In today’s society, it seems like everyone is obsessed with outer beauty. We all seem to be concerned about having the perfect hair, make-up, clothes and of course body shape! The truth is it’s quite normal and even natural for women in particular, to worry about how they look, and how much they weigh. However, when these feelings are heightened and excessively obsessed over, they can result in eating disorders. In the United States alone, an estimated 8 million people suffer from eating disorders.

An eating disorder is a psychological condition that causes an individual to become obsessed with food and body image. Although men also suffer from this illness, more women tend to be affected. Eating disorders can lead to premature death, especially if left untreated, which is why professional care is strongly recommended to cure this illness. Fortunately, eating disorder treatment in Brevard County is available.

Types of Eating Disorders

As a licensed counselor, Deborah Kalinyak specializes in providing individuals with mental health services in Brevard County. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Deborah works with patients who suffer from the two most common types of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Both of these eating disorders cause sufferers to have a distorted body image. They basically see themselves as being fat, no matter how emaciated they are in reality.

Anorexia is an eating disorder that can affect anyone, but is thought to be more common in young women. It usually starts off as a normal weight concern, but can quickly spiral out of control and lead to a vicious ongoing cycle of not eating enough and over exercising. On the opposite end, those who suffer from bulimia engage themselves in eating binges, followed by the immediate need to throw up. Some bulimics can even eat up to 20,000 calories during a single meal.

Causes & Symptoms

Specific causes related to eating disorders vary among each individual. However for some, it can stem from not having enough control in their life, which leaves their weight as the one thing they do have power over. Other causes that can lead to eating disorders include environmental factors, such as the media, and peer pressure. Biological causes, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and depression can also be related to the development of eating disorders.

Common symptoms associated with eating disorders include the following:

• · Constant dieting (eating as little as possible)
• · Excessive weight loss
• · Compulsive exercise regiment
• · Constant feeling of being fat
• · Pale, yellow or dry skin
• · Showing signs of depression
• · Expressing disinterest in social interaction
• · Binge eating
• · Secret vomiting

Treatment Options

The good news about eating disorders is that help can often be sought through mental health counseling. Many cases of eating disorders also require treatment for other problem areas which tend to accompany the illness, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. The goal of Brevard County eating disorder treatment programs is to target the symptoms as well as emotional and interpersonal issues.

Treatment for eating disorders can involve a combination of nutritional counseling, psychotherapy, residential treatment and support groups. In addition to eating disorders, mental health clinics in Brevard County also cater to individuals who suffer from related problems, such as addiction, alcoholism and marital issues. Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence because help is only a phone call away.