Any mental health professional, such as psychologists, doctors, or those studying an online clinical mental health counseling course will tell you that eating disorders are complex.
These disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder—are not just about controlling food, they are deeply connected to mental health struggles that can be dangerous if left unaddressed. So, how exactly are eating disorders and mental health linked?
Eating Disorders and Mental Health
While these eating disorders often involve unhealthy eating patterns tied to negative feelings (such as shame, guilt, anxiety, and sadness), their impact stretches into mental health, influencing emotions, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
For example, someone with anorexia nervosa might engage in extreme calorie restriction due to a deep fear of gaining weight, which is driven by a distorted perception of their body image.
The mental health symptoms that come with eating disorders can sometimes even mirror the behaviors themselves. A person might avoid social gatherings or isolate themselves because they feel embarrassed or ashamed about their eating habits or body image. Over time, this social withdrawal and the constant preoccupation with negative self-perception can cause further psychological distress–creating a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break.
Common Co-Occurring Issues
Research has consistently shown that anxiety and depression are common in individuals struggling with eating disorders. It’s not just a matter of feeling sad or worried; these mental health conditions often take a more pervasive form. This can include constant worrying, panic attacks, extreme restlessness as well as feelings of hopelessness, irritability, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
While the eating disorder itself can contribute to the development of these mental health conditions, it can also be a way for individuals to cope with overwhelming feelings. For some, controlling food intake or engaging in disordered eating behaviors becomes a way to manage emotions they may feel unable to control otherwise.
Low Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues
One of the most significant psychological factors that contribute to eating disorders is low self-esteem. Many individuals with eating disorders struggle with body image dissatisfaction, believing their physical appearance defines their worth.
This distorted view of themselves can be traced back to negative self-talk (usually encouraged by toxic or abusive family members/friends/partners/bullies etc.) or societal pressures, and unrealistic beauty standards. Constant comparisons to others, particularly in the age of social media, can exacerbate these feelings, making it harder for individuals to accept themselves as they are.
People with eating disorders may believe losing weight or changing their appearance will lead to acceptance or happiness. The reality is this mindset often fuels feelings of inadequacy, perpetuating the cycle of disordered eating. It’s crucial to note this connection between body image and mental health is not isolated to those who are underweight; people with an eating disorder come in all shapes and sizes and can have a distorted body image regardless of their weight or how ‘positively’ they are perceived by others.
The Role of Trauma and Stress
In some cases, trauma or major life stressors can play a significant role in the development of an eating disorder. Individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, or significant life changes may use eating behaviors as a coping mechanism. For instance, someone who has experienced trauma might engage in binge eating as a way to temporarily escape feelings of anxiety, fear, or sadness.
These behaviors may provide a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic or uncontrollable environment. The emotional toll of trauma can be so severe that, without proper support or intervention, it can lead to the development of an eating disorder as a way to numb emotional pain.
Eating Disorders and Treatment
Because eating disorders and mental health conditions are so intertwined, treatment needs to address both simultaneously. The first step in treatment often involves medical stabilization. Once medical concerns are under control, mental health professionals typically focus on therapy, counseling, and other forms of psychological support.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to treat eating disorders, as it helps individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that fuel both the eating disorder and related mental health struggles. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address co-occurring mental health conditions. Antidepressants, in particular, are often used to help stabilize mood and reduce the intensity of emotional symptoms.
Be Kind; You Never Know
Understanding the connection between eating disorders and mental health is essential for providing effective treatment and support for those who are struggling with this commonly misunderstood and debilitating condition.
At the end of the day, we are all human beings doing our best in the circumstances we have been given. So let’s show a little more kindness to others who may be secretly struggling–and more importantly, being kind to ourselves.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
