Did you know that between 5% and 17% of young women in the world suffer from an eating disorder before they reach adulthood? The upper limit of that statistic equates to 1.34 billion people, equivalent to the entire population of Africa.
These maladies include things like bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. They are always associated with distressing thoughts and emotions.
There is hope for those stricken with these debilitating conditions in the form of eating disorder group therapy. Keep reading to find out how this treatment can help.
1. Helping Combat the Sense of Being Alone
Like addicts, people with eating disorders usually try to keep their problems a secret. This leads to feelings of isolation and only makes matters worse.
In an environment where fellow sufferers can relate to their struggles, people connect.
This allows them to share their experiences without judgment. It helps them understand they’re not alone.
People soon start to feel at ease in the group therapy setting. They gain the confidence needed to confront their challenging thought processes and behaviors.
Once this happens, they can make significant shifts toward improving their lives.
2. Eating Disorder Group Therapy Provides Support
During group therapy, all participants receive and offer support to their peers. This quickly fosters a sense of trust and belonging, which is vital for eating disorder recovery.
This safe environment filled with understanding, like-minded individuals is often enough to spark hopes of recovery for people with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. It also creates a sense of accountability toward the group.
By offering their support to others, participants experience a sense of altruism, catharsis, and personal growth. It also inspires people to ‘practice what they preach’ so they can motivate others in their group.
3. Increased Socialization
Isolation is a trigger for those recovering from an eating disorder and can quickly lead to relapse, even after a long period of recovery.
As group therapy progresses, the participants become more proficient at communicating with each other. This helps improve their socialization skills and boosts their confidence.
This is one of the most effective ways to combat the low self-esteem associated with eating disorders.
4. Group Therapy Provides Motivation to Heal
Group therapy creates a sense of camaraderie among the participants. This creates the impression that straying from the group’s purpose is akin to letting the team down.
This unwillingness to disappoint the other group participants can motivate those struggling with an eating disorder to work hard on their recovery.
The Road to Recovery
Group therapy is a trusted type of treatment for a wide range of addictive disorders. That’s because having someone who understands your problems is vital to recovery.
During eating disorder group therapy, the participants help others while helping themselves. In turn, this gives them the confidence they need to recover.
If you suspect you have an unhealthy relationship with food, it’s important to consult a doctor and get the help you need before your health suffers.
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