Westminster, Md. – Eating disorders are about more than just food, rather they are actually signs of underlying emotional, psychological and social stresses in which food is used as a way to cope. Most people struggling with eating disorders often feel alone and embarrassed, which makes it difficult to tell anyone about their illness. Yet, sharing feelings is an important step to recovery.

That’s why this winter, Carroll County General Hospital will offer an Eating Disorders Support Group designed to provide information and support to those suffering from eating disorders. The support group is aimed at providing a positive environment where participants can talk freely and get encouragement from others facing the same challenges, as well as learn strategies for adopting healthier lifestyles.

“A support group can be an important first step for people to come together and talk freely about their eating disorder with others who have the same problem, while also having access to professional advice and information,” said Lori Clifford, MSW, LCSW, who will lead the Eating Disorders Support Group at Carroll County General Hospital.

The Eating Disorders Support Group will meet twice a month on Wednesday, beginning Jan. 16, from 6:30-7:45 p.m. at The Women’s Place, located at 291 Stoner Avenue. Sessions are open to anyone and offered free of charge. Family and friends of those affected by eating disorders are also encouraged to attend.

“Friends and family of people struggling with eating disorders often feel powerless to help,” Clifford said, “and a support group is a way to provide them with useful information about warning signs and the complications of eating disorders. Also, it’s a way to learn new techniques to support the recovery of a loved one.”

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia and compulsive over-eating are the most common types of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a prolonged refusal to eat, resulting in excessive weight loss and self-starvation. Anorexics view themselves as being fat no matter what their actual weight is. Bulimia is characterized by uncontrollable cravings for food, often resulting in episodes of continuous eating and followed by purging, generally by vomiting, using laxatives or excessive exercise. Compulsive over-eating, also known as binge-eating disorder, is eating large amounts of food even when not physically hungry until feeling beyond full. Compulsive over-eaters often eat alone because of their embarrassment of the large quantities of food consumed.

While the cause of eating disorders is unknown, common characteristics include low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and negative thoughts about body image.

More than five million Americans suffer from eating disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Up to 90 percent of those with eating disorders are adolescent and young adult women. An estimated 35 percent of those with binge-eating disorder are men.

Founded in 1961, Carroll County General Hospital is a nonprofit, acute care facility offering a continuum of services, including comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and community programs.

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