Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate amongst all mental health issues, and are not just about food and exercise as the symptoms may suggest. Eating disorders are the products of combining food with mood. It’s a negative coping mechanism used to numb pain and escape from problems and inner conflicts. Typically those suffering from an eating disorder are tricked into believing that their lives will be improved by their bad behavior, only to experience “highs” for brief periods of time and then eventually breakdowns in areas of health, career, relationships, spirituality, finances, etc…These breakdowns create vicious cycles and downward spirals, fueling the individual to continue to act out.

Body image issues, traumas, relationship conflicts, poor coping skills, self-sabotage, negative changes to physical and brain health, chemical and nutritional imbalances, and a decompensation of quality of life are all associated symptoms.

Therefore, the treatment of an eating disorder, and especially while living in your reality-based setting, is a complex and delicate process. To ensure patients heal comfortably and effectively, Dr. Palmer and her team at The Renew Center of Florida has a strength-based approach carefully combining a blend of advanced Eastern and Western therapeutic methods to address all aspects of your recovery.