Teenagers are under a variety of stressors in their daily lives. They may be balancing academics, athletics, family life, and socializing. They may also be dealing with mental health issues, hormonal fluctuations, and peer pressure. To add, teens need to do the right things to manage their wellness and well-being. Staying active, healthy eating, managing stress, getting enough sleep, having healthy relationships, and engaging in hobbies are all ways to optimize wellness, stay energized, and promote well-being. Parents may also be worried about the stresses and pressures that their children are facing around dieting and body image. You are not alone. Wisdom Within Counseling specializes in adolescent eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
To begin, click the button below for adolescent eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
Adolescent eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut supports self-love
Some of the issues that teens may be at risk for developing include eating disorders, body image issues, mental health issues, and other types of disordered eating. Social media, peer influence, and psychological issues can make adolescents at higher risk for exhibiting eating disorders and disordered eating. Parents and family members can understand common eating disorders and the characteristics of each.
What are common eating disorders?
The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Each condition has different characteristics, signs, and symptoms.
What is anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa occurs due to severe calorie restriction. Common signs are limited calorie intake or not eating enough food, self-starvation, overexercising, or using diet pills. Those affected by anorexia may have a fear of becoming “fat.”
Individuals with anorexia nervosa may have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight when they are underweight. They may exhibit a skeletal appearance and have lower than normal body fat. Anorexia can slow heart rate and blood pressure or cause electrolyte imbalances.
To begin, click the button below for adolescent eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut for a healthy relationship with food.
What is bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating or binge eating, followed by purging. Purging is typically done by vomiting or using laxatives. Regular vomiting can damage the esophagus, mouth, and teeth.
Binge eating disorder is due to episodes of binge or compulsive eating without purging. This can lead to weight gain and increase the risk for many chronic diseases.
There are other types of disordered eating patterns that are less common, but can still affect adolescents and teenagers. They are at higher risk for disordered eating patterns and eating disorders, so they need to be informed and understand the factors that contribute to eating disorders.
What Are Factors That Contribute to Eating Disorders in Adolescents?
Many factors can contribute to both eating disorders and disordered eating patterns in adolescents. There is not one single factor that can lead to eating disorders, and it can vary greatly among individuals.
First, there are many sociocultural factors that can contribute to the development of eating disorders. Teenagers may feel pressure to be thin based on media messages or comparisons to others. As well, adolescents may observe their parents dieting to change their body shape. Disordered eating habits can be a learned behavior.
As well, there is typically a psychological or mental health connection to eating disorders. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can affect adolescents and be a factor that is related to eating disorders. For some adolescents and teens, trauma experiences lead to eating disorders.
Who can develop an eating disorder?
While eating disorders are more common in young, white, middle- to upper-class people, anyone can develop an eating disorder. Eating disorders are also more common in females. But, recent studies show males are less likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder due to their gender. Notably, eating disorders affect males as well, but often go undiagnosed.
Athletes can also develop eating disorders. Athletes who participate in athletic events or sports where a small frame is important to performance, such as gymnastics, ballet, and wrestling, are at a higher risk for eating disorders.
Warning Signs for Eating Disorders In Adolescents
Sometimes it can be very difficult to tell if someone is being affected by an eating disorder. To add, teenagers may also hide certain behaviors, making it more difficult for friends and family to tell if they are exhibiting any warning signs.
Teens can normally have eating issues, but there is a difference between an eating disorder and picky eating or irregular eating patterns. You need to know what to look for when it comes to abnormal or compulsive eating habits.
Many of those who are affected by eating disorders may be underweight or experience weight fluctuations. Refusal to eat, eating very little, and secretive eating may also be warning signs for eating disorders. Over exercising or compulsive exercising are traits of body image issues.
To begin, click the button below for adolescent eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut to build self-love skills.
If a teen has an unhealthy obsession with food, weight, or eating, that could also be a warning sign.
Distorted body image or dissatisfaction with their body, even with a healthy body weight, can also be related to eating disorders.
Hair loss may be caused by eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa due to nutrient deficiencies. Mood swings, withdrawal, and feeling anxious or depressed can also be associated with these conditions. Eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut helps teens develop positive coping skills.
Using diet pills or laxatives or overexercising can also be signs associated with eating disorders. Staying active and playing sports are beneficial in many ways for adolescents, but exercising too much can be dangerous.
How are eating disorders diagnosed?
While eating disorders are very serious and can be scary for teens and family members, the good news is that eating disorders can be treated. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is the best option for successful recovery.
Mental health, nutrition, and medical professionals must work together to find an effective individual treatment plan.
Treatment can be difficult because there is no one treatment plan or cure that works for every individual. A person who has been affected by an eating disorder may continue to struggle and work on improving their body image and relationship with food for many years.
Working with a counselor or therapist at Wisdom Within Counseling that has vast knowledge in eating disorders is important step. Having the right fit therapist can help your adolescent develop trust and work toward effective eating disorder treatment. Continual eating disorder therapy for adolescent eating disorders may be necessary for many years. Eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut helps teenagers love and accept themselves.
Eating Disorder Therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Therapy for eating disorders depends on the individual’s needs. Some teens may find outpatient therapy helpful, while others may need residential treatment.
A therapist or specialist in eating disorders therapy can be helpful in understanding the level of care needed. Also, a therapist can help adolescents struggling with body image, eating disorders, or other types of disordered eating. They may work with your teenager developing a healthy relationship with food. As well, eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook, Connecticut helps to improve mental health. Positive coping tools can help teens learn ways to reduce stress. As well, your teenager’s eating disorder therapist at Wisdom Within can refer then for nutritional counseling.
Other Types of Counseling
Counseling and therapy for disordered eating habits can be helpful for many people, especially youth. If you live in Connecticut, you can work with the team of therapists at Wisdom Within Counseling. Eating disorder counseling in Southeastern Connecticut can help your teen make positive changes rooted in self-love. Your teenager can understand their anxiety and fears around food. They can learn to let go of shame and guilt around their body shape and food too. At times, young adults with eating disorders struggle with dating, relationships, and academics. Therefore, your teenager can talk about peer challenges and relationship issues in eating disorder therapy in Old Saybrook.
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