How to Help Your Partner with an Eating Disorder
At Milestones in Recovery, a distinguished eating disorder treatment facility in Florida, we recognize the intricate journey of supporting a partner through their struggles with an eating disorder. The road to recovery is a challenging one, often marked by uncertainty and emotional upheavals. As a partner, your role in this journey is pivotal, and your understanding, patience, and unwavering support can make a significant difference. In this comprehensive guide, we offer insights and strategies to help you provide meaningful and effective support to your partner as they navigate their path to healing.
Integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
Dialectical Abstinence as I now understand it is based on the concept of harm reduction. As part of the DBT [Dialectical Behavior Therapy] movement, harm reduction is intended to serve as an alternative to more severe forms of self-destructive or self-harming behaviors. Conceptually it appears to be the “lesser evil” with ones’ repertoire of reactions to a negative emotion or experience.
Dental Problems with Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorders
Although eating disorders are often accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional complications, perhaps the most painful are those leading to severe dental problems. To be sure, there is some overlap with respect to the specific impact each type of eating disorder has on our teeth and mouth.
Anorexia, Bulimia, and The Effects on Your Teeth
Professor Pierre Colon, a dental surgeon teaching restorative dentistry and endodontics, describes the havoc eating disorders wreak in your mouth: “In the first few years of the illness, teeth will become worn and cracked. Most of this damage is due to vomiting, and anorexia, where food is restricted, can also have harmful effects on the teeth. The lifestyle habits peculiar to these patients are always taken into account.”
What Is Bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa is a psychological illness characterized by the sufferer binging and then purging themselves of food. It is often related to both anorexia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
As to the issue of consequences or potential risks associated with Binge Eating, a recent article in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences reveals binge eaters have up to a fourfold increase in being unable to perform “normal daily activities” – sometimes referred to as ADLs [activities of daily living].
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a psychological illness with often devastating physical consequences. The sufferer usually has a morbid fear of weight gain and becoming fat, although this is not the case for all anorectics. Those suffering from anorexia will deprive themselves of food (and sometimes liquids), leading to weight loss and, usually, a variety of physical problems and health issues.
