Eating Issues
This eating disorder involves episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food followed by behaviors intended to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives.
What is bulimia nervosa?
“I failed one test, so I’m terrible at everything.” This distortion involves seeing situations in extremes, with no middle ground.
What is all-or-nothing (black-and-white) thinking?
Getting enough of this each night helps improve mood, concentration, energy, and the ability to manage stress.
What is sleep?
This mental health professional is trained to help people work through emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life challenges through counseling.
Who is a therapist or counselor?
This term describes the overall sense of value, respect, and worth you have for yourself.
What is self-esteem?
This eating disorder involves significantly restricting food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight.
What is anorexia nervosa?
“My friend didn’t text me back. They must be mad at me.” This distortion involves assuming you know what another person is thinking without having evidence.
What is mind reading?
Walking, stretching, playing a sport, or going to the gym are examples of this self-care strategy that can reduce stress and improve mood.
What is physical activity or exercise?
A trusted teacher, coach, family member, counselor, or friend can be an example of this type of resource you can turn to when struggling.
What is a support system?
“I made a mistake, but that doesn’t make me a failure” is an example of replacing negative self-talk with this healthier type of thinking.
What is positive or balanced self-talk?
Unlike bulimia nervosa, people with this disorder experience recurrent binge-eating episodes without regularly using behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise afterward.
What is binge-eating disorder?
“I know I’m going to embarrass myself during my presentation tomorrow.” This distortion involves predicting that something negative will happen despite not knowing the future.
What is fortune telling?
Saying “no” when you’re overwhelmed or telling someone how you expect to be treated are examples of practicing these.
What are healthy boundaries?
In the United States, you can call, text, or chat using this three-digit number when experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance-use crisis.
What is 988?
Your beliefs about what is important in life—such as honesty, family, independence, kindness, or loyalty—are known as these.
What are personal values?
This eating disorder involves avoiding or restricting food because of factors such as sensory sensitivity, fear of choking or vomiting, or lack of interest in eating—not because of concerns about body weight or shape.
What is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)?
“I got five compliments and one criticism, but all I can think about is the criticism.” This distortion involves focusing almost entirely on negative information while filtering out the positive.
What is mental filtering?
This technique involves intentionally paying attention to what is happening right now—your thoughts, feelings, body, or surroundings—without immediately judging them.
What is mindfulness?
These meetings bring together people who have experienced similar challenges—such as grief, addiction, eating disorders, or mental health concerns—to provide connection and encouragement.
What are support groups or peer-support groups?
Constantly measuring your appearance, achievements, popularity, or life against other people—especially on social media—is known as this behavior, which can negatively affect self-esteem.
What is social comparison?
True or false: You can usually tell whether someone has an eating disorder simply by looking at their body size or weight.
What is false? Eating disorders can affect people across body sizes, and appearance alone cannot determine whether someone has one.
“My partner is in a bad mood today. I must have done something wrong.” This distortion occurs when someone assumes responsibility for an event that may have little or nothing to do with them.
What is personalization?
Self-care isn't always relaxing. Scheduling a therapy appointment, having a difficult conversation, asking for help, or dealing with a problem you've been avoiding are examples of this kind of self-care.
What is proactive self-care?
If someone is in immediate danger of seriously harming themselves or another person, this emergency resource should be contacted rather than waiting for a routine counseling appointment.
What is 911 or emergency services?
This concept describes being genuine and making choices that reflect your own values, beliefs, and identity rather than changing yourself primarily to gain approval from others.
What is authenticity?