MARY ANNE COHEN
WHICH CAME FIRST—THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG? DOES BEING DEPRESSED LEAD TO DEVELOPING AN EATING DISORDER OR DOES HAVING AN EATING DISORDER LEAD TO DEPRESSION? THE TRUTH IS THERE IS SUCH A COMPLEX EMOTIONAL AND BIOCHEMICAL INTERPLAY BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND EATING DISORDERS THAT WE ARE NOT SURE WHICH COMES FIRST.
What we do know is both depression and eating disorders feed on each other causing great suffering for the person who is trying to cope. Fortunately, many strategies exist to help someone get better.
SOME FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION:
• According to a recent Department of Health survey, one in eight New Yorkers suffer from symptoms of depression.
• The report also says that major depressive disorder is the single greatest source of disability in New York City. At any given time over half a million adult New Yorkers are estimated to have depression, yet less than 40% report receiving help.
• The Department of Health and Human Services now recommends that pregnant and postpartum women be routinely screened for depression. In the city, 12,000 new moms per year are affected by maternal depression. Maimonides Hospital announced that new mothers will now routinely be screened for postpartum depression.
• About 15% of the US population will experience major depression in their lifetime.
• Depression is twice as common in women as in men, in part due to hormones.
• Up to 40% of the risk for depression is inherited.
When you add an eating disorder, like binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, or body image unhappiness on top of depression, people often feel helpless and hopeless that they will ever get back on track with healthy eating or a healthy sense of well-being. Keep in mind that helplessness and despair are actually symptoms of depression and will get better with treatment.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN EATING DISORDERS AND DEPRESSION?:
• Eating disorder behaviors help people feel better temporarily. Overeating is a soothing activity, purging provides a cathartic relief, starving is an attempt to feel strong and in control.
• Bingeing, purging, starving, or obsessing about weight helps people distract themselves from emotional pain.
• Both depression and eating disorders often involve shame and secrecy. People with these disorders often feel a stigma about admitting their problems.
• Psychotherapy and sometimes medication can help people resolve their eating disorder and depression.
WHAT DOES DEPRESSION FEEL LIKE?
When we think of depression, we picture a person who is tearful or doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning. But, in fact, depression can take many different and unexpected forms: some people get agitated, some people get irritable and argumentative, others feel like they are moving in slow motion—as if their arms and legs are heavy—others feel body aches and pains, such as headaches or stomach aches. Depression can cause people to have contradictory and confusing symptoms: some binge and gain weight while others do not want to eat and lose weight; some have insomnia while others sleep too much. Sometimes the person just feels sad—constantly.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE?
• Acknowledging that you are depressed and that you are struggling with overeating, under eating, or purging is the first step. Do not be ashamed—we humans are biochemical and emotional people and sometimes we need help.
• Speak with your medical doctor. Blood tests can rule out hormone abnormalities, diabetes, thyroid issues, or premenstrual distress.
• Have a consultation with a psychotherapist to evaluate the emotional stresses you may be facing and a discussion of strategies to improve your eating behaviors as well as techniques to improve the stress in your life.
• The therapist may recommend a consultation with a psychiatrist to evaluate if anti-depressant medication can help jump start your recovery.
THERE IS NO VIRTUE IN SUFFERING IN SILENCE. HELP IS AVAILABLE. REACH OUT.
Reach out to MEND (Mindful Eating New Direction) to get the help you need. MEND is a new community initiative to help people like you. You are not alone!
We will work with you to:
• Custom tailor an individual approach for your unique needs.
• Help you get control of your eating back inside yourself.
• Develop and maintain healthy eating patterns.
• Regain body confidence.
• Unlock what may be keeping you stuck in your eating problems.
Schedule an initial assessment with MEND, and we’ll help you determine if you can benefit from treatment. To start a confidential conversation about your eating, please contact us. Your contact with us is absolutely confidential.
Please feel free to call 718 336-MEND.
MEND is a division of The SAFE Foundation.
Mary Anne Cohen, LCSW, BCD has been Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders since 1982. She is also author of French Toast for Breakfast: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating and Lasagna for Lunch: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating. Mary Anne has hosted her own radio show on eating disorders, appears frequently on national television, and is a professional book reviewer.
Mary Anne Cohen, LCSW, BCD has been Director of The New York Center for Eating Disorders since 1982. She is also author of French Toast for Breakfast: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating and Lasagna for Lunch: Declaring Peace with Emotional Eating. Mary Anne has hosted her own radio show on eating disorders, appears frequently on national television, and is a professional book reviewer.
