Disordered eating and unhealthy relationships with food affect men from all walks of life. Contrary to the popular belief that women are predominantly affected by disordered eating, men also suffer from eating disorders like anorexia. Many men who struggle with disordered eating experience shame and guilt. They rarely seek treatment or help. Luckily, today there are anorexia treatment programs designed to help normalize and treat eating disorders among men.
If you or a young man in your life is living with anorexia, Red Oak Recovery® can help. Our holistic therapy programs help men ages 18-30 overcome disordered eating and addiction. Reach our staff today for more information about our anorexia treatment programs at 866.457.7590.
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia is a common eating disorder. When a person develops anorexia, they may fast, lose their appetite, and begin excessive calorie control. Unhealthy body image and body dysmorphia often contribute to anorexia and other disordered eating habits. Anorexia causes people to obsess over food and their bodies. This preoccupation can cause other areas of their life to suffer. Like many forms of disordered eating, anorexia begins with an unhealthy or distorted body image.
Unlike bulimia, anorexia does not involve purging. Instead, it focuses on extreme calorie restriction. Chronic stress, past trauma, or undiagnosed mental health disorders can lead young men to an unhealthy body image and anorexia to control something in their lives. Common signs of anorexia and disordered eating include:
- Food anxiety
- Counting calories
- Restrictive diets
- Food shame
- Feeling out of control around food
- Avoiding group meals
- Excessive exercise
In today’s social media-driven world, many feel pressured to look a certain way. Unfortunately, this constant pressure leads many people to struggle with eating disorders.
Avoiding Anorexia Relapse
For many people living with anorexia, recovery is possible and achievable. However, like addictions, it’s easy to be triggered and relapse. An eating disorder treatment program can help people identify, understand, and manage their triggers. Here are three ways to cope with anorexia triggers:
- Know your triggers: If social media, certain clothes, people, or activities trigger body dysmorphia and the need to fast, be honest about it. Identifying your triggers and knowing when to avoid them is the safest and most effective way to approach triggers.
- Ask for help: Support networks are critical in any recovery process. When you feel triggered, you may not want to ask for help. However, you can avoid relapse with the support of loved ones, whether they are family or an eating disorder support group.
- Engage in self-care: When you can identify triggers, you can also self-soothe in safe ways. For some, this might mean meditation, yoga, time outside, or other soothing activities to calm triggers.
For those living with anorexia, comprehensive therapy is the best way to learn how to manage their triggers. Therapists can offer individualized care, perspective, and experience to help people regain control of their relationship with food.
Begin Treatment Today at Red Oak Recovery®
It can take time to recognize and understand anorexia and its triggers. If you or a man in your life is struggling with food, call Red Oak Recovery® today. Our holistic treatment programs help young men reframe their relationships to food with traditional and alternative therapies. Our wilderness therapy programs help men disconnect from their digital lives and stress while reconnecting with nature.
We offer dual diagnosis treatment for substance abuse, eating disorders, and process addiction. Today, nearly half of people living with addiction also have co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, or anorexia. Our therapists can help clients understand their past and move towards healthy behaviors for a bright future. If you’re ready to learn more about anorexia treatment programs for young men, reach our staff at 866.457.7590 for more information today.
