Articles
Eating Disorders Stigma
by PC Psychology A Group of Highly Skilled and Experienced PsycholoBeing a psychologist and the sort of person who walks along side her friends when they are suffering, I have a fairly good idea of which friends have experienced what mental health difficulties. It is not uncommon for a friend to say “my moods a bit low right now” or “I am having panic attacks again”. This is positive; through reaching out people feel less isolated, and are able to get the right support early.
Given that approximately 9% of Australians (NEDC) are estimated to experience an eating disorder, it is not surprising that I also have friends who have experienced anorexia, bulimia, or difficulties with binge- or comfort-eating. Yet it is very rare for these friends to ever acknowledge when their eating disordered mindset or symptoms have reared their heads. These same friends will acknowledge their anxiety, or interpersonal problems. For some reason however, to acknowledge the eating disorder out loud appears to be taboo. In my work clients often tell me that their eating disorder is a shameful secret they have kept for years.
Eating disorders are a severe and persistent mental illness with a strong biological basis. Those experiencing eating disorders often experience significant guilt and shame. They often feel too weak or out of control to break the cycle of symptoms that maintain their eating disorder. These self-stigmatizing emotions and attitudes make it very difficult to ask for help. Unfortunately, as well as battling their own self-criticism, individuals with eating disorders is at times faced with stigmatizing attitudes from others.
Research indicates that friends and family of those with eating disorders often feel confused about why someone so intelligent and considerate could care so much about their physical appearance. It is common for careers to experience frustration that their loved one can’t change the behaviours that are hurting them. Read More…
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About PC Psychology 
A Group of Highly Skilled and Experienced Psycholo
0 connections, 0 recommendations, 7 honor points.Joined APSense since, March 10th, 2015, From Melbourne, Australia.
Created on Jan 11th 2018 00:26. Viewed 533 times.
