207. The Mess of Eating Disorders (w/ Dave and Krista Dunham)
Apr 25, 2022
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Dave and Krista Dunham, counseling experts for eating disorders, discuss the prevalence of eating disorders in the church and the misconceptions surrounding following rules in relation to faith. They emphasize the importance of addressing eating disorders within the church, understanding the impact and patterns of eating disorders, and addressing suffering and sin with compassion. They also explore the role of Scripture and testimonies in overcoming eating disorders and the significance of listening and empathy in counseling sessions.
Eating disorders in the church may be more prevalent due to societal factors and a potential misunderstanding of following rules for spiritual growth.
Understanding the various destructive eating habits and their impact on psychosocial health is important in providing support for individuals with eating disorders.
Supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders requires proactive listening, engagement, open conversations, removing obstacles, integrating faith, and ongoing education.
Deep dives
Prevalence of eating disorders in the church
The podcast episode highlights the prevalence of eating disorders in the church, with statistics suggesting that around 9% of the population struggles with eating disorders. The discussion emphasizes that eating disorders may be more common within the church due to a combination of societal factors like the emphasis on weight and dieting, alongside a potential misunderstanding of following rules to deepen one's relationship with God. The significance of recognizing and addressing eating disorders within the church is emphasized, as it aligns with the pro-life concept of preserving life and spreading the gospel.
Understanding eating disorders and distinguishing destructive habits
The episode delves into the definition of eating disorders as destructive eating habits or food-related habits that significantly impact psychosocial health. It clarifies that eating disorders encompass more than just under eating, compulsive exercise, or vomiting, as they can also include destructive habits like overeating. The importance of distinguishing between healthy eating considerations and destructive eating habits is highlighted, as individuals may engage in destructive eating patterns without recognizing their impact on various aspects of their well-being. Understanding triggers, motives, and the subjective experience of eating disorders is crucial for empathetic and effective support.
Supporting individuals with eating disorders
The episode suggests practical ways to support individuals struggling with eating disorders. It emphasizes proactive listening and engagement, encouraging open conversations, and removing potential obstacles to recovery. Providing accountability without judgment and actively participating in the individual's journey are key aspects of support. The importance of integrating faith and the gospel in addressing shame and promoting hope in recovery is emphasized. Additionally, in preparing the ground for addressing eating disorders in churches and families, the episode recommends ongoing education and open conversations about eating disorders, particularly with children to prevent crises.
The Importance of Individuality and Avoiding Assumptions
It is important to avoid making assumptions about individuals with eating disorders based on their appearance or assuming that everyone's story is the same. Treating individuals as unique and listening to their experiences is key.
Understanding the Role of Suffering and Sin
Suffering can contribute significantly to eating disorders, and it's important to address and understand these underlying issues. However, it's also crucial to recognize the role of sinful hearts and motives, such as control, pride, and appearance. Distinguishing and addressing both suffering and sin in counseling is essential for holistic healing.
In this episode of The Messy Podcast, Scott Mehl interviews Dave and Krista Dunham about counseling for those struggling with different eating disorders.
Sponsored by Eternity Bible College: https://www.eternity.edu
Resources:
Table for Two: Biblical Counsel for Eating Disorders by David & Krista Dunham,
https://www.amazon.com/Table-Two-Biblical-Counsel-Disorders/dp/1645070743
Love to Eat, Hate to Eat: Breaking the Bondage of Destructive Eating Habits by Elyse Fitzpatrick,
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Eat-Hate-Breaking-Destructive/dp/0736914382
Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone by Elyse Fitzpatrick,
https://www.amazon.com/Idols-Heart-Learning-Revised-Updated/dp/1629952109
Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness and Rejection by Edward T. Welch, https://www.amazon.com/Shame-Interrupted-Lifts-Worthlessness-Rejection/dp/1935273981
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