What are the early signs of an eating disorder?

Early signs often include behavioral changes like withdrawing from social meals, obsession with calories or dieting, wearing baggy clothes to hide the body, and mood swings. You may also notice physical signs like dizziness or sudden weight fluctuations.

How should I talk to a loved one about their eating habits?

Choose a calm time away from meals. Use 'I' statements to express concern without blame, such as 'I am worried because I have noticed you are not yourself lately.' Avoid commenting on their weight or appearance.

Does Unique Minds offer telehealth for eating disorders?

Yes. We support telehealth services across all of Washington D.C. and Maryland for evaluations and certain treatments, allowing patients to access care from home.

Do you offer in-person treatment for eating disorders?

Yes. We support in-person visits for treatments and evaluations in Maryland and Washington, D.C. for those who prefer face-to-face interaction with a provider.

Are eating disorders just about wanting to be thin?

No. Eating disorders are serious mental and physical illnesses. They are often coping mechanisms for underlying emotional pain, trauma, or biological factors, rather than simple vanity or dieting choices.

What areas do you serve for mental health services?

We serve the Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. areas, offering both in-person care and telehealth coverage across the entire state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Understanding Eating Disorders and How to Support a Loved One

Scarlet Plus LLC
Jan 21
4 min read

Woman in a yellow jacket at a table with cakes and pastries looks pensive. Text reads: Eating disorders warning signs and how to help a loved one. — Understanding the signs of eating disorders and learning ways to support loved ones.

You might have noticed the dinner plates looking untouched lately. Perhaps your daughter runs to the bathroom immediately after every meal or your partner seems obsessed with checking the mirror. These small moments start to pile up and create a heavy feeling in your gut. You want to say something. You want to help. But you are terrified of saying the wrong thing.

It is normal to feel scared when you suspect someone you care about is struggling.

Eating disorders are not just about food or wanting to be thin. The National Institute of Mental Health describes them as serious illnesses that affect the body and the mind. They can happen to anyone. It does not matter if they are young or old. It does not matter what gender they are. These conditions disrupt eating habits and can hurt vital organs.

The good news is that recovery is possible. Spotting the signs early is the first step toward healing.

What Are Eating Disorders exactly

These conditions are complex medical illnesses. They are often coping mechanisms for difficult emotions or situations. The most common types you might hear about include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Binge-eating disorder is another common type where a person loses control over their eating.

People do not choose to have these disorders. Researchers are still learning why they happen. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests a mix of genetic, biological, and psychological factors plays a role. It is never as simple as someone just deciding to diet.

Spotting the Hidden Signs of Eating Disorders

It is not always easy to tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them. You cannot always rely on weight changes alone. Many people with severe eating disorders look healthy or may even live in larger bodies. You have to look for changes in behavior and mood.

Emotional and Behavioral Clues

You might notice your loved one pulling away from friends. They used to love going out for pizza on Fridays but now they always have an excuse to stay home. They might become moody or irritable around meal times.

Pay attention to how they talk about food. Listen for constant talk about dieting or calories. They might cook elaborate meals for the family but refuse to eat any of it themselves. You might find wrappers hidden in their room or car. This secrecy is a common eating disorders signs that suggests they feel shame about their habits.

Physical Changes to Watch For

While weight fluctuations are a sign they are not the only one. You might see them wearing baggy clothes to hide their body shape. They might complain about being cold all the time even when it is warm outside.

Other physical signs include dizziness or fainting. You might notice calluses on their knuckles or dental problems if they are purging. The FDA notes that these physical effects can become dangerous quickly so it is vital to take them seriously.

How to Talk to Your Loved One about Eating Disorders

Deciding to speak up is brave. You need to pick a time when you are both calm. Do not bring it up during a meal. That is when stress levels are highest. Find a quiet moment in the living room or go for a gentle walk together.

Use "I" statements when you talk. This helps you avoid sounding like you are blaming them.

You can say things like I have noticed you seem down lately and I am worried about you or I am concerned because I have seen you skipping meals.

Avoid commenting on their body size or weight. Do not accuse them of being vain. Keep the focus on their health and your relationship. They might get angry or deny everything. That is a common reaction. Just let them know you are there for them whenever they are ready.

Getting Professional Help

You cannot fix this alone. Eating disorders require professional treatment. This usually involves a team approach. This team might include a therapist and a nutritionist and a medical doctor.

There are different levels of care depending on what the person needs. Some people need inpatient care while others do well with outpatient therapy. The goal is to heal the relationship with food and address the underlying emotional pain.

Local Support in Maryland and D.C.

If you are looking for help in the Baltimore or Washington D.C. area we can help guide you. At Unique Minds Behavioral Health Services we provide compassionate care for those facing these challenges.

We understand that accessing care needs to be convenient. That is why we offer flexible options for our community.

We provide Telehealth services across all of Washington D.C. and Maryland. This is available for evaluations and specific treatment plans. This allows your loved one to speak with a professional from the safety and comfort of their own home.

We also support In-person visits for treatments and evaluations in Maryland and Washington D.C. seeing a provider face to face can sometimes make a big difference in building trust.

You do not have to carry this worry by yourself. Reaching out for eating disorders treatment is the most loving thing you can do.

Recovery takes time. It is a journey with ups and downs. But with the right support system and professional guidance your loved one can find their way back to health and happiness.