Gaining the Upper Hand On Eating Disorders

When I think of eating disorders the first thing that comes to mind is trapped. Picture this…a glass room, its sound proof so you can’t really hear what’s going on outside of the room. In the room there is a sound system and a constant voice speaking, it’s never quiet. That voice confirms your fears about yourself; it reminds you of what you are not. The glass is tinted so you can see out but no one can see in. People outside the room really have no idea what is going on but inside the room you know.

There comes a point when the door to that room needs to be opened. It’s not as simple as just opening the door and walking out. If that were the case we wouldn’t need treatment centres or specialists. It takes much more than that. I have this saying “anything worth fighting for is worth having” well freedom, not just maintenance is worth that fight.

Who can have an eating disorder?

Eating disorders affect everyone; men, women and children. People of all cultures and religions. No one is immune. So what do we do about this?

This is a very real issue but do we talk about in our churches? Do we create space for people within our churches to come for help? Do we know where to direct them for professional help and what we can do ourselves?

Eating disorders are a complex mental illness and there are often co-occurring issues that also require specialized attention. Sometimes this can be overwhelming when presented to us, whether that is as a counsellor or in our churches or community. The good news is we don’t have to tackle this alone. I didn’t think that God spoke about eating disorders in the Bible. Well He does, in Psalm 107:18-20. (NLT)

They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door.

 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.

They couldn’t stand the thought of food, often that is the case when someone is battling an eating disorder. It’s a love/hate relationship where you don’t want to think about it but are consumed by it every minute of every day. For some they are even “knocking at death’s door”. Eating disorders take lives….that is a reality we must face.

When we feel hopeless and helpless

But there is HOPE. With God there is always hope. When we ask for His help He comes to our aid and what does He do? He sends His word and it’s His word that heals. We should never underestimate the power of God to transform and change lives. When we partner with God there is always something significant we can do to help.

Firstly – Let me talk to those who might have a loved one trapped in that room. You can open the door but you cannot make them come out. They have to want to walk out and that takes both time and effort. A lot of effort. You need to be patient yet firm by not enabling them to continue with destructive eating habits. Understand that as frustrating and hard this is for you it is actually much worse for them. They live it every day without a break. The fears are real, that voice is strong. They need to know you love them and won’t give up on them. Another phrase I have is to “love them back to life”. That is what you can do.

In our churches we can talk more about this issue, raising awareness and creating programs that can help both prevent and heal those at risk. If I am honest, this is still an issue that is one of the least talked about in our churches, yet is has the potential to affect so many.

Secondly – Counsellors working with someone who has an eating disorder is not easy and often requires more help and support than you can personally give. It’s important to have a good team working around the client. This team would benefit from a doctor/nurse, dietician and family members. Some clients may need in-patient treatment and it’s important to recognise when this is the case.

Whether your relationship with eating disorders is personal or professional we can all pray. Pray that the eyes and heart of that person in the room be opened to the truth. Pray they have the courage to take the steps towards freedom.

When it comes down to it there is something we all can do to gain the upper hand on eating disorders. Through raising awareness we make this less of a secret and when it’s less of a secret is becomes easier for those trapped in the room to walk out knowing they are supported.

Sources:

Amy Leeder – Diploma Tutor with DEP

For further information on eating disorders please visit;

The Butterfly Foundation:  www.butterflyfoundation.org.au

National Eating Disorder Collaboration: www.ndec.com.au

Finding Balance: www.findingbalance.com