17 Apr, 2009
Why am I an Emotional Eater?
Posted by: joanna@recoveryconnection.org In: Eating Disorders| Women's Treatment Programs
How many individuals are Emotional Eaters? If a statistical answer is what he or she is searching for when asking this question then avoiding themselves and the behavior is still in the forefront of his or her mind? As a child rewards are given for good behavior, if he or she receives a good report card the family celebrates by going out to eat and having dessert. It would make sense that for individuals predisposed to eating disorders would perhaps develop an attachment to food for comfort, relief a feel good.
For people who don’t have emotional eating disorder or compulsive eating behavior this may not make any sense. Typically this individual wouldn’t be reading this article. The individuals who need this will read it. Food is a substance that is used to fuel the body, as a society almost every special event or occasion is celebrated with food and drinks. My favorite memories as a child was specific restaurants my family frequented and good memories are attached to them. Just as certain foods make individuals feel good due to an attached idea for example, turkey on Thanksgiving.
When individuals develop a behavior pattern to food that causes harm emotionally, physically and spiritually by over-eating or under-eating, it then becomes essential to have new tools and coping skills taught to relearn how to handle situations without reaching for food or drinks. An emotional eater is no exception it creates an addiction cycle which requires a break in the cycle an eating disorder treatment is available. Many individuals suffer needlessly under the assumption programs aren’t avail able to him or her.
Today many programs exist that deal with different types of eating disorders. When he or she is ready to change the behaviors developed over time people are available to help with the transition to a new life, a new way of living and coping with any situation. Behaviors and relationships to food can change with the help of trained individuals specializing in the field of eating disorders.
