When To Call An Eating Disorder Hotline

Posted by: lukwago J in Life style May 7, 2023

Eating disorders are more common than you think and come under a large umbrella of different categories that affect some 29 million individuals in the United States alone, or about 9% of the population. These would include not only anorexia nervose and bulimia but also binge eating, compulsive overeating, night eating syndrome, pica, rumination disorder and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. Speaking with someone well-trained in this subject is the first helpful step because you are certainly not alone, and support is merely a phone call away.

If You Want More Information

When you reach out and call an eating disorder hotline, you will find a valuable resource here. These dedicated, highly trained and compassionate volunteers will share their information about a condition you think you may have or one affecting a relative or friend with whom you are concerned.

The late philosopher Francis Bacon once said that “knowledge is power,” and indeed, it is. A hotline specializing in eating disorders can provide you access to resources available about the causes and types of eating disorders. Best of all, it’s a “judgment-free zone,” and your call is confidential.

If You Struggle With Symptoms

When your body is housing an eating disorder, the world around you can be lonely. You feel that you are struggling and may be experiencing common symptoms. For instance, you have turned to ritualistic eating habits and rules; you don’t like eating with others; you exercise intensely to burn calories; you obsess over how you look or set unrealistic weight goals, etc.

Communication with a peer volunteer on an eating disorder hotline can bring the issue into focus and help the responder evaluate your situation and guide you through available options.

If You Strive for Perfection

Perfectionism is the tendency to hold unrealistically high standards, a personality trait with positive and negative aspects. Studies have also shown that sometimes, there is a link between perfectionism and eating disorders.

If you’re stuck in perfectionism mode, have an eating disorder, and seek support, dialing a hotline with people who understand eating disorders and anxiety could greatly benefit you. There is help available.

If You Seek Treatment Referrals

It isn’t easy asking for help, but the good news is that connecting with peer-support services is a huge step when you recognize that you may have an eating disorder and want assistance. These amazing volunteers can offer encouragement and refer you to professional eating disorder treatment providers within the United States.

Remember, there are great options for receiving treatment, and it’s never a one-size-fits-only type of assistance. For instance, some include therapists, dietitians, physicians, psychiatrists, treatment centers and more.

If You Need Emotional Support

Everyone is unique in how they deal with things, and eating disorders can affect people of all ages. Some don’t feel comfortable discussing the issue with their family or friends. Others may feel judged critically by society and afraid to speak up.

Some individuals feel a stigma attached to having an eating disorder and feeling weak for going through their condition. They keep it a secret disease until they’re at their wit’s end. That is why calling a hotline specializing in eating disorders is one of the best ways to gain emotional support. This wonderful network of dedicated volunteers helps to create an inclusive and supportive community for those affected by eating disorders.

When to Take the Next Step

If you recognize any of the above signs in yourself or in someone you love, then now’s the time to reach out. Someone highly trained on the other end of that phone call is waiting to hear from you, learn about your story and lead you to the proper resources available. There is recovery from eating disorders, and a variety of treatment options can be tailored to your individual needs. So, don’t think much; just go for it as soon as possible.

It’s about taking the next step and calling. An old Zen proverb says: “If you are facing in the right direction, all you have to do is just keep on walking.”

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