All kinds of
stereotypes and lies are flying around, trying to convince and shame you for
struggling with “this girl’s disease.” You may feel like “less of a man” for
experiencing any food, weight or body image issue. You may think “real men”
don’t get eating disorders. Not true. It’s not just a female issue.
What can be
just as troubling is, even though males suffer from eating, they are less like
to ask for help. Check out some sobering information:
Males are less likely to be diagnosed early with an eating
disorder.
Doctors are reportedly less likely to make a diagnosis of
eating disorders in males than females. Other adults who work with young people
and parents also may be less likely to suspect an eating disorder in boys,
thereby delaying detection and treatment. A study of 135 males hospitalized
with an eating disorder noted that the males with bulimia felt ashamed of
having a stereotypically “female” disorder, which might explain their delay in
seeking treatment. Binge eating disorder may go unrecognized in males because
an overeating male is less likely to provoke attention than an overeating
female. This inferior image, among other things, contributes to the
reality that 1 in 10 cases of eating disorders involve males. Particularly, for
the disorder anorexia, up to one in four children referred to an eating
disorders professional is a boy. Clearly eating disorders amongst males is a
cause for concern.
It’s
critical- and Biblical- you get the help you need.
“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall
receive, that your joy may be full.”
John 16:24
Find
trustworthy men, mentors, pastors, coaches and teachers to support you. If you
feel there’s no such help available, please contact NEDA’s hotline:
Call our toll-free, confidential Helpline,
Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (EST):
1-800-931-2237
There is
help and hope. Just like eating disorders are not merely “a female thing,”
neither is the recovery, support and relevant help available for them.
And please
never forget, God never discriminates. He wants you to be the man He envisions
you to be!
Copyright © 2014 by Sheryle Cruse
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