Eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and self-esteem

Food is supposed to be a source of energy, pleasure, and nourishment for the body. For people with eating disorders, however, food becomes a topic of tension, control, guilt, or fear. Eating disorders are not primarily a problem with food – but a deep signal of mental unrest and internal pressure, often stemming from a disturbed relationship with oneself.

This disturbed relationship with oneself is often the result of relational trauma – a lack of safety, acceptance or emotional reflection in significant relationships, especially in childhood. This creates inner insecurity, shame, self-hatred or a need for control, which can manifest itself through the body and food.

Eating disorders are not just for teenage girls – they can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or life situation. It is a serious psychological condition that significantly affects not only the relationship with the body, but also with the world and other people.

Typical manifestations

Anorexia

• extreme restriction of food intake,
• intense fear of gaining weight,
• distorted perception of one's own body,
• weight loss even when underweight,
• Denial of the problem or trying to "control" everything.

Bulimia

• recurring bouts of overeating,
• followed by vomiting, fasting, laxative use, or excessive exercise,
• feelings of shame, guilt and failure,
• severe emotional instability, low self-esteem.

Other manifestations

• obsession with weight, calories, exercise,
• mood swings, anxiety, withdrawal,
• physical consequences – weakness, constipation, hormonal imbalance, problems with teeth, hair, blood pressure…

Eating disorders are not about willpower. They are a manifestation of a distorted sense of self-worth, self-love, and self-acceptance. They are often related to low self-esteem, pressure to perform or look, repressed emotions, trauma, or an attempt to manage chaos in other areas of life through control of food and the body.

When is it time to seek help?

You may already feel that even a free weekend is not enough. That sleep does not help. That you are spinning in a circle of duties and cannot find peace. If fatigue lasts more than a few weeks, affects your functioning, mood and relationships, it is time to stop.

Professional help is not a failure. It is a way to stop a train before it crashes. At NEO Center, we will offer you support in finding inner balance again and restoring your strength – physical, mental and emotional.

You are not alone.

Eating disorders are not just a problem with food – they are a cry for acceptance, for peace, for love. At NEO Center, we believe that every person has the right to live without constant pressure to perform, to control, to be perfect. We will help you find your way back to yourself – with patience, respect and hope that change is possible.