Do you ever reach for snacks when you’re stressed, sad, or bored? Many people use food to handle their emotions. This is called emotional eating, and it is common. But how can you tell if it has become a serious problem or even an eating disorder?
Understanding the difference between emotional eating and eating disorders is important. Knowing when to seek help can make a big difference. As a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders, I offer cognitive therapy for eating disorders in Boston and Florida. My goal is to help people build healthier relationships with food and themselves.
What Is Emotional Eating?
Emotional eating is when people eat food to cope with their feelings instead of to satisfy hunger. Stress, sadness, anger, and boredom can all lead to emotional eating. Imagine having a tough day and grabbing a bag of chips or a tub of ice cream to feel better. That’s emotional eating.
Most people do this sometimes, and it’s not always a problem. However, if it happens often and starts to feel out of control, it can lead to unhealthy habits. It can also lead to feelings of guilt or shame, which makes the problem worse.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health problems. They go beyond eating for comfort and can cause severe harm to a person’s body and mind. Some of the most common eating disorders are:
- Anorexia Nervosa: People with anorexia restrict their food intake to lose weight or stay thin. They may see themselves as overweight even if they are dangerously underweight.
- Bulimia Nervosa: This involves eating large amounts of food (bingeing) and then trying to get rid of the calories by vomiting, using laxatives, or exercising too much (purging).
- Binge Eating Disorder: People with this disorder eat large amounts of food in a short time and feel out of control. Unlike bulimia, they do not try to “undo” the eating through purging.
These disorders can cause severe health problems, like heart issues, digestive problems, and even death. They also affect a person’s mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and feelings of low self-worth.
When to Seek Therapy
It can be hard to know when to get help. If you notice any of the following signs, it might be time to reach out for therapy:
- Eating large amounts of food in secret: If you often eat alone or hide your eating because of shame, this can be a sign of a problem.
- Purging after eating: Vomiting, over-exercising, or using laxatives to control weight is a sign of an eating disorder.
- Obsessive thoughts about food or weight: Constantly thinking about what you eat, your weight, or your body shape can harm your mental health.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating: If eating makes you feel bad about yourself, it might be time to seek help.
How cognitive therapy for eating disorders in Florida and Boston Can Help?
Cognitive therapy is a type of talk therapy that helps people understand and change their thoughts and behaviors. When used to treat eating disorders, it can help you:
- Identify Negative Thoughts: Learn to recognize harmful thoughts about food, body image, and self-worth.
- Challenge Unhelpful Beliefs: Question unrealistic beliefs about dieting, weight, and perfection.
- Develop Healthy Habits: Create balanced eating habits and manage emotional triggers.
- Build Self-Compassion: Learn to treat yourself with kindness, even on tough days.
I use cognitive therapy for eating disorders in Florida and Boston to help people take control of their thoughts and behaviors. My approach is personalized to each person because everyone’s experience is unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my emotional eating is a problem?
If you often eat when you’re not hungry and feel guilty afterward, it might be a problem. Talking to a therapist can help you understand your relationship with food.
- Can cognitive therapy really help with eating disorders?
Yes! Cognitive therapy has helped many people change their thoughts about food, weight, and themselves. It is one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders.
- How long does therapy take?
It depends on the person and their needs. Some people need just a few months, while others may need more time. We can discuss what works best for you.
- Do you offer online therapy?
Yes, I offer virtual sessions for people in Massachusetts and Florida. This makes it easier for people to access help from home.
- How can I support a friend or family member who is struggling?
Be patient, listen to them, and encourage them to seek professional help. Avoid making comments about their body or food choices.
Ready to Get Help?
If you think emotional eating or an eating disorder is affecting your life, reaching out for help is a brave step. Cognitive therapy can help you understand your relationship with food and build healthier habits.
I’m here to support you through this process with cognitive therapy for eating disorders in Boston and Florida. If you want to learn more or schedule a session, please give us a visit. You don’t have to face this alone—help is here.