In our society and in various sources of mass media, there are many different messages about what is desired or acceptable – especially in terms of eating habits and body weight or image. For men and women alike, confusion and frustration are common when the messages received are not consistent or go against other beliefs: “Which is true?”
Overwhelming feelings of stress, disappointment, and shame can develop when the “ideal” body image or weight is not reflected in the mirror. Some individuals may use eating behaviours such as restricting food, binge eating, purging, or obsessing over calories as a way to cope with these emotions or make sense of their struggles.When these behaviours become frequent and begin affecting physical health, emotional well-being, or daily functioning, disordered eating patterns may develop into an eating disorder.
What is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating habits refer to unhealthy relationships with food. Consistently feeling anxious or ashamed when in the presence of food or even just thinking about food, restricting socializing with friends on the basis of whether or not food or eating might be involved, or using food or eating as a coping method could indicate the presence of disordered eating. Self esteem or self worth issues, feelings of guilt or shame when around food, and genetic factors (histories of disordered eating or eating disorders in the family) could also be involved in these patterns of eating.
Disordered Eating or Eating Disorder?
Disordered eating and eating disorders are very similar, yet very different. Ultimately, what distinguishes the two is the degree or frequency and severity of the behaviours.
There are four main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorder not otherwise specified. Individuals with disordered eating may display similar behaviours, including food restriction, bingeing and purging, excessive exercise, rigid calorie counting, or the use of diet pills and laxatives. However, these behaviours may occur less frequently or be less severe.Even when symptoms appear milder, disordered eating is still a serious concern. Without proper support, it may increase the risk of developing a more severe eating disorder over time.
What Now?
Treatment for disordered eating often look very different for each person. What has helped one individual is not likely (but might) be just as effective for another person. We all have preferred ways of coping, are helped by different activities or techniques, and are able to engage in different tasks. To address these factors and others, making an appointment with a counsellor provides an opportunity to discuss problematic patterns of relating to food, form healthy eating plans, relate to emotions and thoughts differently, develop helpful coping skills, seek out appropriate sources of social support. Importantly, seeing a counsellor would provide a supportive resource person for help, to feel heard, and to realize that hope is possible.
References
Gottlieb, C. (2014). Disordered eating or eating disorder: What’s the difference?
Howard, C. (2018). Disordered eating vs. eating disorders: What’s the difference?
