What causes eating disorders?
Eating disorders can have many different origins. For some clients, there is a fear of growing up and assuming adult responsibilities. Others function well externally, but inside are deeply confused. Some are trapped in the role of perfectionism, being “the good child.” Some clients experienced a major loss during childhood. Others experienced tremendous pain in social interactions. Some clients’ families suffer from generations of unresolved trauma. Some are enmeshed, without appropriate boundaries.
Once the eating disorder takes hold as a “survival strategy,” it can take on a life of its own, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety and isolation. As the cycle continues, it takes more of the same behavior to achieve the desired effect – more restriction, more food, more binging and purging, diet pills, laxatives, exercise, etc.
When a client is no longer dependent on the eating disorder , the whole world can feel upside-down, and initially, impossible to manage. This sense of crisis is a key reason Castlewood exists. We provide a safe, well-cushioned container for the distress, along with the support of a caring community, to help clients learn how to stabilize, rebuild and transform their lives.
Core Symptoms
- Weight loss or gain with endocrine or metabolic abnormalities
- Fat phobia/food phobia
- Rituals around body checking, exercise and food
- Purging by fasting, vomiting, diuretics and exercise
- Dissociation, lack of control, food cravings, rituals or addictions
- Body dissatisfaction, body image distortion
- Binge eating, secretive eating, hoarding and stealing food
- Chewing and spitting food as an attempt to control weight
- Taking in excessive amounts of fluid or restricting fluid intake
- Use or abuse of diet pills, herbal supplements or teas
- Increased isolation, spending less and less time with family and friends
- Refusing or avoiding eating with family and friends