What Causes Eating Problems

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A common trait in those who experience eating problems is a low self-esteem or a feeling that they are not, in some way ‘good enough’. However, there is no single simple explanation as to why eating problems develop. There is never one single cause, but rather a set of different causes, which might include your personality, past experiences, and current events or pressures.


Personality


Your personality may determine how vulnerable you are. If you have some of the following characteristics you may be more vulnerable to eating problems:

  • ·         perfectionism – wanting everything you do to be perfect and rarely being satisfied with what you have done
  • ·         being very competitive
  • ·         obsessive or compulsive behaviour
  • ·         a lack of confidence in expressing yourself.


Family life


Problems with eating can often be caused or made worse by childhood experiences. For example, if your parents were particularly strict or disciplinarian you may have begun to use food as a way of gaining more control over your life. Or you may have come from a family that maintained a strong focus on food and diet.

You may find that your family find it difficult to understand your eating problems. This may place additional pressure on you and in some cases make the problem worse. If you are able to, you might want to show them the ‘What can friends and family do?’ section at the bottom of this page.


Genetics


It has also been suggested that people may inherit a gene that makes eating problems more likely.


Stressful experiences


Often, the beginning of eating problems can be linked to a stressful event or trauma. This can mean physical, mental or sexual abuse; the death of someone very close; or serious family problems, such as parents getting divorced. It might also be particular pressures at school or work, such as exams or bullying.

Eating problems often develop at the same time as you are going through major life changes such as puberty, going to a new school, concerns over your sexuality, or leaving home for the first time.

Other people may not understand this, even if they are close friends or family members, and to them the eating problem may appear to have appeared suddenly, without any obvious cause.


Health problems


If you are under pressure from issues with your physical or mental health you may also develop eating problems, because eating is, usually, something that you can retain control of.


Media images


It seems to be more and more acceptable for dieting or exercising to dominate people’s lives. You will have seen images of ‘perfect’ people being presented on TV and in magazines. Women are expected to be thin and men muscular. From a very early age, children are bombarded with these images, even in their toys. If you are already vulnerable, the pressure from society to be like some celebrities, or to conform to an idea of perfection, may make your eating problem worse.


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

Quotes

"I realized that eating disorders never disappear, they simply shuffle themselves to the backs of closets and lurk, whether waiting for control or acceptance."

Amadeo

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