When an Eating Disorder Leads to Depression
In contrast, there is also evidence that eating disorders can later result in depression.
Physically, if a person becomes malnourished it can affect their mental stability and can make them feel depressed.
Additionally, a person with an eating disorder may feel like they need to have full control over their eating, and if they break their own personal boundaries in regards to food or there is an increase or decrease in their weight it can spark depression and feelings of anger, hopelessness, self harm and suicidal tendencies.
Those who suffer with depression and eating disorders may also never believe they are good enough and the two conditions can bounce off each other to make the person feel even worse. Those with binge eating disorder are more likely to be overweight or obese, and can become depressed from this and the constant binge eating and loss of control over how much they consume.
Similar Symptoms
Depression and eating disorders share common symptoms, so you may not notice them working alongside each other. Some common symptoms of both depression and an eating disorder are:
- Lack of energy
- Trouble sleeping
- Intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Avoiding social situations/preferring to be alone for long periods of time
- Loss of appetite or increase in comfort or binge eating
- Self harm; through lack of eating, overeating, self-inflicting pain and others
Seeking Help
It is important to acknowledge these symptoms and if you feel like you may have an eating disorder alongside your depression or vice versa to seek professional help.
