Signs, Symptoms & Support

Since eating disorders are so complex, diagnosis is the first step to treatment and recovery. Only once you understand the nature of the disorder you’re dealing with, can you begin the journey to healing. Warning signs to the presence of an eating disorder, or the imminent onset of one range between physical, psychological, and behavioural.

Some signs to look out for include:

• Constant dieting
• Evidence of vomiting after meals
• Cycles of binge eating
• Obsessive rituals surrounding food and food preparation
• Fluctuating weight
• Irregular periods (or periods stopping completely) in women
• Fainting or dizziness
• Fatigue
• Increase in obsession with appearance
• Negative body image
• Depression or anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Deep fear of gaining weight
• Distorted perception of body (complains about being fat when in reality they’re not)

Treatment for an eating disorder can only be done through a specialist team that fully grasps the complexities and severity of these conditions. Here more than any other time, does the link between physical and mental health become critical, with treatment first addressing the most acute physical health implications before focusing on the psychological causes to promote recovery and healing.

If you or someone you know shows any of the signs mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to speak to a medical professional about the possibility that you may have an eating disorder. Feel free to contact ZwavelStream Clinic if you would like more information.