Some people suffer with an ongoing sense of worry about many different things and this may affect their ability to undertake everyday activities, the very things that may help to allay some of their worry. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) might prevent a person from engaging with friends or attending social events as they become insecure about leaving their home, and the prospect of getting ready to go out can become overwhelming. As a result they may feel increasingly lonely and isolated...
As people, we seem to live by the habits we form, and often these help to form structure in our daily lives. Habits do sometimes become dangerous, however, such as the addictive habits of using drugs, alcohol, food or gambling in response perhaps to life difficulties or to make yourself feel better. Habits like these are not easy to change. Think about your own lifestyle for a moment – I imagine there are things that you like doing when you get up in the morning, like having a cup of tea...
Eating disorders can involve eating too little or too much, and/or becoming obsessed with body weight and body shape. Normally, someone with an eating disorder will exhibit an unhealthy relationship with food, their body and themselves to the point where it has taken over their life and made them ill. You might be reading this as a person who suffers from an eating disorder, or may know someone close to you who suffers from one. Whatever your situation, in this article, I will briefly describe...
When did you last step onto an aeroplane and resign yourself to the fact that your life was now in the pilot’s hands? Or you suddenly realise you are getting old and are unable to do anything about it? Or you reflect on the past and realise you cannot change your background or where you came from?
The above may be examples of times when you are out of control or felt out of control, but being this way is ok, right? Often, for those with eating disorders, they feel that the only...
Are you constantly faced with nutritional and health advice from the media about what you should and should not be eating? In today's society we are all inundated with health choices that are changing our relationship with food. There is media advice about reducing saturated fats, salt and sugar, limiting red meat and increasing fruit and vegetables. Debates are ongoing about whether margarine is better than butter, sweetener better than sugar, skimmed milk better than...
The term Anorexia Nervosa was first used in1856 to define an illness characterised by self-starvation. To-date, anorexia is shrouded in myth and it may be helpful to dispel some of the more common beliefs and assumptions surrounding the illness. Anorexia is not rooted in vanity, it is not a ‘teenage phase’ or a lifestyle choice. Moreover, perhaps surprisingly, it is not about food. Anorexia is a serious mental health condition, responsible for more loss of life than any other...
Sometimes, when we become under distress, it's only too easy to reach out to food and/or drink for comfort.So many times, individuals sit with that uncomfortable feeling, then desperately decide to raid the kitchen cupboards or seek out treats in their local shop or takeaway to get their next unhealthy fix.A bar of chocolate suppresses anxiety, a takeaway pizza suppresses the overwhelming feelings of loneliness and a bottle of wine or a few beers helps your body relax back into the sofa after...
A study previously carried out by an eating disorder charity conducted research across the UK and beyond asking individuals with current or previous experience of an eating disorder - 'What is recovery?'. Here are some of the things people mentioned:
Admitting you have a problem. Being ‘ok’. Not worry about numbers on the scale. More confidence. Enjoy eating with other people. Adapting to change. Liking/accepting yourself. Trusting yourself. Being able to express yourself...
Sometimes problems or issues can’t be seen. They affect our behaviour and how we respond to the person with the problem. I call these the 'invisible problems'. The classic invisible problems are addiction, eating disorders, mental health and grief. Just because we can’t see them physically does not mean they don’t exist or someone is pretending or weak willed. The challenge with living with someone with an 'invisible' problem is knowing how best to be helpful, keeping the...
It’s that time of year again when chocolate Easter eggs are in abundance and food offers for the Easter long weekend celebrations are everywhere, but fear not! Helping and supporting those with eating disorders from a psychological perspective using a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, professional experience as well as close personal experience, I have brought together some tips for surviving the long Easter weekend which are shared with you below... Look after number...
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