When does a focus on eating and body image turn into something more?

Eating Disorders are complex, they’re not just about food—they’re about control, self-worth, and coping with deeper emotional struggles. They can consume daily life, making it difficult to focus on anything else. And for loved ones watching someone struggle, the helplessness can be just as overwhelming. Understanding the complexity of eating disorders is a critical step in recognizing their impact and finding the right support. Here’s what you need to know:

• Eating Disorders go beyond food: Having a thorough assessment and potentially a diagnosis with a therapist you trust can be an important first step in validating and giving a name to the struggle.
• Eating Disorders can represent a struggle with body image. Body Image represents your thoughts and feelings about your body and the ways in which you treat it.
• How you feel about your body can be hugely impactful. It can affect your self-esteem, your self-confidence, and how you show up in different areas of your life (e.g., school and work).  It can affect your experiences of joy and happiness and can be impactful to your relationships.
• Eating Disorders are often tied to other mental health concerns that can include and are not limited to changes in your mood, your ability to cope with difficult situations, and any experiences that can be impactful to your wellness.
• Eating Disorders can affect your overall health; your body’s ability to regulate and find energy; it can also affect your emotional health and resilience.
• Eating disorder treatment requires a detailed look and exploration to better understand the many components and areas of focus. It necessitates a treatment approach that is specific to you and your needs.

At Crosstown Psychology, we focus on identifying symptoms, understanding their impact, and working together to create a treatment plan that meets your needs and readiness for change.

Dr. Nadia D’Iuso specializes in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. She has and continues to work with both adolescents and adults who are navigating this challenge. If you or a loved one is struggling, you don’t have to go through it alone. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help.