How eating disorders affect mental health

QUINCY (WGEM) – February is National Eating Disorders Awareness Month.

An eating disorder is when specific concerning behaviors regarding diet are observed in a person over an extended period of time. That is according to Tiffaney Rains-Eaton, a behavioral health therapist with Quincy Medical Group.

She said many people try to change their weight through altering their diet, but eating disorders are on the extreme end of those efforts.

Not all unhealthy eating habits are eating disorders, but they can lead to one.

“We want people to eat things that are going to nourish their bodies and help them be well. But also, when you take anything to an extreme, it can be unhealthy. And that’s usually what an eating disorder is,” Rains-Eaton said.

Eating disorders can start off with good intentions, she added. One may try to cut a couple foods out of their diet, for example. But eventually that can lead to cutting out too much and restricting in the name of good health according to Rains-Eaton.

She noted women are diagnosed more often than men, but diagnoses in men are rising. Rains-Eaton suggested that may be because of increased discussion about eating disorders and the lessening of a stigma around them. She said athletes are also particularly subject to eating disorder diagnoses due to needing to keep their bodies in shape consistently.

Rains-Eaton said the three most common eating disorders she observes in patients are anorexia, bulimia (that is a combination of binging and purging food) and binge eating disorder. Body dysmorphia can sometimes accompany eating disorders, adding additional mental health challenges to being in an already difficult place physically.

That is another complication. Eating disorders are not a solely physical issue. Mental health is impacted, too.

“A lot of times with an eating disorder, you’ll see other – maybe some increased depression, energy, people tend to be more lethargic,” Rains-Eaton said. “So, you’re going to notice other changes as well.”

She asked those with loved ones who have eating disorders to be caring and curious if seeking to provide support.

“If you’re coming from a place of love and caring, that’s going to be really different than if you’re coming from a place of accusation,” Rains-Eaton said.

Eating disorders are treated by a team of professionals at Quincy Medical Group. It is a three-pronged approach; featuring a dietician to provide a meal plan, a physician to monitor physical health and a therapist like Rains-Eaton to cover mental health and help discover underlying issues that caused the eating disorder.

With support from friends, family and professionals, Rains-Eaton said that can plant the seed of care and recovery for those living with eating disorders.

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