As an eating disorder dietitian, I get asked A LOT by clients as well as other clinicians about the connection between depression and eating disorders. We know that mental health is complicated and intricate. Furthermore, there is not a singular “thing” that causes a particular diagnosis, which is true for both eating disorders and depression. Despite the fact that one doesn’t “cause” the other, it’s important for mental health providers to recognize the connection. Even for therapists who don’t specialize in eating disorders, it is crucial to recognize this connection.
In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between depression and eating disorders and offer insights for therapists who may not be specialized in eating disorders. As you’re probably seeing them in your office anyway! Keep reading to learn 5 ways depression and eating disorders are linked together.
Can Depression Cause an Eating Disorder?
The short answer to this is no. Depression cannot “cause” an eating disorder. Once again, there is not one thing that can cause a mental health condition. There are SO many factors that play into an eating disorder diagnosis as well as a depression diagnosis. However, depression and eating disorders may share some common ground. Behaviors and symptoms of each diagnosis might play off of the other. For example, someone who is struggling with depression might unknowingly turn to eating disorder behaviors as a coping mechanism. Those with eating disorders may experience deep emotional distress, leading to the onset or intensification of depressive symptoms.
PS: In no way is this blog saying that everyone with depression has an eating disorder. Or that everyone with an eating disorder has depression. The goal of this blog is simply to talk about the relationship between these two complex mental health diagnoses while raising awareness for how clinicians might be able to support these clients.
How Are Depression and Eating Disorders Linked?
Below are 5 ways that depression and eating disorders intersect with each other.
1. Coping Mechanisms
Individuals with depression may resort to disordered eating behaviors to cope with overwhelming emotions. This can be restricting, binging, overexercise or other disordered behaviors. If there is a client in your office with depression, it’s important to ask questions about their relationship with food. Oftentimes, eating disorder behaviors can feel numbing – which may help to block out some of the depression feelings. Problem is. This is not sustainable. And can lead to an increase in depression symptoms as well as more severe eating disorder behaviors.
2. Self-Esteem and Body Image
As we know, depression can impact self esteem. For certain people, this could lead to a negative distorted perception of their bodies. Our society also puts a ton of pressure on body image and looking like a certain ideal. Both societal expectations and an overall negative self-esteem can contribute to disordered eating.
3. Biological Factors
There is evidence to suggest that both depression and eating disorders have biological factors, such as neurotransmitter imbalances and genetic predispositions. Understanding these shared mechanisms can provide therapists with a more comprehensive view of their clients’ struggles.
4. Motivation
We know that many people with depression struggle with their motivation. Whether that’s to work through their depression or to do daily tasks. The same goes for eating disorders. Many people with disordered eating struggle with motivation to get better. That’s because an eating disorder is a coping mechanism. It can feel terrifying to let go of something that alleviates anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms…etc. Because both of these conditions lower motivation levels, the two illnesses can play off of another. It can be difficult to see life beyond the eating disorder and depression. It can be difficult to want to lower ED behaviors because that might increase depressive symptoms.
5. Lack of Appetite and Energy
Both depression and an eating disorder can lead to lower energy levels and a lack of appetite. Once again, because these are symptoms of both disorders, it allows depression and an eating disorder to play off of one another. One example is, a person might initially have a lack of appetite due to depression. BUT the eating disorder will use this symptom to its advantage and it will be more difficult for a client to eat. Not to mention a decrease in overall nutrition can exacerbate depression. While nourishment isn’t a “cure” for depression, nourishment helps depression medications work properly and it might alleviate some lack of energy issues.
How Can You Treat Depression and Eating Disorders?
Above are just a few of the ways depression and an eating disorder connect. While depression doesn’t cause an eating disorder, it certainly makes treatment more complicated. You now may be wondering how you can approach treatment if you have clients who present with both an eating disorder and depression. Below are some thoughts.
1. Collaboration
When working with a client who presents with both an eating disorder and depression, it’s important to work on a team. Consider referring to an eating disorder dietitian, psychiatrist, and an eating disorder informed primary care physician. It’s important to address the eating disorder AND the depression. Trying to treat each individually isn’t going to be helpful for the client in the long run.
2. Psychoeducation
Providing clients with information on the interconnected nature of depression and eating disorders can empower them to recognize and understand their struggles. When eating disorder thoughts or depressive thoughts come up, it might be helpful for them to acknowledge where these thoughts are coming from and how it is impacting their lives. This knowledge fosters self-awareness and lays the groundwork for informed therapeutic discussions.
3. Support Groups
Connecting with others who share struggles can be extremely helpful. It gives clients a sense of community. Courage to Nourish offers a few different free support group options. Email us at hello@couragetonourish.com for more information.
Final Thoughts on Depression and Eating Disorders
Thank you for reading our resource on 5 Ways Depression and Eating Disorders are Linked. Mental health is complicated and intricate. While depression can’t cause an eating disorder, we can note there is a relationship between eating disorders and depression. Furthermore, we must acknowledge the important role therapists have in treatment!
Contact Us
Courage to Nourish is a group of eating disorder specialized dietitians. We have in-person locations in Alexandria, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland. and College Park, Maryland. We offer virtual services across the state of Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. We offer individual nutrition therapy. As well as support groups. We would love to guide you in building a better relationship with food.
Contact us for more information. And to schedule a discovery call. Also, sign up for our client or clinician newsletter!
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Alex is the founder and owner of Courage to Nourish. She opened Courage to Nourish to create a practice that aligns with her values in eating disorder recovery. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Dietitian and Approved Supervisor through iaedp. Alex loves working with children, high school and college students as well as athletes. Additionally, Alex is a proud anti-diet dietitian and works with her clients through a Health At Every Size © and intuitive eating framework. Read more about Alex here.
