Eating Away Pain: How Depression and Eating Disorders Go Hand in Hand
There is no single known cause for eating disorders. In fact, for most people who suffer from them, a number of factors lead into the development of eating disorders. These problems with food, weight, and body image can be extremely dangerous to a person’s health, both mentally and physically. Because those who suffer from eating disorders have poor body image, it is easy to see how eating disorders and depression work together. If you or someone you love suffers from an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, watch closely for signs of depression. Likewise, if you or someone you love suffers from depression, be on the look out for eating disorders to develop.
Depression is not merely sadness. Everyone feels sad or upset at some point or another. Depression is longer lasting and has a number of causes, such as hormonal imbalances and genetics. Life situations can also cause depression, so eating disorders can cause a person to become depressed. Signs of depression include excess sleep, crying for no reason, thoughts of suicide, and unwillingness to do the things the person once normally loved to do, like hobbies or spending time with friends.
Depression is a serious medical condition and can be treated a number of ways. Many people who suffer from depression find help with counseling. Prescription medications can also be used to correct deficiencies and imbalances in the body that cause depression or contribute to it.
Eating disorders can cause depression, but it is also likely for the opposite to happen. When a person is depressed, they often have little or no appetite, which leads to starvation of the body and development of anorexia. Even if depression is treated, these poor eating habits, for multiple reason, may stick, so it is important to treat the two diseases separately and with equal importance.
A doctor or other medical professional can give you more information on both eating disorders and depression. These medical conditions have roots in both the physical and mental parts of your body, so treatment is varied, but very important. Both depression and eating disorders, especially when found together, can lead to more serious health problems and, ultimately, death. Seek help immediately from doctors, dieticians, and support groups to overcome these afflictions. Beating depression and an eating disorder can be done, so don’t give up hope-help others help yourself and brighter days are on the horizon.
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