![We Tried [u]bk's Lively Garden Brunch at Mövenpick JLT Dubai](https://cdnexpatwomanfood.expatwoman.com/s3fs-public/urban%20bar%20and%20kitchen%20brunch%20main.png "We Tried [u]bk's Lively Garden Brunch at Mövenpick JLT Dubai")
Priory Wellbeing Centre Dubai talks about how to recognize problem eating in your family and treat it using the right methods.
19 March 2018
| Last updated on 12 April 2018
Moving abroad is a big change. Becoming immersed in a new culture and embarking on a new way of life can be difficult and put additional stress on a person. When faced with such a big alteration to their lifestyle and the related challenges that come with it, this can cause people to cope in different ways, and sometimes these coping strategies can be unhealthy.
If you think that someone you care about is suffering from an eating disorder, it is important to act. You may feel too scared or anxious to mention something, but the sooner you talk to them, the better. Once someone admits they have a problem, they are one step closer to getting the support that they need.
Priory Wellbeing Centre Dubai offers information on the warning signs that can suggest someone is suffering from an eating disorder and the steps you can take to help them take the first step towards recovery.
Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder
The symptoms of eating disorders can differ from person to person, and also depend on the type of eating disorder that they have. However, if you notice a combination of the following symptoms, this could indicate that the person is suffering from an eating disorder:
- Compulsive or excessive exercising
- Wanting to use certain cutlery
- Cutting food into tiny pieces
- Developing a sudden interest in cooking, but refusing to eat what they make
- Eating alone and hiding their eating habits from family and friends
- Wearing baggy clothes
- Going to the toilet – or vomiting - straight after eating
- Eating a large amount of food with no apparent weight gain
- Eating much more rapidly than usual
- Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
- Repeatedly weighing themselves
- Becoming isolated
SEE ALSO: Depression in Dubai: How to Deal with Sadness that Takes Over Your Life
You may also notice some of the following physical symptoms:
- Drastic changes in weight
- Feeling exhausted
- Feeling cold
- Stomach pains
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Mouth infections
- Sensitive or damaged teeth
- Scars on their fingers, knuckles or the back of their hands from making themselves sick
- Bad breath
- Weight gain, if they are binge eating
There are also a number of psychological symptoms that can suggest that someone is struggling with an eating disorder:
- An obsession with their appearance and other peoples’ opinions of their body
- Feeling disgusted or guilty after eating
- Becoming stressed at meal times
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Intense mood swings
- Sleep problems and insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts and impulses
SEE ALSO: Living Mindfully; Using the Power of Mindfulness to Fulfill Your Life
The steps to take if you think someone has an eating disorder
You may be worried that you are making too much of things and hope that the problem will go away eventually. However, taking appropriate action and talking about the issue is crucial for helping the person you care about regain control of their life.
Start talking
Encourage the person to discuss what is worrying them as this can help you both understand why they feel so bad. An important first step is to discuss how they can cope with the pressures and anxieties that are troubling them.
They may be frightened, want to avoid any discussion, or deny that they have a problem, but keep talking and try not to give up.
Reach out
Check in with friends and other family members to see if they have noticed any early signs of an eating disorder.
If the person attends school, book an appointment to meet those who know your child well to see if they have seen anything. Schools can be a great support network when someone is going through eating disorder treatment, as they can help with such tasks as supervising meals and providing medical monitoring.
SEE ALSO: Expats in Dubai: How to Deal with Stress When Moving Abroad
Stay Calm
When talking to someone you believe has an eating disorder, it is important to remain calm, without becoming judgmental. Think carefully about what you want to say beforehand and be careful to not criticize or get angry and emotional. Even though they may deny that they have a problem in the first instance, given some time, they may start to acknowledge that they have some difficulties.
Treatment available for someone struggling with an eating disorder
Receiving treatment can be daunting for someone with an eating disorder, but it can help that person to start feeling in control of their life.
One of the most effective forms of support for an eating disorder is therapy. There are different forms that a person can get involved in, such as specialist family therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). When talking to a specialist, they will be able to recognise and recommend the right Eating Disorder treatment.
As a final note, don’t give up. Sometimes things may seem hopeless, but with time and appropriate help, it is possible for people to recover.
.png?itok=EH_x0Pha "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
