on negative and unhealthy behaviours to help you make a change.
Be prepared that you might have to help your loved one to understand what you’re going through and how it is impacting you. Many people don’t know a lot about eating disorders and even if they do, your experience may be different from their expectations.
Loved ones can offer a lot of help during recovery, however, since eating disorders are initiated and maintained by complex physical and psychological processes it is recommended to seek support from a qualified professional such as a doctor, psychologist, or dietician, often as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Seeking support from a professional
Contact your GP. It can help to tell the receptionist that you think you might be struggling with an eating disorder so that they can book you with a doctor who has more training or experience in this area.
Find a private therapist or dietician who specialises in eating disorder recovery and book an assessment.
About the author
Chartered psychologist Dr Rachel Evans has 11 years of studies behind her and a PHD in the psychology of eating. She is certified in hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming, emotional freedom technique and T.I.M.E techniques, and works in an entirely different way to your traditional therapist.
Having suffered from orthorexia and bulimia herself, Rachel understands the sensitive nature of the condition first hand and believes that people need a more focused, personalised approach and support system to reach full recovery.
Dr Evans has dedicated her life to helping others in similar situations and is happy to share her personal experience with orthorexia, atypical anorexia and bulimia if it helps to hold a safe space for other people who are struggling to speak out and better understand the situation they are faced with. She has a generously followed, loyal community on social media.
Connect with Dr Rachel Evans via @rachel.evans.phd