Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that severely affect the eating behaviors of those suffering from it. Many of the signs and symptoms are not so obvious and are not easy to detect. If you suspect that you may have an eating disorder, here are some of the not-so-common signs of eating disorders that you should know from the get-go.
1. You think about food at all times.
When your brain is filled up with unhealthy thoughts about food, you should consider seeking help. Ask yourself how often you think about your next meal. For instance, do you constantly plan what you’ll prepare for dinner? If the answer is yes, you may be suffering from an eating disorder.
People dealing with this kind of disorder decide on their next meal according to how thin or fat they think they look. As the topic about food haunts them, they tend to talk more about it all the time.
2. You fear to eat in front of many people.
For individuals suffering from an eating disorder, the idea of eating with a group of friends can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. The thought that people are looking at how you work through a plate of pasta can cause severe anxiety and stress. You may even feel that other people will judge you based on the amount of food you can and can’t consume. The feeling of ‘I cant stop eating‘ and ‘How will I look if I eat this?’ could prove to be distressing. This symptom is alarming because it is invisible to everyone else. This is an indication that you should speak to a professional.
3. You have dry skin.
A dehydrated, blotchy, or discolored skin may mean you’re not getting the nutrition you need. It may be a consequence of poor eating habits, which cause electrolyte imbalance and unhealthy skin. Dry skin may be accompanied by other physical signs, like dry mouth, sunken cheeks, and bags under the eyes. Don’t ignore these signs. You should consult with your doctor before your health worsens into something more serious.
4. You fret if you’re unable to exercise.
Do you work out excessively – sometimes seven to eight times a week? Do you feel very anxious and/or disappointed with yourself if you miss your workout? If you do, then you may have an unhealthy relationship with your body as well as the food you eat.
Remember, exercising too much is a not-so-common sign that you may be struggling with an eating disorder. You should seek help as there may be an underlying problem.
5. You’re cold.
If you have trouble staying warm enough even on fair-weather days, it can be a sign of malnutrition. You need to remember that people’s relationship with food doesn’t only manifest in the kitchen and dining table. It also shows up in other places. For instance, a healthy body with a good fat level allows you to handle low temperatures. But when the amount of fat in your body isn’t enough, you constantly feel cold even if everyone else around you feels otherwise. It’s time to check to check your eating behavior in this case.
Conclusion
Detecting eating disorders can be challenging because no one is exactly the same as the other. Sometimes, individuals suffering from this problem exert efforts to hide their behaviors because of the stigma or other reasons, or they may not know that there’s something wrong with their eating habits. If you notice yourself carting around these physical and emotional signs and symptoms, it’s best to seek the help of health professionals like Psychologist Southern Sydneyfor proper assessment and intervention.
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