<p>Eating disorders are much more common today than they were 15 years ago.&nbsp; While they have been happening for years and years under the radar, both the undiagnosed and diagnosed numbers have skyrocketed in the most recent years.&nbsp; Understanding this as the issue that it is, means recognizing it and treating it as an important crisis.</p> <p><strong>What is an eating disorder?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An eating disorder is the term used to describe when someone has an unhealthy relationship with food or eating habits that directly impacts their physical, mental, and emotional health.&nbsp; Most often disorders come from the need to control something in their life that, otherwise, feels out of control.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What are common causes of eating disorders?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The most common cause, as noted, is trying to control something in their life.&nbsp; As far as actual causes of eating disorders, there is not really a way to determine that (much like depression or any other kind of mental health issue).&nbsp; However, common triggers of eating disorders include social pressures to look a certain way, including magazines/TV, as well as role models in a young person&rsquo;s life.&nbsp; Other triggers could be very low self-confidence that leads many children and teens to believe that they will feel better about themselves if they just &ldquo;eat less&rdquo; or &ldquo;workout more&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Is an eating disorder serious?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, eating disorders are serious in children, teens, and adults.&nbsp; In fact, they are considered amongst the leading causes of death for teenagers.&nbsp; Even if an eating disorder is considered &ldquo;mild&rdquo; when diagnosed, proper treatment should be sought-after to ensure the patient has the right help in place for recovery.&nbsp; Just like a lot of other mental health conditions, treatment is long-term and an eating disorder can be a lifelong condition for some.</p> <p><strong>Signs of an eating disorder</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are several kinds of eating disorders, but many share similar signs or symptoms.&nbsp; These can include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Reluctance or refusal to eat: </strong>Many will decrease portion sizes, skip meals regularly, and simply cut down on what they are eating to the bare minimum.&nbsp; Others will only eat certain things.&nbsp; For instance, protein shakes.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>An incessant need to exercise: </strong>If someone has suddenly become obsessed with working out especially with those cardio exercises, this is another sign.&nbsp; It could be working out for longer, or every single day, or even sneaking in exercise when no one is around to see it.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Low self-confidence:</strong> This could be negative self-talk, or a hatred of wearing clothing that is form-fitting, etc.&nbsp; It is not always specific, or obvious to those around the person suffering.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Can an eating disorder be treated?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, an eating disorder can be treated.&nbsp; With proper psychiatric, dietary, and general therapeutic treatment, recovery is not only possible, but probable.&nbsp; Regardless of the age or the &ldquo;cause&rdquo; of the eating disorder, proper recognition and validation is going to be the key to make sure that anyone suffering can get the support and help that they need in order to recover and continue on in their life in a healthy and safe way.&nbsp;</p>