The Relation Between Emotional Avoidance and Eating Disorders.

"I was able 'to sit' with my feelings and emotions. I no longer have the need to binge or purge this emotions" shared my client who worked through their eating disorders.  ​

Understanding eating disorders can be challenging if you haven't experienced them yourself. While many are familiar with anorexia and bulimia, there are lesser-known disorders like AFRID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Diagnosing these disorders is complex due to the overlapping symptoms, and they may manifest differently at various stages of one's life.​

If you're experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder like extreme anxiety around food, avoiding certain foods, or binge eating, it's important to understand that it's not your fault. In fact, studies suggest that about half of the risk for eating disorders can be attributed to genetic factors. These disorders are typically caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, personality traits, and external influences like trauma, cultural ideals, social pressure, or other mental health conditions. 

Feelings of anxiety, loneliness, depression, a sense of loss of control, and low self-esteem can all be warning signs of an eating disorder. However, a common thread among people with these disorders is difficulty in expressing and coping with their emotions or feelings.

The link between emotion avoidance
​and eating disorders

Emotion avoidance involves actions aimed at stifling any emotional reaction, be it anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, or loneliness. Those struggling with eating disorders often turn to constant eating or abstaining from food as an automatic way to deal with their feelings and seek relief. Using eating disorders to numb emotions is typically a response to negative emotions and unresolved trauma, especially situations that haven't been addressed or processed in a healthy manner.

Treatment

Treatment for eating disorders encompasses a range of techniques and approaches aimed at aiding patients in their recovery journey and enhancing their overall wellbeing. An essential component is teaching them how to recognise and navigate their emotions, rather than avoiding uncomfortable emotional states.​

Additionally, individuals with eating disorders may struggle with accurately identifying their emotions and responding to overwhelming emotional distress. Treatment may involve addressing physical growth and managing nutrition, working on feeling at ease eating in the presence of others, reducing fear of choking or vomiting, and developing a healthier relationship with food to lessen anxiety around eating.

For younger children, desensitisation therapy, particularly the 'playtime' approach, is often employed to help them become more comfortable with the sensory aspects of food. Another technique, exposure therapy, aims to reduce the anxiety associated with certain foods through relaxation exercises and discussions about the avoided items. It also focuses on acquiring positive coping mechanisms for food-related fears and anxieties. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy widely used for various mental health conditions, addresses the negative thought patterns and behaviour that may underlie eating disorders.​

Psychotherapy or talking therapy frequently utilised in eating disorder treatment, helping individuals exploring their difficult emotions and feelings. 

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Getting Help

It's important to communicate to patients that their eating disorder behaviors often serve as coping mechanisms to regulate their emotions. While these behaviours may have provided temporary relief from difficulties and traumas, they aren't long-term solutions.

Seeking help from family, friends, or professionals like doctors or therapists is crucial. With proper treatment, support, and family involvement, individuals with eating disorders can develop a healthier relationship with themselves, food, and their bodies. Ultimately, part of leading a fulfilling life is being able to navigate and experience the full range of emotions, both positive and challenging.