Recovery from an Eating Disorder
Often overlooked and marginalized in the mainstream media, eating disorders are a tragic physical and mental health issue that can claim the lives of women and men of all ages.
In fact, research indicates that 20% of those who suffer from anorexia will die from the medical consequences.
And that is just one of the ways in which an eating disorder can manifest.
Over exercising, bulimia, binge eating, laxative abuse, and other extreme behaviors may hallmark an eating disorder, and estimates suggest 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.
Every 52 minutes one of these people will die from their eating disorder illness, leaving behind family, friends, coaches and neighbors, many of which may never have known something was wrong.
But many of these lives can be saved.
Resurgence Behavioral Health understands the pain, stigma, and underlying mental health issues that can drive eating disorder behavior and can help those struggling rebuild their health and peace of mind.
Call us today.
Help is here for you.
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What is Recovery from an Eating Disorder
Due to a lack of awareness of the real causes of eating disorders, stereotypes abound suggesting that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice.
These misconceptions depict men and women who cope with eating disorders as consciously endangering their physical and emotional health for beauty, or who waste food for superficial reasons.
But these are false beliefs that jeopardize the well-being of those with eating disorders, increasing their efforts to hide their behavior.
Other stereotypes suggest that eating disorders are only a female issue, and that those with eating disorders can be identified by excessively thin bodies.
However, The National Eating Disorders Association estimates that 10 million men will suffer from eating disorders over the course of their lives, and less than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically underweight.
These expectations further muddy the waters of who really struggles with these illnesses, and as a result, many of those with eating disorders never receive the help they need.
But studies show that recovery from eating disorders is possible.
In fact, among those who seek help, nearly 50% will make a full recovery, with many others demonstrating significant improvements in their physical and mental health.
However, before those positive effects can take place, it’s important that anyone suffering from an eating disorder get professional help that addresses the full spectrum of physical and mental health needs.
Doing so can not only improve their health, but save their lives.
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Effects of Recovery from an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are not simply a behavior issue and are not just about beauty.
Stress, need for control, depression, low self-esteem and other challenges can trigger eating disorders, they can also often arise in conjunction with sports, or “health regimens,” and the desire to succeed in the eyes of others.
This can be especially true for men, since lean, highly muscular bodies are a sign of health and desirability for males.
As a result, eating disorders can be common among athletes of both sexes, and can be easily confused with high-intensity fitness commitments.
However, while some initial weight loss resulting from some eating disorders may seem like an improvement in health, the long-term consequences are dangerous and include:
- Physical weakness
- Stomach cramps
- Anger and emotional issues
- Impaired immune functioning
- Severe dehydration
- Liver problems
- Ulcers
- Tooth decay
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Kidney failure
- Gallstones
- Cognitive issues
- Decreased sexual health
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Suicide
- Death
But seeking professional recovery can allow those in need of help to begin addressing
physical and mental health needs immediately.
In the care of a professional recovery center, a team of treatment specialists, including clinicians, can begin assisting with mental health triggers, while helping to improve nutrition, sleep habits, and other physical components that will help the individual seeking treatment to begin feeling almost immediate positive effects.
Mental Illness and Recovery from an Eating Disorder
Understanding the underlying role of mental health in eating disorders can help neighbors, coaches, dance instructors, educators, loved ones, and friends recognize an eating disorder, and respond with the appropriate empathy and encouragement for treatment.
While eating disorders may have a physical performance or appearance element, they almost always arise from an underlying mental health issue.
For example, studies show that there is a strong connection between eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, and that eating disorders can be found in male and female veteran populations who have experienced trauma.
Others common mental health issues associated with eating disorders include:
- Trouble expressing emotion
- Depression / Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Fear of failure
- Low self-esteem
- Pressure from family and friends to lose weight
- Desire to “fit in” with cultural norms
- Use of food as a coping mechanism
- Controlling environment
- History of sexual abuse
Additionally, eating disorders can be associated with a psychological condition called “body dysmorphic disorder,” in which individuals no longer perceive their bodies as they are. As a result, individuals come to believe that weight loss, surgical changes, or muscle gain are needed just to appear “normal.”
Even if the expression of a mental health issue appears to subside, the underlying causes tend to re-emerge over time. For this reason, those who suffer from an eating disorder will likely continue to struggle without professional intervention.
These mental health crises, combined with the physical illness, dehydration and nutritional deficiencies caused by eating disorders, can result in those suffering attempting to take their lives.
In fact, research suggests that the presence of eating disorders can be directly predictive of larger patterns of self-harm.
It is because of this urgency that those experiencing eating disorders need to seek professional help, as opposed to self-help programs or family intervention alone.
Immediate Placement in Rehab
Treatment and Recovery from an Eating Disorder
Though eating disorders and substance addiction may seem different on the surface, they are similar in many ways.
In both cases, those struggling are often no longer able to stop their behavior on their own, even if they are aware of the dangers it poses to their health. Furthermore, since both addictions and eating disorders are linked to mental health needs, and can be very complex to manage, professional treatment is necessary because it can immerse the individual in an environment that begins to heal and protect them immediately.
For example, depending on the severity of the underlying issues, prescriptions for depression or anxiety can be incorporated to help manage triggers and emotional pain while treatment unfolds.
Spiritual services, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, relationship counseling, peer support and family therapy may also be incorporated as recovery strategies, helping to encourage communication, mental wellness, and self-love.
Recovery from eating disorders can be a long road, and it will not always be easy. But with the right support, those in need of recovery can rebuild their self-confidence, treat their bodies, and heal their spirits.
A brighter life, free from the pain and isolation of eating disorders, is waiting for you.
Payment Information
Resurgence Behavior Health recognizes that your journey is one of a kind, and responds with recovery plans and payment plans that reflect your unique needs.
We accept most PPO insurance and private forms of payment for treatment.
Our team also knows that this is a time that you need for focus on recovery, not negotiating with an insurance company.
We communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf, taking some of the stress out of your recovery.
You can even pay for admission online.
Just call our caring team at 855-458-0050 and let the healing begin.
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Resurgence Behavioral Health
Are you ready to break free from the grip of eating disorders?
Resurgence Behavioral Health can help.
Our compassionate treatment team includes medical professionals, certified counselors and licensed therapists.
We understand that no two eating disorder recoveries are the same, and that men coping with eating disorders have unique physical and psychological needs.
Resurgence has locations in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach and Fullerton Hills, as well as a beautiful Outpatient Campus – complete with communal spaces, a computer lab, ponds and water features – all to help you recover and relax.
In addition to beautiful, wellness-focused environments, Resurgence has diverse treatment options to meet your needs.
We can assist with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat underlying thought patterns, prescriptions and counseling to help with depression, anxiety and body dysmorphic disorder, group therapies to help you recover with peer encouragement, and many more strategies to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to win your battle with eating disorders.
You can do it.
And we can help.
Call Resurgence today and begin your journey.
