When it comes to the more common types of mental health conditions, particularly among younger people and adolescents, eating disorders can be some of the more complicated to identify. This is because those who struggle with an eating disorder tend to be rather good at concealing their condition from others.
Since eating disorders stem from a warped mental perception of one’s body, those who have such disorders tend to be embarrassed about their figure and eager to conceal their struggle in general. The desire to appear “normal” by society’s standards leads to extreme weight control tactics like abstaining from meals or binge eating.
Ultimately, if you suspect that a person you care for is dealing with an eating disorder, it is important to tread lightly. They most likely have convinced themselves that their behavior isn’t abnormal and is necessary in order for them to be happy in and of themselves. You should make sure that the person you are concerned for is actually struggling with an eating disorder before you start to intervene in their behaviors.
If you are concerned about whether or not a friend or family member is dealing with an eating disorder, here are three signs that you should be on the lookout for that can be indicative of such a disorder.
1. They Have Become Socially Withdrawn
One thing that can indicate that a person you care for is struggling with an eating disorder is if they have become more socially withdrawn. Many friend groups tend to plan meals together or involve food in get-togethers in some way, shape, or form.
Typically, a person with an eating disorder will bow out of such gatherings in an attempt to avoid having to eat. They might also be aware that their lack of eating might be detected by a perceptive friend.
If they do show up to gatherings that involve food, they might excuse themselves for some time after eating in order to vomit. This is indicative of a condition known as bulimia. You can learn more about this condition at edentreatment.com.
2. Their Weight Frequently Fluctuates
Another sign that your friend or family member is struggling with an eating disorder is that their weight visibly fluctuates on a regular basis. Although there are certain health conditions that can cause weight fluctuations, a friend who avoids eating around others and who does not have consistency in their weight might very well be dealing with an eating disorder.
3. They Seem Faint or Dizzy
When a person isn’t giving their body the nutrition that it needs to function properly, fainting and persistent dizziness can occur. If you have noticed these symptoms in your loved one on more than one occasion, it might very well mean that they aren’t providing their body with enough calories and energy.
Bear in mind that they might brush aside their fainting or dizzy spell as a one-off. However, if you have noticed this happening more than once and you have detected other symptoms of an eating disorder, it is probably time to take steps towards helping them get help.
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