Eating Disorders

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. – Psalm 55:22

There are many causes for eating disorders. For some, social pressures and childhood bullying are the cause. Others use food to mask pain or to help them feel more in control of their life. Whatever the case might be for you, we offer a compassionate place for healing. We hope that you will find peace in Christ; in giving your burdens to the Lord, along with trusted guidance in support through Christian counseling, you can find wholeness and lasting recovery.

40% of people have either personally experienced an eating disorder or know someone who has.

How Can Christian Counseling Help?

Christian counseling offers a holistic approach to eating disorder treatment. While other, secular methods are limited to healing of the brain and body, Christian counseling takes it a crucial step further in turning to Christ for spiritual healing and growth. With this approach, you can find lasting solutions, even when traditional methods have failed. If you or someone you love struggles with an eating disorder, help is available to you. At Bellevue Christian Counseling, we are here to offer everything you need to find freedom, healing, and connection with Christ.

Goals of Christian counseling for eating disorders include:

• Establishing a healthy body weight.
• Discovering the cause of your eating disorder and addressing those issues.
• Understanding the impact the eating disorder has on your life.
• Building self-esteem and healthy body image.

Treatment for Eating Disorders in Adolescence

Eating disorders often begin in adolescence. During teen years, social pressure, stress, and other factors that contribute to eating disorders are very high. In fact, 95% of those with an eating disorder are between the ages of 12 and 25. If you suspect that your teen has an eating disorder, it’s important to get help immediately. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental health issues, and the chances of recovery lesson the longer they go untreated. At Bellevue Christian Counseling, our child and teen counselors will help your teen uncover and heal the cause for their eating disorder and learn tools for growing a healthy, Christ-filled future. Click Here for more information on Christian counseling for children and teens.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:7

Most people with an eating disorder feel they are no longer in control of their life. The goal of Christian counseling for eating disorders is to help you find inner healing and peace through evidence-based counseling psychology and a solid relationship with Christ.

Up to 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

For recovery to begin, you must first realize that there is a problem. Some deny that what they do is harmful, and others understand the dangers but are unable to stop on their own. At Bellevue Christian Counseling, we will help you determine whether or not you have an eating disorder by asking you questions like:

• Do you often make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortable after eating?
• Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?
• Have you lost more than 15 pounds in the last three months?
• Do you see yourself as overweight when others say you are too thin?
• Would you say that food controls your life?

Figure 1 Stats taken from www.anred.com (Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders) and healthyteenproject.com

Types of Eating Disorders We Treat and Their Symptoms

If you are diagnosed with an eating disorder, the next step is education about the specific eating disorder you have. By learning everything you can about the disorder and its effects, you have the insight needed to fight your battle while also finding comfort in knowing that there are others who understand the struggles you face.

Anorexia Nervosa

If you measure your self-worth by how thin you are, then you might have anorexia. You might even have a distorted body image perception, causing you to think you are overweight even when others say you are very thin. People with anorexia have an overwhelming fear of being overweight, causing them to do things like refuse food, take diuretics or laxatives, and exercise excessively.

Symptoms of Anorexia include:

• Extreme weight loss
• Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
• Hair loss or breakage
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Severely reducing calorie intake by fasting, dieting, and excessive exercise
• Preoccupation with food
• Frequent denial of feeling hungry
• Irritability and depression

Bulimia Nervosa

If you consume large amounts of food in a short period of time, then induce vomiting in attempts to control your weight, you might struggle with bulimia. Bulimia can be difficult for people to detect because there are usually not outward, visible signs. But, if you suspect you or a loved one struggles with bulimia, here are some signs to consider.

Symptoms of Bulimia include:

• Lifestyle rituals involving binging and purging
• Swelling in the cheeks and jaw
• Calluses on the back of hands and knuckles
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Irregular bowel movements
• Self-esteem overly dependent on body image
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
• Excessive, strict exercise routine
• Feeling out of control during binging sessions

Binge Eating Disorder

If you struggle with using food for comfort, causing you to consume large amounts in a short period of time, you might have binge eating disorder. Unfortunately, people who struggle with this disorder often keep their eating habits a secret and are afraid to ask for help. Like other eating disorders, binge eating disorder can be very dangerous, so it’s important to get help right away.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder include:

• Eating large amounts of food in a specific time-frame (usually 2 hours)
• Eating in secret due to feelings of shame
• Feeling your eating behaviors are out of control
• Frequently eating until you’re uncomfortably full or when you’re not hungry
• Feeling depressed, ashamed, and disgusted with your eating behaviors
• Frequent dieting, typically without much weight loss
• Weight gain and chronic obesity

Our counselors and psychiatric care providers at Bellevue Christian Counseling are experienced in helping people overcome all kinds of eating disorders. Whatever your personal experience might be, we are here to guide you to a full recovery.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:14

The main goal of Christian counseling for eating disorders is to help you connect with the love and grace of God so you can find real peace, wholeness, and a new perspective for living a healthy, meaningful life.

Only one-third of individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa in the United States get treatment.

How are Eating Disorders Treated?

Sadly, many who struggle with an eating disorder never get the help they need, often resulting in permanent damage or death. If you or a loved one struggles with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, get help as soon as possible. Christian eating disorder therapy offers proven treatment methods combined with bible-based tools and prayer to offer a holistic approach to wellness. The most common therapies for eating disorder treatment includes:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – CBT is proven very effective for treating eating disorders. This therapy will help you become more aware of your negative self-talk, help you build a positive self-image, and understand the behaviors that contribute to your disorder. By learning how to refocus your thoughts, you can work to build health habits that will replace harmful behaviors.

Family Therapy – Christian counseling for families offers support that will help your loved ones better understand what you go through, so everyone gets what is needed to help you along your recovery.

Counseling for Depression – Almost 50% of those with an eating disorder also suffer from depression. Though each person experiences depression differently, Christian counseling for depression is an important part of the treatment process for many.

Christian eating disorder counselors are trained in the various treatments for eating disorders. Your Christian counselor will work with you to create a plan that suits your unique story and needs for recovery.

If you’re ready to start the journey of healing, contact us today to schedule your risk-free initial session.

To learn more about Christian counseling for eating disorders or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 425-939-6856 or Contact us Online.