Eating disorders, the other pandemic
The number of people affected by an eating disorder (ED) has increased during the last few decades, worsening with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent years it has gone from being a low-intensity epidemic in developed countries to a more intense pandemic that can affect the entire life cycle, from childhood to old age. (Morandé et al, 2014).
There are numerous misconceptions about eating disorders, the people who suffer from them, and their families.
In 2014, during a conference at the National Institute of Public Health, Dr. Cynthia Bulik presented what she called the nine truths of eating disorders that clarify the reality of these disorders (Bulik, 2014):
- Many people with eating disorders appear healthy, but may be extremely ill .
- Families are not to blame and can be the best allies of patients and professionals during treatment.
- An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.
- Eating disorders are not a choice but very serious mental illnesses with a biological basis.
- Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socio-economic statuses.
- Eating disorders carry a high risk of suicide and physical and medical complications.
- Both genes and the environment play an important role in the development of eating disorders.
- Genes alone do not predict whether an eating disorder will develop.
- Full recovery from eating disorders is possible.
Eating disorders are a group of mental health illnesses that manifest with medical, psychiatric and family complications that condition their evolution (Morandé, 2014).
Those who suffer from it experience intense pain that affects all areas of their lives and can last for several years, become chronic, or result in recovery. They often feel misunderstood by their family, friends, or school, as it is a difficult illness for those who do not have it to understand.
Yaiza Pineda
Sometimes, family members, friends, or partners don't know how to react to situations where they may feel overwhelmed. Communication between those affected and their support network is often heavily influenced by differing perceptions of food, weight, or the behaviors they use to alleviate their discomfort.
One of the first goals to work on in therapy is gaining awareness of the illness. Being able to recognize and accept that one has an eating disorder or the severity of their condition is often a significant challenge for those who suffer from it.
The next challenge will be to achieve the motivation for change, that is, to be willing to modify those thoughts, ambivalent feelings or behaviors that invade them, generating discomfort and keeping them in the disorder.
It is worth fighting to let out the healthy part that is still inside and regain health so that you can enjoy the joy of living.
Family members must be patient and support them through the recovery process. It is important to have the help of professionals specializing in eating disorders.
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