"Demystifying Disordered Eating: Understanding the Logistics and Getting Help"
Disordered eating is a widespread issue that affects countless individuals, regardless of whether they have been formally diagnosed with an eating disorder. It encompasses a range of behaviors that disrupt a person's relationship with food, including restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, and compulsive exercising. While eating disorders are often well-known and well-documented, disordered eating behaviors can go unnoticed or even be considered "normal" in our society, leading to a lack of recognition and support for those who struggle with them. This is especially true for Black and BIPOC populations, who are at a higher risk of developing disordered eating and eating disorders, yet face significant barriers to receiving adequate care and support. It's important to recognize and validate the existence of disordered eating and work towards preventing it to reduce the incidence of eating disorders in Black and BIPOC communities.
What is Disordered Eating and Do I Have It?
Disordered eating refers to a wide range of irregular eating behaviors that do not necessarily fit into a specific eating disorder diagnosis. Disordered eating behaviors can include any persistent pattern of eating that leads to negative physical, mental, or emotional health consequences. Disordered eating can take many forms, including overeating, bingeing, restricting, purging, body checking, over-exercising, using laxatives, stress eating, emotional eating, and more.
It is important to note that disordered eating can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. It is also important to recognize that disordered eating exists on a spectrum, and it does not necessarily mean that someone has an eating disorder. However, disordered eating can lead to the development of an eating disorder if left unchecked.
While eating disorders are more commonly recognized, disordered eating is often undiagnosed and unrecognized by the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This is why it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of disordered eating and seek help if you are struggling. Prevention is key to reducing the development of eating disorders, especially in Black and BIPOC populations, who are disproportionately affected by disordered eating patterns.
Do I have disordered eating patterns or an eating disorder?
While disordered eating patterns and eating disorders may share some similarities, there are some key differences between the two. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, are diagnosable mental health conditions that often require professional treatment. On the other hand, disordered eating patterns may not meet the full criteria for a specific diagnosis, but they still involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and/or exercise.
Disordered eating patterns may also occur more frequently than eating disorders and can be just as dangerous, mainly when left untreated. In fact, disordered eating patterns are often a precursor to the development of a full-blown eating disorder. It's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of disordered eating and seek support before they escalate into something more serious.
You Deserve Competent Care!
No matter who you are or what you're dealing with, it's important to know that the solution to disordered eating is not as simple as eating more or less, exercising more or less, or just managing stress. You deserve proper care and support just as much as someone with a diagnosed eating disorder. As a HAES-inspired body compassion therapist and health coach, I can assure you that you need more than just advice from a professional who has taken one nutritional class. It's okay to reach out for help and know that you're not crazy.
Where do I find professionals who will understand my experience as a person of color?
If you are a person of color looking for professionals who understand your experience with disordered eating, there are resources available to you.
Project HEAL is a great organization that provides support and resources to individuals who cannot afford treatment for eating disorders.
The Black Female Therapist Directory is another great resource for finding mental health professionals who understand the unique experiences of Black women.
Bamboo Nutrition in Columbia, MO, and the Eating Disorder Recovery Center in Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado.
The Renfrew Center and McCallum Place are inpatient and outpatient centers that specialize in treating eating disorders. ANAD and the Eating Disorder Therapist Association are also great resources to find therapists and treatment centers.
Therapy for Black Girls is another resource to find mental health professionals who understand the unique experiences of Black women.
Remember, there are professionals who understand and are willing to help you on your journey to healing.
Lastly, I want to shout out my friend and colleague Dr. Marianne Miller who specializes in evidence-based care, coaching, and therapy for bulimia and binge eating in California, and Nationwide.
Here's How to Find a Trauma-Informed Eating Disorder Therapist Who Understands Racial Stress and Mistrust of Medical Professionals
Finding a therapist who specializes in eating disorders is challenging, but finding one who is trauma-informed and understands racial stress and mistrust of medical professionals can be even harder. If you are a person of color dealing with disordered eating or an eating disorder, it is essential to find a therapist who can provide culturally competent care that recognizes the impact of systemic racism and racial trauma on mental health.
Many organizations, such as Project Heal, the Black Female Therapist Directory, Bamboo Nutrition in Columbia, MO, the Renfrew Center, McCallum Place, ANAD, the Eating Disorder Therapist Association, and Therapy for Black Girls offer resources for finding professionals who provide specialized care for eating disorders. These resources include dietitians, counselors, inpatient, and outpatient care. Additionally, some cities, like Kansas City and Colorado, have specialized eating disorder treatment centers that provide comprehensive care.
Working with a trauma-informed therapist who understands the impact of racial stress and trauma on mental health can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. If you are struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional who understands your unique experience. Remember, you deserve care and support that recognizes and values your cultural background and individual needs.
Things to pay Attention To
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Therapy are all evidence-based approaches to treating eating disorders. These therapies can help individuals with disordered eating patterns identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors, regulate emotions, and develop healthy coping skills. However, it's important to note that these approaches may not be effective for everyone, and it's important to find a therapist who tailors their treatment approach to your specific needs and experiences.
In addition, working with an integrated team that includes a psychiatrist, therapist, and registered dietitian can be incredibly beneficial in providing comprehensive care for eating disorders. Each member of the team can provide unique insights and support that work together to address the multiple aspects of disordered eating patterns. It's also important to find a therapist who is trauma-informed and has experience working with individuals who have experienced race-based stress and trauma. By seeking out specialized care from a team of professionals who understand the complexities of eating disorders and their intersection with race and trauma, individuals can receive the support and tools they need to recover and heal.
What to Look For With an Eating and Recovery Coach
If you're struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating patterns, finding the right support can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. One option to consider is working with an eating and recovery coach. Here are some things to look for when choosing an eating and recovery coach:
1. Certification and Training: Look for a coach who is certified by a reputable organization such as the International Coach Federation (ICF) or the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). You want to work with someone who has received adequate training and education in the field of eating disorders.
2. Personal Experience: Ideally, your coach should have personal experience with eating disorders and recovery. They should understand what it's like to go through the recovery process and be able to offer empathy and support from a place of personal understanding.
3. Knowledge of Evidence-Based Approaches: Look for a coach who is familiar with evidence-based approaches to eating disorder recovery such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They should be able to offer guidance and support that aligns with these approaches.
4. Holistic Approach: A good coach should take a holistic approach to recovery, understanding that eating disorders impact all areas of your life. Look for someone who can help you address not only your disordered eating behaviors but also the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to your struggles.
5. Supportive and Compassionate: Finally, you want to work with a coach who is supportive, compassionate, and non-judgmental. Recovery can be a difficult journey, and you need someone in your corner who will offer empathy, understanding, and guidance without criticism or shame.
By looking for these qualities in an eating and recovery coach, you can find the support and guidance you need to overcome your struggles with disordered eating and find freedom and healing.
Things to Look For:
When looking for an eating and recovery coach, it's important to find someone who aligns with your values and priorities. A coach who practices body neutrality, Health at Every Size (HAES), trauma-informed care, and body compassion can offer a unique perspective to your journey. A body-neutral approach helps you to accept your body as it is and focus on other aspects of your life, rather than solely on physical appearance. HAES encourages you to focus on overall health and well-being, rather than weight loss or conforming to societal beauty standards. Trauma-informed care acknowledges the impact of trauma on your mental health and recovery journey and supports you with compassion and understanding. And lastly, body compassion emphasizes treating yourself with kindness, empathy, and respect. Look for a coach who integrates these principles into their practice and can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to help you on your path to recovery.
Ready to Get Support
If you're struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, know that you're not alone. Seeking support from a trauma-informed eating disorder therapist or recovery coach can make a huge difference in your healing journey. If you're interested in learning more about my approach as a HAES-inspired body compassion therapist and health coach, please visit my eating recovery page. You can also check out my FAQ section to get answers to some common questions about disordered eating and recovery. Remember, recovery is possible, and you deserve to live a life free from the grip of disordered eating. Book a Discovery Call!
