Unpacking the impact of eating disorders

At its core, an eating disorder is a mental health struggle that reshapes how someone feels about food, their body, and their sense of self worth and can result in life threatening consequences.? Common eating disorders includes Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.

Symptoms of eating disorder

It’s easy to overlook, but the signs of an eating disorder are often hidden in plain sight.

Dramatic weight shifts, secretive eating habits, obsessing over appearance, frequent bathroom trips after meals, relentless focus on weight changes, compulsive scale-checking, and persistent guilt or shame around food.

These behaviors reveal a complex struggle that goes far beyond food itself.

Common Signs of Disordered Eating

Although the symptoms may vary, here are the common indicators:

What’s on your plate is only part of the story. Eating disorders are shaped by genetics, brain chemicals, and society’s obsession with how we look.

For example, serotonin—a chemical that controls mood and learning—may have a hidden impact on how we eat With the growing pressure to fit the ideal body image, especially in the West (and now in the East), it s no surprise some people fall into unhealthy eating habits to keep up.

Effects of Eating Disorder

Eating disorders have an impact on your physical and mental health. Eating disorders go beyond the mirror—they take a toll on your health.?

Physically, they can cause malnutrition, heart issues, and organ failure. Mentally, they fuel anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame. With one of the highest suicide rates, the effects are devastating.

The obsession with food and body image also pushes people away, straining relationships and draining energy, making everyday life harder to navigate.

What can be done?

There is no one size-fits all solution, but the key is support and understanding.

Self-Care Strategies: Because you deserve to feel your best!

While professional help is key, there are plenty of self care practices that can give you a boost and promote your well being:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: A little time to centre yourself can work wonders in reducing stress and calming your mind.
• Physical Activity: No need to go all out—gentle exercises like yoga or a peaceful walk can do the trick.
• Healthy Eating: Treat your body to balanced meals and say no to restrictive diets.
• Social Connection: Surround yourself with positive people who uplift you. Strong relationships can be your secret weapon!
• Limit Social Media: Give your mind a break from unrealistic body standards. Less scrolling, more living!

Lastly, expanding access to resources like helplines, support groups, and online therapy options ensures that individuals can reach support easily and discreetly and feel comfortable talking about it.

Your feelings and struggles—big or small—are completely valid. So don’t hesitate—get the support you need and embrace the journey to feeling better. You've got this!

For insights into mental well being, follow SamvednaCare.

To learn more about Samvedna Care Services, visit us here.