Eating disorders are mental illnesses that change how people consume food. For example, anorexia causes the need to stop eating and lose weight. In contrast, bulimia makes women and men eat big amounts quickly before throwing it up. Additionally, binge eating disorder leads to rapid weight gain after devouring huge meals often. Altogether, the NIMH says 30 million Americans have eating disorders. Sadly, these conditions hurt people’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Without NC eating disorder therapy, it can feel impossible to recover. However, eating disorder support in NC is available.
Warning Signs of Eating Disorders
First, knowing when you or your loved one has an eating disorder is vital. Of course, the biggest clue is frequently skipping meals or overeating. Likewise, watch for noticeable weight loss or gain. For instance, anorexia patients weigh at least 15 percent below normal. Yet, there are less drastic signals too. Generally, people needing eating disorder support in NC will have false body images. To clarify, most are anxious or embarrassed by their figure. Further, bulimia causes digestive issues from vomiting too often. Expressly, individuals will have sore throats, swollen glands, and acid reflux. Although each case is different, other typical symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Dry, yellowish skin
- Hair thinning or loss
- Missed or light periods
- Chronic constipation
- Lack of fluids and nutrients
- High or low blood pressure
Types of Eating Disorder Therapies
Second, you must learn about the four levels of NC eating disorder therapy. For one thing, inpatient care is crucial when there’s a medical emergency. Here, physicians closely monitor major physical and mental risks like suicidal actions. Conversely, residential programs treat medically stable patients who engage in severe eating behaviors. Another step down is partial hospitalization. Uniquely, this option keeps daytime treatment intensive without overnight stays. Meanwhile, outpatient eating disorder support in NC has the least structure. To explain, patients go about their normal lives with a few hours of therapy weekly.
Next, there are different therapy practices used for eating disorder recovery. To specify, behavioral therapy seeks to stop poor diet choices by reinforcing healthy ones. Furthermore, cognitive behavioral therapy changes distorted thoughts and fears causing unwanted actions. Frequently, group counseling helps build support networks for people with eating disorders. Since 1985, the Maudsley Method has taught families how to coordinate nutritious meals. Besides clinical, there are experiential approaches to learn by doing. One such option, dance therapy, heals eating disorders by expressing feelings in creative movements.
Finding Eating Disorder Support in NC
Ignoring eating disorder signs is dangerous. After all, limited or unlimited diets will hinder how organs function. Plus, people with eating disorders could try addictive stimulants like Adderall to manage weight. Luckily, North Carolina eating disorder support isn’t hard to find. Instead, the issue is picking the right treatment provider. Therefore, it’s best to interview several different ones. Important factors are location, pricing, therapy options, and years of experience. For the most part, quality centers will have industry accreditation for excellence. Moreover, they have specialized training in dealing with eating disorders. Ultimately, this checklist will point you toward the right eating disorder support in NC and happier futures.
