Those suffering with eating disorders often live in a world of shame, guilt, anger and fear, with many suffering for years on end and feeling powerless in the face of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. To those suffering the Center for Counseling and Health Resources Inc., A Place of Hope says this: help is available, and you are not alone. A Place of Hope's eating disorder treatment programs center around "whole-person" care, and have helped countless men and women who were once in your shoes. The first step, of course, is admitting you have a problem. Here then is a look at the different types of eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Symptoms include:

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age and activity level

• Intense fear of weight gain or being "fat"

• Feeling "fat" or overweight despite dramatic weight loss

• Loss of menstrual periods

• Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by a cycle of binging and purging. This entails eating large amounts of food in short periods of time, then getting rid of the calories through vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercising. Symptoms include:

• Feeling out of control during a binge

• Purging after a binge

• Frequent dieting

• Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Binge eating disorder is characterized by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive eating. There is no purging, but there may be fasting or repetitive diets along with feelings of shame and self-hatred after a binge. Overeaters often struggle with anxiety, depression and loneliness.

There are both emotional and physical factors that need to be addressed in the healing process, which is what makes the whole-person care you'll find at A Place of Hope so effective. Mind, body and spirit are addressed here in a comprehensive treatment program tailored to your specific needs and carried out by experienced and compassionate experts in their fields.

If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, the message here is that help is available and eating disorders can be and are overcome every day. Wherever you choose to get help make sure you get it today. You deserve a happy and healthy life, and that ideal is within your reach.