Mental Health Awareness Month came and went back in May. However, at AMG Behavioral Health and Counseling Center, we strive to raise awareness and provide compassionate mental health care all year long.

One category of mental disorders that is becoming more prevalent in the United States – and globally – is eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 20 million women and 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. With the increased prevalence in part fueled by the influence of media in today’s society, light continues to be shed on the various disorders and their symptoms. The eating disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5^th Edition (DSM-5) include, but are not limited to, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Unspecified Eating or Feeding Disorder.

While each diagnosis is characterized by specific symptoms, warning signs that an individual may be struggling with an eating disorder can be emotional, behavioral and physical. The emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms may include: preoccupation with weight, food, calories, etc., food rituals, skipping meals, hoarding and/or hiding food, frequent mirror checks to assess for body changes, discomfort eating around others, mood swings, compulsive exercise, laxative abuse, compulsive eating, purging and social isolation.

Physically, people struggling with eating disorders may present with: extreme and/or observable fluctuations in weight, menstrual irregularities, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, fine hair growth on the body, dental issues and muscle weakness, amongst many other health issues related to chaotic eating patterns. A common misconception about eating disorders is that an individual must appear significantly under- or overweight to receive a diagnosis. This is simply not true, as people can suffer from the cognitions and behaviors that drive an eating disorder at any weight.

The first step is to acknowledge that the eating disorder is impairing functioning in one or more facets of life. Then, it is crucial to seek help. Once an individual is assessed and diagnosed with an eating disorder, the treatment level of care is chosen based on the severity of the individual’s symptoms. Treatment options include outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization, residential and inpatient. Forms of evidence-based individual, group and family psychotherapy are often used alongside pharmacotherapy in many treatment settings.

If you are concerned that you or someone you love may be struggling with symptoms of an eating disorder – or any other mental health symptoms – please do not hesitate to seek help. Recovery is possible. The NEDA website, found at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, is an excellent resource for additional information. AMG Behavioral Health and Counseling Center is also available at 330-493-9607 or at www.aultmanbehavioralhealth.com. Contact us today for more information on the services we can provide.

Submitted by: Mari (Iarocci) Ballas, MA, LPCC of AMG Behavioral Health and Counseling Center