THIS week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings around eating disorders, and there is also a lot of help available out there, so I thought this would be the perfect week to talk about them.

While food intake and weight become central to an eating disorder, the roots lie deep in the emotional landscape.

The three main eating disorders - anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder - manifest differently, but all share a core feature; an unhealthy relationship with food and body image.

Anorexia is characterised by severe calorie restriction and fear of weight gain. Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviours like vomiting or laxatives. Binge eating disorder involves frequent episodes of uncontrolled overeating, often accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt, but without the purging behaviour.

Each person is individual, and there be many reasons a person develops an eating disorder. I am of course limited on space, but common reasons might include:

* Low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction: Negative self-perception, fuelled by pressures and unrealistic beauty standards, can drive the desire for control through food and weight manipulation.

* Stress and anxiety: Eating disorders can be coping mechanisms for overwhelming emotions, offering a temporary sense of control or distraction.

* Trauma and abuse: Past experiences of trauma, abuse, or neglect can leave emotional wounds that manifest in eating disorders as a way to numb or cope.

* Perfectionism and control: A rigid need for control over various aspects of life, including food and body, can fuel eating disorder behaviours. This is a common trait with those affected by anorexia. Cases of anorexia were considerably higher during the Covid lockdown periods. It is thought that restricting food intake and diet was one of the few things that younger people could retain control over, during a time when we lost control over many aspects of our lives.

Eating disorders can also contribute to poor mental health, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. Eating disorders can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can make pre-existing mental health conditions worse, or trigger the onset of new ones. For example, people with anorexia nervosa may experience depression and anxiety as a result of their extreme calorie restriction and fear of weight gain.

Similarly, people with bulimia nervosa may feel ashamed and guilty after binge eating and purging, which can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Many people associate eating disorders only with younger people, especially females. However, eating disorders can affect anyone. While there is a higher prevalence among young women, individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds are susceptible. Men, boys, and older adults can be affected too.

Unfortunately, many people with eating disorders do not receive the help they need due to the stigma and shame associated with these conditions. Many people with eating disorders become secretive about their eating habits, for example they may hide and squirrel away foods that they have no intention of eating.

People with eating disorders may begin to hide their body size and shape with excessive clothing in hot weather. They may begin to make excuses for not taking part in sports where their decrease in body size will be obvious. Other signs may include exercising excessively and becoming pre-occupied with calorie counting and weight.

Treating eating disorders is complicated and can involve a package of specialist treatments. We are fortunate in Bradford to have the Freedom Team - Children and Young People’s Eating Disorder Service.

Their team bring together different disciplines skilled in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, ensuring people receive fast access to the right care. They aim to carry out urgent assessments within one week of referral and routine assessments within four weeks. They offer assessment, diagnosis and intervention on a range of suspected and confirmed eating disorders. Referrals can be made by a GP or school nurse.

It’s important to remember that eating disorders are not a choice. Anorexia nervosa is the mental health condition with the highest mortality rate, that in itself should bring home just how serious a condition this can be.

You can find out more about Eating Disorders Awareness Week from the BEAT website: edaw.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

If you run any type of mental health and well-being group, charity or CIC within the Bradford area then please get in touch so that I can include you in a future column. All part of my mission to help stop the stigma when it comes to having conversations about our mental health.

If you are in any type of mental health crisis, got to your GP or A&E, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258

* Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England wellbeing@martinfurber.com