Transitions in Eating Disorder Recovery & the College Student
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BODY IMAGE AND EATING DISORDERS Rachel Onefater The Renfrew Center of Bethesda BODY IMAGE • What is body image? Is it good or bad? BODY IMAGE • What is Body Image? • Your own view of yourself • What you believe to be true about your body • Feelings about your body • How it feels IN your own body • How do I get it? • It’s learned…our culture & our environment play a large role in shaping our own image of our body • Who has it? • Everyone! Yes…even males • Why is it important? • Body image directly effects self-esteem and general life functioning INFLUENCE: POP CULTURE/MEDIA INFLUENCE: SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS Narrow definitions of Generational traditions beauty that include only and expectations within women and men of specific family systems body weights and shapes Cultural pressures that glorify thinness and Cultural norms that place value on value people on the basis obtaining the perfect of physical appearance body and not inner qualities and strengths WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? • The media (Social Media, TV/Film, Magazines, Internet) promotes an image ideal that is unattainable for most of us • We have placed our self-worth on our physical appearance WHAT’S THE IMPACT? • Low self-esteem • Because the images are not real, attaining the ideal is virtually impossible so those who try and fail feel bad about themselves • People start to ask themselves: “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I be that size/shape/weight/pretty?” • Social isolation • Low self-esteem can lead to feelings of loneliness and cause isolation • Changes in mood • Feelings of inadequacy impact daily life and functioning • Depression, irritability, anger • Dangerous extremes • Constant pursuit of the thin ideal through extreme measures that can lead to eating disorders WHAT DOES THIS MEAN DURING QUARANTINE? • We are being forced into self-isolation and this can trigger feelings of loneliness and can cause people to rely on food to cope with their emotions when their normal ways of coping might be taken away from them (i.e. socialization, exercise) • The pressure to achieve a certain ideal can apply unnecessary pressure and may cause feelings of guilt and shame DIETING DOES NOT WORK! WHAT IS AN EATING DISORDER? A complex mental illness characterized by: • Extreme eating behaviors • An overvaluation of shape and weight • Common psychological factors such as low self esteem, perfectionism, and body image distortion EATING DISORDERS: ALARMING STATISTICS • Eating disorders are of epidemic proportions in schools • Nearly ½ of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder • Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses. It is estimated that up to 20% of those with anorexia will die. • Medical Complications/Risks: Female reproductive system, Diabetes, Immunodeficiency, High cholesterol, Impaired Cognitive Functioning, Heart Failure, Gastrointestinal problems, Gastric or Esophageal Tear/Rupture, Multiple Organ Failure, Osteoporosis, Suicide ANOREXIA NERVOSA • Extreme and irrational fear of becoming fat, despite progressive weight loss • Strong determination to become increasingly thinner • Significant purposeful weight loss usually in a short period of time • Distorted perception of body shape • Difficulty in accurately interpreting and managing hunger/fullness cues SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Is thin & continues to get thinner • Diets even when not overweight • Distorted body image – “feels fat” even when thin • Hair loss • Talks excessively about food, cooking or dieting • Exercises excessively, even when tired or injured • Overemphasizes the importance of body image to self-worth • Depression • Anxiety BULIMIA NERVOSA • Recurrent episodes of binge eating - eating large amount of food in a short period of time with a sense of loss of control • Binge eating is followed by compensatory purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, diuretic abuse or non- purging types such as excessive exercise, fasting, or strict diets • Dissatisfaction with body shape and weight SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Feels like eating is out of control • Tooth decay, gum disease • Heartburn, chest pain • Uses the bathroom frequently after meals • Fainting & Weakness • Frequent fluctuations in weight • Overvalues weight as a basis for self esteem • Depression • Anxiety BINGE EATING DISORDER • Eating a substantially larger amount of food than is considered a ‘normal’ portion size within a short amount of time. • A lack of control or inability to stop eating. • Hiding food • Feelings of shame and or guilt associated with eating. • Eating in excess even when not hungry. • Depression • Anxiety SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Hiding food or eating alone due to embarrassment. • Feeling disgusted with oneself after bingeing. • Rapid weight gain. • Food wrappers and empty food containers found hidden. • Depression • Anxiety EATING DISORDERS ARE SNEAKY! • Not always readily “seen” • Normalization of behaviors such as dieting and exercising in our culture • People are often functioning well in other areas of their lives (i.e. academically) • Denial, secrecy, lying, and shame accompany eating disorders WHAT IF I KNOW SOMEONE… • Talk to someone about your concerns • Parents, Counselors, Physician, School Nurse • Acknowledge your own limitations • Don’t become the therapist • Voice your concerns to your peers • Balance your worries with what you see • Seek help • Remember – eating disorders do not get better on their own and require professional help HOW TO LEND SUPPORT • Be wary of where you bring it up (around meals is never a good idea) • Be sensitive to shame…It can look like defensiveness and denial • Focus on emotions, stress, isolation…not on appearance and weight • Use a supportive rather than accusatory tone • Express concern using “I” statements: • “I’m worried about you.” vs. “You have been acting so weird!” • Avoid lecturing about the medical dangers of eating disorders -it will likely backfire • One conversation is rarely enough. Repeated connection and nonjudgmental listening is needed for a person to feel safe enough to talk about what is going on • Keep it private! HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT EATING DISORDERS? • Observe your own words and behaviors • How much do you value shape, weight, and appearance? • What language do you use to describe others or yourself? • How much time do you spend talking about food and weight related topics? • Take the focus off of size, food, and weight • Avoid negative self-talk and promote positive self-talk, as well as positive interactions • Respect and embrace differences • Critically evaluate media messages and help to debunk the “thin ideal” myth! • Praise and value positive messages and compliments SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES Movements to Look Into: • Body Positive • Body Neutral • Health at Every Size (HAES) • Anti-Diet • People to Follow: Jameela Jamil, Ashley Graham, Dana Falsetti, Tess Holliday, Gabi Fresh, BodyPosiPanda GETTING HELP Treatment Options: • Support groups around town • Mental Health Therapy • Nutritional Therapy • Medication • Medical Treatment • Hospitalization *If you are interested in learning more about treatment or would like some help in searching for the best options for you – reach out! LET’S CONNECT! Email: [email protected] Call/Text: (240)610-8114 Renfrew Program Information: 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739) or chat here Residential Site The Renfrew in Philadelphia Center Bethesda Team QUESTIONS? THANK YOU!.