What is an eating disorder and why does an eating disorder effect some people and not others? For more information read on…
Eating disorders are on the increase; yet there is still little information available on the internet on these debillitating conditions, their symptoms, behaviours and the therapeutic interventions that can help. Here in Nottingham we have two universities, like many cities in the UK; and therefore a high number of young people who are still developing their identity (and their bodies). Despite eating disorders affecting sufferers at a younger age; the condition does not only affect young people, but adults too.
Eating disorders are split into two categories – Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Information on both of these disorders, the symptoms, behaviours and therapeutic help available can be found on the Direct Counselling UK homepage under the ‘Information Centre’ tab and the ’Types of Distress’ tab from the drop-down menu, or click here
But where does an eating disorder come from? And why do they affect some people rather than others? Counsellors, psychologists and psyciatrists have pondered over these questions for years. Additionally, being a country in the west, with an abundance of food, we live in a land of plenty – so why the need to starve or deny ourselves food?
These questions seek answers to eating disorders on a very practical level; but don’t take into account the underlying reasons. Eating disorders have nothing to do with us having an abundance of food, but usually have enerything to do with control and management of stress. This is why some people use food as a way of controlling their levels of stress and anxiety, while others are unaffected by eating disorders; since they have different ways of controlling their stress levels.
Stress is certainly a modern phenomena that affects a great many people and may be the reason why eating disorders are on the increase.
Training workshops on eating disorders and developing better relationships with our bodies and food are available to groups, education establishments and employment providers. Contact Direct Counselling UK for more information.