Eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia) are frequently triggered by traumatic events such as severe grief, relationship problems, or abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual) when there is insufficient support from family or friends. Eight million people suffer from these conditions and 20% will die within 20 years, 35% will recover, and the remaining 45% will suffer from it lifelong. Only abouta 10% of people can get the very expensive treatment that often requires 6-12 months of inpatient care that can amount to $100,000.
SIgns for these eating disorders include weight loss, fear of weight gain, refusal to eat, wearing baggy clothes, excessive exercise, menstrual irregularities, loss of scalp hair and the self-perception of being overweight when actually thin.