Understanding Disordered Eating
Disordered eating refers to a range of unhealthy behaviors and attitudes toward food, eating, and body image. These behaviors can disrupt daily life, physical health, and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, disordered eating is often misunderstood and dismissed, leaving many individuals to struggle alone with feelings of shame and confusion.
Disordered eating is real, and your challenges are valid. While not all cases meet the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder, the impact on mental health, relationships, and quality of life can be profound. Studies show that disordered eating affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds, often stemming from a complex mix of societal pressures, emotional stress, and internal struggles.
Here at Clearview Counselling, we provide professional, compassionate support in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Our Calgary therapists are here to help you understand your relationship with food and your body, uncover the root causes of disordered eating, and build healthier habits that align with your mental and physical well-being.
What Is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating includes a wide spectrum of behaviors that may involve:
•Obsessive calorie counting or restrictive dieting
•Binge eating or emotional overeating
•Chronic yo-yo dieting
•Using food as a way to cope with stress or emotions
•Over-exercising to “make up” for eating
•Guilt, shame, or anxiety around food or eating
While some behaviors may not qualify as a clinical eating disorder, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, or Binge Eating Disorder, they can still significantly affect a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
Signs and Symptoms of Disordered Eating:
•Preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape
•Feelings of guilt or shame after eating
•Skipping meals or eating in secret
•Drastic changes in weight, either gain or loss
•Rigid rules or rituals around food and eating
•Using food or exercise as punishment or reward
What Causes Disordered Eating?
There is no single cause for disordered eating. Factors may include:
•Societal and cultural pressures to achieve an “ideal” body type
•Emotional stress, trauma, or unresolved mental health challenges
•Low self-esteem or perfectionism
•Family dynamics or upbringing
•A history of dieting or restrictive eating patterns
Disordered eating is often linked to deeper emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma. Without intervention, these behaviors can escalate, leading to more severe health consequences over time.
How Clearview Counselling Can Help
At Clearview Counselling, we understand that your relationship with food and your body is deeply personal and complex. Our experienced therapists offer a compassionate and individualized approach to help you identify the root causes of disordered eating, challenge harmful beliefs, and rebuild a positive relationship with food and yourself.
Through personalized therapy, we can help you:
•Understand the emotional and psychological triggers behind disordered eating
•Develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress and emotions
•Reframe negative thoughts about food, eating, and body image
•Foster self-compassion and acceptance
•Build sustainable habits that support your overall well-being
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Clearview Counselling is here to guide you on your journey toward healing, balance, and a renewed sense of self-worth.