Do you think you or
someone you love might have an eating disorder? (including bulimia,
anorexia and binge/compulsive overeating)
We know it’s a tough question, but if there is a problem, the
first step to recovery is admitting it exists.
The following thought-provoking questions are not designed to make
a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder, or take the place of a
professional evaluation or consultation. However, some of them
might help you identify potentially harmful thoughts or behaviors
and determine whether you or a loved one has an eating disorder
that needs professional attention and treatment.
- Do you think about food and your weight constantly?
- Do you eat in response to anger, boredom, anxiety, depression,
stress, loneliness, etc.?
- Do you feel guilt and remorse when you overeat?
- Do you attempt to control your weight by fasting, vomiting, or
taking laxatives?
- Are you preoccupied with exercising, and how many calories you
burn?
- Have you experienced loss of your menstrual period and/or hair
loss?
- Have you experienced rapid weight loss/gain; 15% more or below
your normal body weight?
Do you feel
that you have an unhealthy relationship with food or
dieting?
If you answered “yes” to two or more of these
questions, you or your loved one could be suffering from an eating
disorder, and Wekiva Springs can help.
WE HAVE THE
SOLUTION
It is time to take back your life in an environment that’s
based on understanding, mutual respect, caring, and developing a
healthy relationship with food.
Current figures on eating disorders in America suggest that about
one in every hundred young women is at risk for anorexia nervosa, a
life-threatening condition marked by a pronounced fear of weight
gain and a dread of becoming fat, even when a person is
dramatically underweight. Young women with anorexia exercise a
pathological degree of control over their hunger and other aspects
of their lives, and they persist in a state of denial about their
disease. In recent years, adult-onset eating disorders have become
prevalent as well.
About four in every hundred college-aged women suffer from bulimia
nervosa, a dangerous disorder in which solitary bouts of overeating
are “compensated” for through purging episodes. These
may include self-induced vomiting; abuse of laxatives, enemas or
diuretics; severe caloric restriction and/or excessive exercising.
Women with bulimia typically feel that they have no control over
their eating and may be preoccupied with feelings of self-loathing.
Concerns about weight and shape preoccupy their minds. Sometimes,
anorexia and bulimia may overlap. In as many as 50 percent of
cases, anorexia leads to later problems with bulimia.
Binge/compulsive overeating is related to bulimia, but usually does
not involve purging episodes, and appears to be the most common
eating disorder. Women with binge/compulsive overeating disorders
suffer guilt and shame about their eating and weight. Like other
eating-related disorders, binge/compulsive overeating is
symptomatic of deep-seated issues that reflect poor self-image,
conflict with perceived social expectations for the female body and
feelings of powerlessness.
WE HAVE THE
SOLUTION
Although young women represent at least 90 percent of those who
suffer from anorexia and bulimia, the number of older women
affected by these disorders is on the rise. In addition, women of
all ages are vulnerable to binge/compulsive overeating. At Wekiva
Springs, we believe these female-dominated disorders can best be
treated in an environment designed for and populated by women.
Below are some important facts to know about our female-centric
Eating Disorder programs:
The primary model of treatment is cognitive-behavioral group
therapy combined with individual counseling. We treat underlying
problems, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress
disorder, sometimes from events in childhood or adolescence;
psychological concerns, including feelings of inferiority or
unrealistic goal setting; co-dependency and relationship issues;
and other family problems. For the dually-diagnosed client
(addiction in addition to eating disorder), a 12-step program is
included in the treatment regimen. We teach new, life-affirming
behaviors and help victims recognize both their self-destructive
patterns and their self-worth. Healing modalities may include yoga,
movement therapy, meditation, art therapy, guided imagery and
recreation therapies. Patients are coached in crisis management and
life skills. Nutrition therapy is the key to every recovery plan.
Each patient’s progress is carefully monitored by on-site
medical staff. Treatment includes a family program and aftercare
support so that patients can continue their recovery in the world
outside of Wekiva Springs
