Do You Struggle with Your Appetite and Body Image?
Do you feel out of place in your body? Do concerns over your weight produce anxiety and negative thoughts? You’re not alone. Many individuals, young and old, struggle to maintain what they perceive as an “ideal” weight. As a result, some choose to force change in their bodies by going to extreme lengths, severely restricting food intake. Such methods go beyond simple dieting and are incredibly harmful to your body. If you struggle with body image and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, your next step is to call Chapin & Russell Associates for guidance and support.
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Individuals with this condition go to extreme lengths to control their weight and body shape, often resulting in severe weight loss. Despite being underweight, they may limit their food intake significantly, exercise compulsively, and use other methods to lose weight. Anorexia not only affects the body physically but also takes a toll on mental health, requiring professional treatment and support.
What Are Anorexia’s Warning Signs and Symptoms?
If you suspect you or a loved one to be battling with anorexia, there are some signs to be aware of. For example, those with this serious eating disorder may experience:
- Extreme weight loss
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Thinning hair
- Constipation and abdominal pain
- Insomnia
- Eroded teeth
- Dehydration
- Dry or yellowish skin
Causes of Anorexia and What Can Be Done
While there’s no “known cause” for anorexia, there are factors that can influence a person’s disposition to the disease. Some factors are products of your environment or upbringing, while others have roots in your psychological well-being. For example, research shows some individuals might have more of a biological disposition for anorexia, like genetic tendencies toward perfectionism. Others might struggle with obsessive-compulsive personality traits that allow for a hyper-fixation on losing weight and working out. Otherwise, the pressures of modern society push individuals to conform to the “norm,” having people believe they must be skinny to be attractive.
At Chapin & Russell Associates, we help treat eating disorders through counseling and therapy. By reframing your perception of a healthy self-body image, building your confidence, and setting obtainable goals for your path to recovery, we help our clients overcome struggles with anorexia, bulimia, and more. Or, our clients can take a different approach to resolving eating disorders through neurofeedback treatment. As the only office to offer board-certified neurofeedback treatment in the Greater Peoria area, we help clients by identifying brain dysregulation and taking steps toward retraining the brain for healthier thinking.
If you need help overcoming anorexia nervosa or any eating disorder, count on the mental health professionals at Chapin & Russell Associates. Learn more about our general counseling services or schedule a session by calling 309-681-5850.
