May 22 2009
On Eating Disorders: The Struggle is Varied
On Eating Disorders: The Struggle is Varied
Ten different people may have eating disorders, and all ten may have developed the eating disorders for different reasons, act them out in different ways, and feel differently about having them. The possibilites are endless as to the method you use to express what is within yourself and aching to be reconciled, healed, noticed, attended to, and nurtured.
The two main types of eating disorders: Bulimia is an eating disorder in which food is eliminated or purged from the body in some way. Anorexia causes an individual to restrict food intake, and is usually very visible to others.
If you struggle with bulimia, you might rid yourself of unwanted food by vomiting, use of laxatives, diuretics (water pills), or exessive exercise. In the case of anorexia, one person may restrict eating to a certain calorie-intake, while another person may just decide to drink liquids, and still another may decide to eat absolutely nothing at all.
The goals of eating-disordered individuals are also varied. For some, the goal may be to be to see a desired number on the scale, or it could be to achieve a certain clothing size, or a special look in the mirror. A goal for some may be to feel empty or purged of everything “bad” inside of them, or to feel fulfilled and warm inside. It could be a method to control others, or to attempt to control oneself.
Often times, one might have an end goal in mind, but more often than not, once the goal is met (weight, clothing size, etc.), most find that something is still not right within themselves- that they are still not happy.
Whatever the case, the common denominator between all people who struggle with an eating disorder is that they are not happy with themselves until…
Until….
What about you?
Often times, the destructive eating cycles are a battle to satiate the deepest of voids within the soul, formed in the darkest of moments and in the desparate realization of emptiness, lack of love, lost intimacy, rejection, lack of control and breach of boundaries to a great extent, or knowledge of good and evil beyond our wildest nightmares.
The cycles of binging and purging, compuslive over- or under-eating, are endless, unless something intervenes to break the cycle. This “something” may be what one desires most but does not realize-
- perhaps it is to admire and love someone special, to find family among friends, to come to grips with the beautiful mess of reality, to radically accept one’s existence and all that it entails. Perhaps it is to realize a spiritual journey, to internalize a father-figure in God, or achieve self-love and acceptance. Perhaps you finally feel the emptiness fill, after finally connecting in a meaningful way with others, or connecting in a meaningful way with yourself.
Thus, everyone has their own path to healing awaiting them. Healing is a beautiful process and well worth the work it takes to discover that path, and travel that journey. Ask someone who has overcome the struggle- Attend a self-help group, or reach out in any way you can, even if you feel it may be in vain.
Being courageous means taking the first step. Call 407.835.3673 for an appointment. Harmony Counseling Group,LLC.Orlando, Florida Counseling and Therapy Services.