7 Signs You May Need Eating Disorder Treatment in Chicago

Saturday, 15 May 2021 16:52 Written by

According to Healthline, approximately 20 million women and 10 million men in the United States have or have had an eating disorder at some point throughout their life. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder, and unfortunately, only 10% of people with eating disorders ever seek treatment. If you suspect you may have an eating disorder, it’s important to seek care as soon as possible. Here are 7 signs you could benefit from eating disorder treatment in Chicago.

1. You don’t have a good relationship with food

You find it difficult to eat in front of others. Eating disorders often make it difficult to have a healthy relationship with food. This could mean you have a hard time eating in public or like you need to hide what you're eating from others.

2. You have rigid eating rituals

You may struggle with an eating disorder if you have started to create increasingly rigid eating rituals. One of the biggest challenges for people suffering from an eating disorder is a desire to control their eating habits. While it can be beneficial to establish a meal schedule and stick to healthy eating habits, such as always starting supper with a salad, it becomes an issue when you can't eat without following a set routine.

3. Your weight is quickly and frequently fluctuating

You're rapidly losing and/or gaining weight. It's difficult for the body to retain the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy and consistent weight when you have disordered eating. Weight fluctuations can be extremely distressing and triggering for people who are already unhappy with the way their body looks.

4. You have body dysmorphia

You could benefit from eating disorder treatment if you're struggling with body dysmorphia. Body dysmorphia is a psychological condition characterized by a fixation with perceived flaws in one's physical appearance. Body dysmorphia is one of the most common causes of the development of disordered eating, however, it is not present in all types of eating disorders.

5. You’re cutting out food groups or following restrictive fad diets

You're continually restricting food groups or trying out new diet fads. Although some individuals have to avoid specific foods for medical reasons, such as allergies or intolerances, it is crucial to bring diversity into your diet and incorporate a broad array of food groups as much as you can.

6. You’re always cold

You find it difficult to stay warm, even when the temperature is warm. This could be due to a lack of fat in your body. Fat is beneficial. Its purpose is to keep our bodies warm. When fat cells don't get enough nutrients, it's typical for people to catch a cold or acquire a chronic illness that won't go away.

7. Your stomach aches all the time

The gastrointestinal system will also be affected by a lack of appropriate nourishment. While exact symptoms may differ from person to person, cramping, acid reflux (i.e., “heartburn”), and constipation are all frequent signs of disordered eating.

Learn more about eating disorder treatment in Chicago

If you struggle with any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms, you could benefit from eating disorder treatment in Chicago. Here at Wellington Counseling Group, we have counselors who are well-equipped to help you establish a healthier relationship with food so you can give your body the nourishment it needs to stay healthy.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.