Eating Disorders

It is okay to change your eating habits every now and then, perhaps when you are stressed or unhappy. But if these changes are severe they can signal an outward expression of internal emotional pain or distress. Eating habits can also sometimes be affected by societal perceptions of perfect.

It can be very easy for people to sometimes confuse who they are with what they look like and just focus on weight/body shape rather than the wonderful person they are.

The issues that cause eating disorders are complex and not everyone will experience the same symptoms, which is why it is crucial to treat the individual in the way that it is most beneficial to them.

Some symptoms include:

• Missing meals
• Complaining about being fat even though not (normal weight)
• Repeatedly weighing self/looking in the mirror
• Avoiding eating with excuses (just ate, going out soon etc)
• Only eating low calorie foods (celery, lettuce)
• Refusing to eat at restaurants

If you think you, or someone close to you, might be suffering with an eating disorder, contact your GP or speak to a counsellor as soon as you can.