Dreamstime
Eating disorders are serious and a top mental health issue in Memphis.
“It is an issue in our community,” says Amy Puddephatt of the caring ministries department at Hope Church. Unfortunately, many shy away from talking about the problem or deny its presence.
“Eating disorders do not discriminate,” says Kylee Tsuru of the National Eating Disorders Association – Memphis. “And you cannot tell if a person has one based on their age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or even weight.” There are just as many causes for eating disorders as types. “Eating disorders are complex illnesses that stem from a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors,” Tsuru says.
One theory is that people with eating disorders use food to deal with overwhelming or painful emotions. There is a genetic link, though emotional health, such as perfectionism and impulsive behavior, and difficult relationships can contribute to lowering a person’s self-esteem and making them vulnerable to developing an eating disorder.
Each eating disorder has its own symptoms that differentiate it from the rest. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says that people with anorexia will deny themselves food to the point of self-starvation as they obsess about weight loss, and they may be irritable, withdraw socially, lack emotion, fear eating in public, or be obsessed with food and exercise.
According to NAMI, people with bulimia nervosa will feel out of control when binging on large amounts of food during short periods of time and then desperately try to rid themselves of the calories through forced vomiting, abusing laxatives, or excessive exercise. Those with bulimia may have low self-esteem, feel guilty or shameful about eating, and withdraw from friends and family.
NAMI also identified a binge-eating disorder where a person eats a large amount of food in a short time even when not hungry, which causes them to feel embarrassed, disgusted, depressed, or guilty about their behavior. A person with this condition can be normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Eating disorders are not about diet or a lifestyle choice. “Eating disorders involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues,” says Tsuru. But help is available. “We have a group that meets Sunday evenings at Hope Church for recovery from compulsive overeating, binge eating, or any other eating disorder using the 12-step traditions of Overeaters Anonymous,” says Puddephatt.
Early detection can lead to the best prognosis, adds Tsuru: “Some people might be hesitant to seek help because they fear stigmatization, believe their problem is not that bad, or think they can recover on their own.” Treatment is individualized and tailored to the person. “The most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs,” she says.
Sometimes antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are used, as many people with eating disorders have co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression. The severity of the disorder as well as the person’s problems, needs, and strengths are considered when determining an approach.
Research is opening pathways to new solutions. “Findings from a recent study by Dr. Cynthia Bulik and the Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative report that anorexia is not only a psychiatric illness but may also be caused by metabolic conditions,” says Tsuru.
If you are concerned about your child, friend, or loved one, have the conversation. “You can express your concerns with honesty and respect in a loving and supportive manner,” Tsuru says. “Be sure to address your concerns in a calm, caring, and non-confrontational way and address specific behaviors using ‘I’ statements — for example, ‘I am concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch’ — and try to avoid accusatory ‘you’ statements — for example, ‘You have to eat something.’”
Family-based treatments can be the most beneficial, as parents should get involved to ensure healthy eating patterns and to increase awareness and support. A good first step may be visiting nationaleatingdisorders.org and taking the quick assessment to see if professional help is necessary. There is no reason for anyone to suffer in silence.
Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (getpinkpower.com), is dedicated to providing information on women’s and pediatric health topics.