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The relationship between what we eat, our body image, self-esteem, and physical and mental well-being represents a complex relationship that can quickly change at a moment’s notice. Different factors affect how we view our nutrition and the ways we approach eating throughout the day. In some cases, people develop eating disorders in response to these dynamics. No matter the type of disorder they suffer from, it can have a wide range of effects on their daily lives that they never considered.
The Different Kinds of Eating Disorders and Their Effects on Daily Life
Whether you suffer from anorexia, binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia, purging, or any other eating disorder, their impact on your life can be widespread. Every decision you make about what you eat gets viewed through the lens of your condition—going out to eat with your friends, seeing family members, or even making something for yourself at home centers around this relationship.
While these disorders affect your food choices differently, they still present similar symptoms and impacts on you or a loved one’s daily life.
Gets in the Way of Their Obligations
One of the most significant ways an eating disorder can negatively affect someone’s life is their daily obligations. Whether work-related, familial responsibilities, or taking care of their physical or mental well-being, these conditions can swiftly become the most important thing in your life. People can go a long time before showing visible signs of decline, but the toll on their responsibilities can become more apparent.
Physical and Mental Health
The types of food we put into our bodies play a significant role in the state of our physical and mental health. A balanced nutrition regimen can help ensure every part of your body functions well and can help regulate the chemicals in your brain. However, eating disorders can drastically affect the types of nutrients our bodies receive and have far-reaching negative effects on our mental health.
The reasons behind why people develop an eating disorder vary greatly from person to person. However, one of the biggest deciding factors involves a sense of control, including over our body image. People will have an ideal body type in mind and do whatever they can to achieve those results.
People may resort to taking drastic measures with their diet to achieve their goals. While pursuing these ideals, their self-esteem suffers because they’ve intrinsically tied it to their diet and appearance. Compulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts can also become a much more significant issue as a result.
How It Affects the People Around You
When discussing the effects of an eating disorder, it doesn’t limit itself to only the person suffering from it — their loved ones can also feel the effects. When your ability to meet your obligations begins to suffer, your loved ones often notice first. They see you missing family dinners and appear lethargic when they see you, and you may push back against them when they try to help.
Your immediate family and friends see how the disorder affects you and try their best to help and support you; however, if you aren’t ready to hear what they have to say, then you may start to distance yourself. Having a good support system in place is vital to recovering from your eating disorder, but if you’ve pushed them away while you were suffering, making amends may help you build the support team you need.
Find an Eating Disorder Treatment Center for Help
When you’re ready for a change, finding a personalized treatment program in Columbiana, Alabama, will give you the support you need. Magnolia Creek’s treatment programs have helped people suffering from eating disorders find the compassionate and personalized treatment they need to work through their challenging mental health conditions.
Our staff works with each patient on a personal level to figure out the underlying causes of their condition and work with them to determine which kind of therapies can provide the best help. Learn more about our mental health treatment programs and schedule your first appointment today. Contact us at 205-409-4220 or complete our contact form.
