Eating disorders can have profoundly negative effects on a person’s life. These often go untreated for several years, allowing them to get worse without detection. Only when the problem has reached a high severity will patients seek help. By then, it will take a lot of work to bring back a semblance of normality. Healing relationships with food takes a multi-pronged approach that considers the physical effects, the mental aspect, the incorrect assumptions, and the social stressors. It will require the assistance of several professionals, as well as family and friends.
Medical Treatment
If the disorder has progressed to such a level as to affect the person’s health, then immediate medical treatment may be necessary. Some might have lost so much weight that they have gotten extremely weak. Their muscles might have atrophied and their bone density might have plunged. They are vulnerable to fractures and other injuries. Others might have developed hormonal and fertility issues because of their low BMI. Digestive problems are also common. Doctors will design a medical treatment plan that will allow the individual to improve the physical condition.
Psychological Therapy
Much of the work will involve long-term psychological therapy. Eating disorders usually have a strong mental component. Patient and therapist must peel through the layers of defenses and uncover the root of the unhealthy relationship with food. They will need to go back to when it started and the things that triggered it. Psychological issues can take a while to resolve. Many will seem like they had a breakthrough only to relapse years down the road. Patients eventually learn to recognize their triggers and manage the situation effectively.
Nutrition Education
People will sometimes have false notions about food because of what they heard from friends and family. These might cause them to try things that are harmful including extreme weight loss strategies. A nutritionist can provide correct information to counter these. They will get the education that they need to spot misinformation right away. They will start to shed bad habits and adopt healthier ones that are backed by science.
Household Support
In an ideal situation, the patient will get the support of the entire household. Partners and family members should give all the help they can to Healing relationships with food. They might provide financial assistance if there are required medications. They could stock the pantry with healthy options. They might drive the patient to the doctor when scheduled or join meals to associate eating with fun.
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