Teens across the country are affected by disordered eating every day. Pressure from social media, peers, and athletic teams can lead teens and young adults to develop unhealthy body image and eating habits. Many young people struggling with disordered eating keep their relationship with food secret. Some hide bulimia, anorexia, and other unhealthy relationships with food from loved ones. Today, there are programs across the country and locally in the Carolinas offering disordered eating help.
If your teen needs help with disordered eating or you suspect they have an unhealthy relationship with food or body image, call North Carolina’s Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. Our holistic programs focus on adolescent men’s co-occurring disorders, substance abuse, social media, and video game addiction. Call us at 866.300.5275 to learn more and enroll in a program today.
What Is Disordered Eating?
An unhealthy relationship with food characterizes disordered eating. These irregular eating habits may or may not be considered an eating disorder. Disordered eating can encompass a wide range of attitudes and behaviors towards food, while the American Psychiatric Association narrowly defines eating disorders. Common disordered eating conditions include:
- Body dysmorphia
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
- Binge eating
- Yo-yo dieting
- Food anxiety
- Guilt and shame associated with food
- Obsessing over food
- Feeling a loss of control around food
- Using exercise and food restrictions to compensate for binging
Signs of Disordered Eating
Disordered eating comes with both physical and emotional signs. Some physical signs include fluctuation in weight and frequent stomach upset. Emotional signs of disordered eating include:
- Excluding one’s self from social eating situations.
- Preoccupation with weight, calories, etc.
- Significantly limiting the variety of food one is eating.
- Daily food rituals.
If your teen is exhibiting signs of disordered eating, it’s essential to get them help. Disordered eating can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems affecting their academic, home, and social lives. If someone struggles with disordered eating for an extended period, it can have far-reaching effects in adulthood. Find a clinic today for disordered eating treatment.
Finding Disordered Eating Treatment
Treatment for disordered eating can help teens regain confidence and break negative thought patterns around food, calories, weight, and body image. Psychotherapy is often the first step in treatment. An individual therapist can assess behaviors, thought patterns, and triggers that may influence a teen’s relationship with food. They may recommend a break from social media, a change in exercise routine, and often have clients consult with nutritionists. Many therapists will pair individual therapy with group therapy, family therapy, and alternative therapies like music, art, and equine therapy. By exploring multiple modalities, clients have a greater chance of deep, holistic healing and a healthy future relationship with food.
Enroll Today at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Finding the right program to help disordered eating isn’t easy. If you’re looking for a program to support adolescent boys near South Carolina, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help. At Foothills, we focus on holistic healing, assessing every aspect of an individual’s life for deep healing. Our clients work outdoors with large animals to build empathy and compassion. With this treatment, they’re able to regain focus.
Many adolescent boys come to Foothills ready to shift their relationships with food, substance abuse, video games, and social media. Our multiple types of therapy also treat co-occurring disorders. Our beautiful North Carolina facility gives teenage boys the opportunity to disconnect from peer pressure, social media, and family stress to return to themselves. Clients leave Foothills stronger, healthier, and ready to live the lives of their dreams.
Don’t wait. Call Foothills today to enroll in our programs at 866.300.5275 and help your teen regain control of their life.
