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Eating Disorders

What is Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are medical and psychological conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, body image, and self-worth. They are not choices, phases, or something someone can “just stop.” Eating disorders develop from a combination of biological, emotional, and environmental factors, and they affect people of all ages, genders, and body types.


Biologically, eating disorders involve changes in brain chemistry, hunger hormones, reward pathways, and the nervous system. Genetics, trauma, chronic dieting, and stress can all contribute.


Psychologically, eating disorders often begin as attempts to cope — with anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, shame, or feeling out of control. Over time, the relationship with food and body image can become overwhelming, rigid, or distressing. Many people hide their struggles, feel ashamed, or believe they are “not sick enough” to deserve help — but every level of suffering is valid.


Eating disorders are serious but highly treatable. Recovery is possible with the right support.

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What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms vary widely, and not all eating disorders involve weight loss. Common signs may include:

  • Strict dieting, food restriction, or skipping meals

  • Binge eating or loss of control with food

  • Purging: vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise

  • Obsession with weight, calories, or body appearance

  • Feeling guilt or shame after eating

  • Eating in secret or hiding food

  • Denying hunger

  • Feeling “never thin enough”

  • Physical changes: fatigue, dizziness, stomach issues, hair loss, menstrual changes

  • Withdrawal from social events involving food

Eating disorders can affect physical health, emotions, relationships, school, and work but treatment can change everything.

How Are Eating Disorders Treated?

Eating disorders are highly treatable, and the most effective care is personalized to each individual. Treatment may include:

Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • DBT, ACT, or trauma-informed therapy

  • Body image and self-esteem work

  • Coping strategies for stress, perfectionism, and emotional regulation​

Medication

  • SSRIs/SNRIs – Mood & anxiety.

  • Atypical antidepressants – Alternative options.

  • Vyvanse – Reduces binge urges.

  • Mood stabilizers/antipsychotics – For severe mood swings. perfectionism, and emotional regulation​

Lifestyle & Support

  • Building healthier routines around food and self-care

  • Improving sleep and stress regulation

  • Support from family or partners, when appropriate

  • Collaboration with dietitians, medical providers, or specialists​

Advanced Treatment Options

For more severe symptoms:

  • Ketamine therapy

  • Esketamine (Spravato)

  • Higher level of care when needed (IOP, PHP, or residential)

No single approach works for everyone, which is why individualized care is essential.

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How We Can Help at Better Balance Mental Health

We understand that eating disorders are not just about food they are about emotions, identity, control, fear, and pain. We also know that many people feel ashamed or afraid to open up about their symptoms. Here, you will never be judged or pressured.


We take time to understand your experience, how long you’ve been struggling, and how it affects your daily life. We move gently, at a pace that feels safe. We explore treatment options together whether therapy, medication, nutritional guidance, or a combination. You are always part of the decision-making process.


Our goal is to help you rebuild trust with yourself and your body, reduce the power of intrusive thoughts, and move toward a relationship with food and life that feels free, peaceful, and nourishing. Recovery is possible, even if you’ve struggled for years, and you don’t have to do it alone.


We are here to support you every step of the way.

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