The two common eating disorders known to men are bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.
“Bulimia is characterized by two main behaviors- binging and purging. Purging is an attempt to rid the body of calories. Those who purge through vomiting often do it immediately after a binge, but sometimes a significant amount of time can lapse between binging and purging,” says Dana Harron, PsyD.
“General risk factors include low mood, a history of physical and sexual trauma, general family problems, and a parent with a psychiatric disorder. These all appear to increase one’s risk for later mental health problems, including eating disorders,” Dr. Stacey C. Cahn, PhD talks about anorexia.
Several reasons or causes could lead to these disorders. At this point, it is essential to take note that these two illnesses are grave and must be taken seriously. Unfortunately, several people are not aware that there is so much more to being anorexic or bulimic. The truth is that these are considered as mental health sicknesses, which must be dealt with severely.
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The primary reason why some people suffer from eating disorders is that they are too concerned with their appearance. They think that they look too fat or too bold, which is why they want to cut down on food consumption. According to experts, the lack of self-esteem also often leads to experiencing any form of eating disorder. Other known causes of eating disorders are:
- Too much pressure from other people about weight and body concerns
- Genetics (hereditary)
- Low self-confidence
- Bullying
- Depression
- Anxiety
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Since there are recent advancements in the field of technology, it becomes easier for people with eating disorders to acquire the help they need. Nowadays, they can already take advantage of the availability of online therapy. Many individuals are still hesitant to try e-counseling, especially when they are used to having personal encounters with counselors and therapists. However, the truth is that online therapy is a better option when it comes to dealing with eating disorders. Below are the top reasons why:
Affordability
Online therapy is gaining popularity because it is more comfortable compared to the traditional form of seeking professional help. Since the sessions are made through online calls, messages or videoconferences, the administrative costs on the part of the therapist are decreased. As a result, he will most likely start to charge less for online sessions than the face-to-face meetings.
Convenience
A person with an eating disorder can merely go online whenever she wants to talk about her problems. An online counselor will be readily available to help her get over a difficult situation. However, it must be noted that most online therapists prefer to have their clients schedule ahead of time. If you require sessions without setting an appointment, the online therapist may charge additional costs for the professional engagement.
Comfort
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Another top reason why many individuals prefer online therapy is that of the increase in comfort when it comes to opening up about their problems. The virtual environment in this kind of treatment makes it easier on the part of clients to share their stories with the therapists. The remote environment allows the patients to become more comfortable since they no longer need to feel awkward about talking with the professional. They can simply open up without worrying about the facial expressions or body language of the therapist.
If you know someone who is suffering from an eating disorder, be sure to introduce online therapy to her. Always keep in mind that this kind of mental illness can make or break a person. Do not wait until it’s too late. “I believe very strongly in each person’s capacity for growth and change. However, this can often be difficult to manage alone. Therapy can be a place to gain the practical skills and confidence needed to face life’s challenges and feel better,” according to Rachel Goldstein, PsyD.