Eating Disorders Counseling
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Some people think that Christians are immune from body image issues or anxiety, so they cannot possibly suffer from eating disorders. The media today promotes models that are ten, twenty, sometimes thirty pounds underweight. Women are highly conscious as to how they compare to one another, and appearance and “fitting in” is a part of a female’s life – Christian or not.
Eating disorders have specific diagnostic criteria. Anorexics and bulimics refuse or cannot achieve a body weight of 85% of the “normal” weight and height for their age. Women that have an eating disorder are often severely afraid of gaining weight and have a distorted body image – even if they are severely underweight. Christian women often experience amenorrhea, which is the absence of the menstrual period for at least three months.
Most people with eating disorders share certain personality traits: low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, and a fear of becoming fat. In anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, eating behaviors seem to develop as a way of handling stress and anxieties.
People with anorexia tend to be "too good to be true." See more information in the course above.
People who develop bulimia and binge eating disorder typically consume huge amounts of food--often junk food--to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. See more information in the course above.
What is the Difference Between Anorexia and Bulimia?
The technical name for anorexia is anorexia nervosa. Anorexia is mainly associated with the restriction of food, meaning they lose weight by not eating or severely restricting calories. Some anorexics can purge, but they do not binge.
The technical name for bulimia is bulimia nervosa. Bulimics will binge eat and then purge their food. The purging comes via self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or even excessive exercise.
How Do I Recognize an Eating Disorder?
The earlier you notice that a teen is having issues with food, the earlier you recognize the symptoms, the earlier that person can get treatment. There are some common symptoms of which every parent, leader, or friend should be aware. Teens with eating disorders often:
- Have an obsession with weight.
- Have a distorted body image
- Weigh themselves several times a day
- Eat very little
- Will not eat around others
- Are very picky about what they eat
- Deny that there are food issues
Talking can help you identify potential anorexia or bulimia early.
The consequences of eating disorders can be severe. For example, one in ten cases of anorexia nervosa leads to death from starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications, or suicide. Fortunately, increasing awareness of the dangers of eating disorders--sparked by medical studies and extensive media coverage of the illness--has led many people to seek help.
Eating disorders are most successfully treated when diagnosed early. Unfortunately, even when family members confront the ill person about his or her behavior, or physicians make a diagnosis, individuals with eating disorders may deny that they have a problem. Thus, people with anorexia may not receive medical or psychological attention until they have already become dangerously thin and malnourished. People with bulimia are often normal weight and are able to hide their illness from others for years.
Ways to Help
- Talk openly and freely and ask direct questions about the person's eating patterns.
- Listen to what is said and treat it seriously. Do not add to the person's guilt by nagging about eating/not eating or gossiping about the person among your friends.
- Encourage the person to seek professional help.
The complex interaction of emotional, spiritual and physiological problems in eating disorders calls for a comprehensive treatment plan, involving a variety of experts and approaches. Ideally, the treatment team includes an internist, a nutritionist, a mental health (Christian) counselor, and a psychopharmacologist--someone who is knowledgeable about psychoactive medications useful in treating these disorders and a pastor.
Once an eating disorder is suspected, particularly if it involves weight loss, the first step is a complete physical examination to rule out any other illnesses. As a parent or guardian, you need to take the initiative to intervene and get the medical and counseling resources your child/teen needs immediately.
It is very difficult to decide to talk to someone about this behavior. We encourage you to set an appointment today to begin your journey of healing from eating disorders We are here to help! All our counselors are Christians that believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and the redemptive grace of Jesus Christ.
If you are interesting in seeking Christian counseling, call the main phone number at 303-933-5800
or fill out the contact form to make arrangements for an appointment.