In 2008, a survey revealed that 65% of women between the ages of 25 and 45 report having eating disorders. And yet, relatively few of these women seek out a womens rehab program. Whether this is due to fear or financial struggles, these programs are an important resource that you shouldn’t ignore. Here is why the world needs womens eating disorder treatment centers.
Addiction Affects Women Differently Than Men
For a long time, therapists approached addiction and recovery from an extremely male perspective. Despite the fact that each gender has its own unique struggles, they treated every case similarly. However, women not only have different brain chemistry than men, but they also deal with different societal pressures. This is never more apparent than in eating disorders. And therein lies the magic of a women’s eating disorder treatment center. They are capable of addressing things from a gender-specific mindset.
For instance, men are more likely to suffer from depression in conjunction with an eating disorder. Women more often report a total lack of control during binges and suffer more heavily from body dysmorphia.
Womens Eating Disorder Treatment Centers Create a Safe Space
In most group therapy settings, both sexes prefer to talk about sensitive topics around their own gender. Topics like sexuality and social prejudice can be difficult to discuss with the other present. Especially with something as vulnerable as an eating disorder, it’s important that women can feel comfortable during therapy sessions. Additionally, many women feel scared or ambivalent about getting help in the first place. Therefore, it’s imperative to create a space free from any perceived emotional or physical threat and a place that surrounds you with people who understand.
Women Suffer from Eating Disorders More Than Men
Some addictions and disorders are more common to men, including most substance abuse issues. Eating disorders, on the other hand, are far more common in women. Even when both are suffering from an eating disorder, women more often report a lack of control, body checking and avoidance, and fasting. This isn’t to say that men don’t suffer. It’s to say that if there was ever something that warranted a women’s eating disorder program, it’s this. Womens eating disorder treatment centers serve an ever-present need in American Society. It’s a need both in sheer quantity and in the special services a women’s only program could provide.
Get Help Today
If you are a woman suffering from an eating disorder, there are resources out there for you. Don’t wait! Womens eating disorder treatment centers provide safe spaces that can address your specific needs with compassion and understanding. It may be scary, but getting help is always worth it.
