Does your teenaged son need an eating disorder treatment program? Many teens struggle with body image issues and some even may be experiencing body dysmorphia and not being vocal about it. Is your teen showing any symptoms of unhealthy body image? Examples of behaviors that could be red flags are obsessive self-scrutiny in mirrors and the frequent comparison of their shape and size to others.
If you’re looking for a reputable health care center in North Carolina offering eating disorder treatment programs, contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®. Call 828.519.5047 today to learn more.
Does Your Son Have Body Image Issues?
Some teen males may not be communicating that they have body dysmorphia because they may not be aware of what’s happening in their minds. Body image is a complex issue that can include any combination of the following for most people, including:
- Being aware of how your limbs move through space
- Displaying behaviors believed to be necessary to evaluate your body
- Estimating body size
- Evaluating individual parts of your body
- Feelings about your body and body parts
- Perceiving how your body looks to you and others
- Referencing culturally driven beliefs about what bodies should look like
- Understanding what your body can do
Negative body image can begin at a surprisingly early age. According to research, many 1st and 2nd graders don’t like some aspect of their bodies. Dissatisfaction can deepen during puberty, and relationship problems between parents and children can worsen negative body issues even further. Social media also exerts an enormous influence on a teen’s body image. In most cases, the ideas and values of a teenager’s family, peers, education, and faith tradition will also shape how they see themselves.
In general, negative body issues exist if someone does not like something about their physical form. Whether this is a one-time feeling or body dysmorphia depends on how much their lives are affected by their negative body issues.
How Do You Know If Your Son Has Body Dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health issue in which someone can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in their appearance. These flaws may appear minor or unnoticeable to everyone else. However, people struggling with body dysmorphia can feel so embarrassed, ashamed, and anxious about them. Teenagers with body dysmorphic disorder may avoid many social situations because of this.
When adolescent males struggle with body dysmorphic disorder, they tend to focus almost entirely on their appearance, including the size and shape of their bodies. This can manifest in repetitive behaviors like checking their reflections in mirrors, grooming themselves, and seeking verbal or other types of assurance. Their perceived flaws and repetitive behaviors can cause them great distress and impact how they function daily.
Teenagers with body dysmorphic syndrome not only dislike some elements of the way they look but may also seek out numerous cosmetic procedures or products to try to fix or hide their perceived flaws. These procedures and products are not always healthy. Furthermore, because they may cost more than what a teenager can afford, they could also lead to financial problems.
Does Your Son Need an Eating Disorder Treatment Program?
If your son has body image issues, it may be beneficial for him to be professionally assessed at a mental health treatment center. Treatment is especially crucial if he has three or more of the following symptoms:
- Binging but without any noticeable weight gain
- Disappearance to the bathroom for long periods
- Eating in secret
- Excessive preoccupation with weight and thinness
- Extreme weight changes in a short period
- Frequent use of laxatives or diuretics
- Obsession with exercise
- Symptoms of depression, including isolation
- Vomiting
Treatment of body dysmorphia may include both medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Some teens may even need residential treatment.
The Benefits of Eating Disorder Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®, we understand the unique challenges faced by teenaged boys struggling with eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Our comprehensive treatment programs offer numerous benefits to support the recovery journey:
Specialized Care
Our experienced and compassionate team of professionals specializes in eating disorder treatment. We provide personalized care tailored to each individual’s specific needs, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to recovery.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Our treatment approach integrates various therapies, including individual therapy, group therapy, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness practices. This comprehensive approach addresses the underlying factors contributing to disordered eating behaviors and supports long-term recovery.
Safe and Supportive Environment
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® offers a safe and nurturing environment where teen males can heal and grow. Our tranquil setting in North Carolina provides a peaceful retreat away from the stressors of everyday life, allowing teens to focus on their recovery journey.
Peer Support
Engaging in group therapy sessions and connecting with peers who understand the challenges of eating disorders can be incredibly beneficial. Our programs foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for peer support, encouragement, and shared experiences.
Aftercare Planning
We emphasize the importance of continued care and provide comprehensive aftercare planning. Our team works closely with individuals to develop strategies for maintaining recovery beyond the treatment program, ensuring ongoing support and guidance.
Get the Help Your Teenaged Son Need at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®
If your teen son is struggling with disordered eating or body dysmorphia, finding treatment is crucial. If you’re searching for a reputable health care center in North Carolina that offers eating disorder treatment programs, our team is here to help. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® by calling 828.519.5047 or using our convenient online contact form.
