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Resources For Treatment For Police Officers Who Are Struggling With Eating Disorders
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
One thing is certain about eating disorders, and that is that fact that eating disorders do not discriminate. Eating disorders can develop in individuals no matter race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and other factors.
Research has uncovered some possible risk factors that may increase a person’s susceptibility to developing an eating disorder, though it is generally understood that a combination of both biological and environmental stressors contribute. For example, a person who is biologically predisposed to having an eating disorder may be triggered by the experience of a traumatic event or the presence of a mental illness, such as a mood disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Possible Environmental Triggers Police Officers Face
Certain careers and occupations are not directly connected with eating disorder development, though jobs that are more rigorous and demanding can be triggering to a person already susceptible to having an eating disorder. Police officers, for example, may be exposed to certain situations that cause increased stress and anxiety, on top of the physical demands they may face due to the nature of their job.
While there are different job responsibilities with the rank of police officers, officers who are first responders or forced to engage in highly intense situations, such as car chases, exposure to violence, drug and theft situations, and more, may be more vulnerable to mental illnesses, such as PTSD and even eating disorders. A police office with poor coping skills and who may already be vulnerable to having an eating disorder, may face tremendous difficulties with the pressures and stressors faced due to the daily demands of their job.
Finding Adequate Resources For Treatment When Needed
The most important step towards intervention and recovery from a suspected eating disorder is seeking out appropriate help, assessment, and treatment. Police officers dealing with an eating disorder may find it difficult to come forward about their struggle due to the stigmas associated with these diseases, fear of losing their job, and more.
While police units themselves may not have direct resources for eating disorder treatment, benefits that offer job protection and medical leave should be available for police officers seeking the necessary time for treatment. If you are serving in the police force and dealing with an eating disorder, speak with somewhat you feel comfortable confiding in about your struggle. Early treatment and intervention can ultimately help improve prognosis and overall chances for recovering.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What are some unique stressors that police officers face in their job field?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 1, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
