Hunger for Hope: Sex and Skinny Conference

Women today are facing various obstacles that can challenge their ability to thrive and flourish.  Some of these struggles include eating disorders, trauma, and body image issues.  With the startling statistics that reveal how three out of four women have eating issues, and one out of four women has experienced sexual abuse, that chances that you or someone you love has been affected in this way are likely.  The good news is that there is hope for healing and recovery, and the prospect of achieving wholeness and wellness again is possible-no matter the circumstance.  Thankfully, there are several helpful resources available that promote recovery for those affected by these disorders. 

FINDINGbalance, a leading Christian resource for eating and body image issues, in conjunction with its sponsors, including Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, are holding a special conference that address these specific types of issues.  Hungry for Hope: Sex and Skinny, will be held June 21-24, 2012 at Gen Eyrie in Colorado Springs.  This important conference will address spiritual teachings that promote a healing path for recovery from the common issues that women today might struggle with, including anorexia, bulimia, exercise addiction, and trauma.  Designed as a retreat to inspire, encourage, and equip sufferers, professionals, and community members alike, this special event is not one to be missed! To learn more about the Hungry for Hope Event or to register for this conference, please continue reading here.

Eating Disorders in Adulthood

Because of the many stereotypes that are created about eating disorders, often through the distorted perception of the media, it can be generalized that eating disorders only affect young adolescent females.  However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Eating Disorders can develop during times of transition or significant life changes, which can instigate feelings of vulnerability or emotional stress.  Adulthood often entails considerable transitional time periods, such as the birth of a child, children leaving the home, martial problems or the death of family members or friends, to name a few examples.  If a woman or a man is unable to cope with the emotions that may arise during these difficult life events, they may become susceptible to developing an eating disorder.

If you or someone you love is concerned about eating disorder habits, please read this article to learn more about adult eating disorders.  If an eating disorder is developing or progressing, it is important to be aware of the signs for early detection and treatment, such as increased amount of time spent exercising or engaging in extreme dieting, changes in social functioning, or drastic weight changes.  The keys for establishing freedom from an eating disorder are recognition, acceptance and reaching out for help. There is always hope for recovery from an eating disorder, no matter what your age or period of life you may be in. 

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Dual-diagnoses are common in individuals struggling with addictive type illness, such as an eating disorder or substance abuse.  This means that if you or a loved one is recovering from an addictive disorder, you may also be at risk for developing a co-occurring issue, such as drug abuse, self-harm, or sexual addiction, that needs to be addressed to get to the root of the problem.  Research has shown that eating disorders, in specific, have the potential to create alterations in the brain’s reward system, which can increase the risk of other addictive illnesses developing, such as substance abuse. Commonalities to both substance abuse and eating disorders include compulsivity around addictive behaviors, feelings of powerlessness and unmanageability.  Also, having a family history of addictive disorders or history of trauma are overlapping factors that can also contribute to an increased risk.

Treatment options for co-occurring disorders include various forms of psychotherapy, music therapy, movement therapy, medication management, and individual/family therapy.  Other helpful models for recovery from co-occurring disorders include the 12 Step Program, which reinforces the necessary steps to take to overcome addiction and encourage overall wholesomeness.  Comprehensive treatment will ensure that any co-occurring issues that may be unresolved or hidden behind an eating disorder will be properly addressed to promote healing and recovery.  Learn more insight about this topic by listening to this blog talk radio post.

Imagine Me Beyond What You See

Creativity: a beautiful way to promote and foster positive body image and recovery from eating disorders. Simple, but profound. Through art and expression, individuals can explore and externalize their hopes, fears, goals, and ideas. The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) recently hosted the 2nd annual International Body Image Art Contest for professionals and individuals. To see the winner “She is a Tree of Life” (as well as honorable mentions) you can follow the press release—Imagine Me Beyond What You See.

Written by Rachel Bailey