Co-dependency and Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is often viewed, from the outside, as something that affects the individual alone when, in fact, it is something that affects entire families. Family members suffer as much pain and dysfunction as the individual sufferer. This is called co-dependency.

Despite their concern and intention to help, families frequently - and unwittingly - actually contribute to the eating disorder by their actions and attitudes. This also contributes to causing dysfunction in their own lives and creating a cycle of dysfunctional living and problem solving governed by a set of unspoken rules within the family unit.

Signs of co-dependency to watch for include:

• Difficulty with boundaries, especially around the issues of intimacy and separation.
• Others needs take precedence over one's own needs.
• Hyper vigilance: Feeling the need to always be on the lookout for problems.
• Depressive symptoms.
• Anxiety disorder.
• Difficulty expressing emotions.
• Feelings of hopelessness.

Co-dependent children within different eating disorders in their family learn, at a very young age that they cannot afford to be children. They rapidly learn that their parents have no time to devote to their childhood and that the only way to receive the attention that all childhood requires is to behave as an adult. They learn not to express their feelings, as to do so often gets them into trouble or, at the very least, they are ignored.

The results of co-dependency can be devastating – as devastating as the health consequences to the individual sufferer. At Sovereign Health of California, we concentrate on treating, not only the individual, but the entire family.

At Sovereign Health of California, we concentrate on creating an environment where a patient can feel safe about expressing emotions about food and eating. The patient can understand that they are not alone in their struggle. We focus on supporting both the patient and family, with individual and family therapy sessions held on a regular basis.

Whether you opt for inpatient or outpatient treatment, our specifically designed approach at Sovereign Health of California helps us to treat the patient whilst providing support for the family. This is why our treatment succeeds, where others fail.

We offer treatment to both men and women. So, to learn more about treatment and recovery at Sovereign Health of California, why not visit the 'What We Offer' page of our website. Alternatively, call us now! We have advisors available 24/7 to answer any question you may have with regard to Sovereign Health of California and all its treatment programs. Our success rate speaks for itself!