Do I really need help with my eating patterns?

Many individuals struggling with disordered eating patterns often question whether they truly need help. It's common to minimise the severity of one's symptoms or to believe that seeking support is unnecessary. I get it, I was there once. There are days where you feel like you have it all under control, because you’ve had a “good day” when it comes to food. There were no binges, no urges, you ate everything you were “supposed to” (or that the eating disorder allowed you). When the eating disorder is not challenged, things seem pretty good. But then, there are those days where you lose all control, eating is chaotic, you binge and purge and restrict and repeat. What is going on? It was only yesterday that things were fine.

You consider getting help, but the thought of it alone is daunting. Will someone truly understand the intensity of the struggles, how hard it is to overcome the urges, what it’s like to be so trapped in something you cannot see any way out. And then there’s the judgement, the stigma around mental health. So you decide it’s too hard, that you can deal with it on your own.

This was me for many years. But I want to encourage you to reach out for help NOW because research consistenly show that early intervention is associated with optimal outcomes.

Acknowledging the signs of an eating disorder and understanding the impact it can have on your life is the first step toward recovery. You may be wondering if you will be taken seriously enough or that you are “unwell” enough to get help. Here are some typical signs of disordered eating:

1. Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, or body image that interfere with daily activities.

2. Engaging in restrictive eating patterns, such as skipping meals or severely limiting food intake.

3. Feel like you are constantly thinking about food and that food controls your life.

4. Episodes of binge eating, where large quantities of food are consumed in a short period and feeling out of control, often followed by feelings of guilt or shame.

5. Using compensatory behaviours such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting to "make up" for eating.

6. Changes in mood, including heightened anxiety, depression, or irritability related to food and body image concerns.

7. Withdrawal from social activities or relationships due to feelings of embarrassment or shame about eating behaviours.

8. Eat alone or hide food due to shame and embarrassment.

9. Use exercise to punish yourself for eating.

10. Have strict food rules, such as eating at set times, not eating carbohydrates or sweets, cutting out food groups.

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are not alone! I was there for 10 years and I know the reality of living with an eating disorder every single day.

Here are 2 screening tools that primary healthcare professionals use to screen for disordered eating:

Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care (ESP)

1. Are you satisfied with your eating patterns?

2. Do you ever eat in secret?

3. Does your weight affect the way you feel about yourself?

4. Have any members in your family suffered with an eating disorder?

5. Do you currently suffer with, or have you suffered in the past with an eating disorder?

A “no” to question 1 is classified as an abnormal response

A “yes” to questions 2-5 is classified as an abnormal response

Any abnormal response indicates further assessment is needed.

SCOFF questionnaire

S - Do you make yourself Sick because you are uncomfortably full?

C - Do you worry you have lost Control over how much you eat?

O - Have you recently lost over One stone (6.35kg) in a three-month period?

F - Do you believe yourself to be Fat when others say you are too thin?

F - Would you say Food dominates your life?

An answer of “yes” to two or more questions indicates the need for further assessment.

A further 2 questions with SCOFF have shown to have a high sensitivity and specificity for bulimia nervosa. These questions are not diagnostic but would indicate further questioning and assessment is required.

1. Are you satisfied with your eating patterns?

2. Do you ever eat in secret?

If you would like to use a more comprehensive validated questionnaire for binge eating, visit my page here to take the online questionnaire and get your score immediately.

Here are some reasons why seeking treatment is so valuable and essential to break free from disordered eating:

1. Early intervention leads to better outcomes: Addressing disordered eating patterns promptly can prevent the escalation of symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term health consequences.

2. Support tailored to your needs: Working with an eating disorder coach provides personalised guidance from someone who has gone through exactly what you are going through, with strategies tailored specifically for disordered eating, to overcome the daily challenges that you face, giving you hope that you can recover.

3. Breaking the cycle of isolation: Connecting with others who understand your struggles can alleviate feelings of loneliness and offer a sense of validation and belonging.

4. Honouring your well-being: Prioritising your mental and physical health is a courageous act of self-compassion, demonstrating your commitment to living a fulfilling life free from the constraints of an eating disorder. By putting time aside each week for Coaching, you are making an invaluable investment to yourself and your well-being. Things that you value and put aside time for will naturally become a priority in your life, which is key for recovery.

Recognising the need for help is a pivotal moment in the journey toward recovery from an eating disorder. By acknowledging the signs and reaching out for support, you're taking an important step toward prioritising your well-being and creating positive changes in your life. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available whenever you're ready to take that courageous step forward.

If you have any questions about whether coaching is right for you, you can contact us here or email Midi directly at midi@foodfreedom.co.nz. We offer a FREE 20 minute phone consultation, with no obligations attached to help you make an informed decision because we are truly passionate about setting people free from binge eating, bulimia, disordered eating and negative body image.