Cognitive changes occur as well, including a decrease in concentration, which leads to poor judgment and increasingly poor, self-defeating decisions. As the body continues to break down and energy decreases, apathy often develops. Severe depression may set in. It is important to seek help immediately.
Physically, a multitude of changes occur. Have you noticed...
Sleep disturbances?
Weakness?
Gastrointestinal disturbances?
Hypersensitivity to noise and light?
Edema (water retention), particularly in the ankles?
Decreased metabolic rate? (This can be a sign of leaking heart valves as the body resorts to feeding off itself to survive - if you have this symptom seek help now.)
Decrease in sexual interest as depression and apathy increase?
Weight loss?
Extremely dry skin?
Hair loss?
Fine, soft hair on face and elsewhere (lanugo), which resembles the fur of baby chicks? This is a sign of severe self-starvation. Seek help immediately.
Once an eating disorder has reached this stage, outpatient counseling may not be effective. LifeWorks counselors can assess whether an individual should seek residential treatment.
While this article deals mainly with anorexia, or self-starvation, other eating disorders such as bulimia, binge eating, and compulsive overeating, are prevalent in our society as well.
Are you or is someone you love experiencing...
Binge eating - characterized by a self-destructive binge/purge cycle?
Compulsive overeating - involving an obsessive use of food for comfort, stress relief, or some other emotional release?
All eating disorders are self-destructive and involve a painful cycle of emotional pain, self-damage, and shame. We refer to this as the shame cycle. Lifeworks can help.
Take the LifeWorks Challenge! If you suspect someone you know has an eating disorder, please encourage them to get help today!
*Note: though eating disorders usually occur in women and young girls, men are not immune. Eating disorder diagnoses in men are on the rise as body-image pressures increase on men and teenage boys.
For more information or to inquire about an appointment, please call 214.357.4001 or Request Information!
LifeWorks Group Counseling Associates in Dallas, TX and Ft Worth, TX
is not affiliated with Ceridian Corporation or
Lifeworks Onesource.
LifeWorks Group Counseling Associates (www.wefixbrains.com)
does not have an office in Carrollton and is not associated with
LifeWorks Counseling Center on Josey Lane.
