How are depression and anorexia connected?

In a world flooded with images of the “perfect” body and endless ads promoting weight loss and cosmetic surgery, it’s not surprising that many people struggle with dissatisfaction about their appearance.

People with a negative body image believe their bodies are flawed in comparison to others and are more likely to experience feelings of low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders, like anorexia.

Living with co-occurring anorexia and depression can feel incredibly challenging. You might feel caught between the relentless pursuit of a “perfect” weight and the isolating feelings that depression brings. The good news is both anorexia and depression are treatable, and with the right approach, you can begin to challenge negative body image, find support, nurture self-care, and embrace self-acceptance.

Symptoms of depression, anorexia, or both

People with anorexia are more likely to develop depression than people without an eating disorder. Some research has found that up to 93% of those with an eating disorder also have depression. 

Although they’re different conditions, depression and anorexia share several overlapping symptoms, including:

• Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted, needing to rest due to lack of energy
• Appetite changes or restrictive eating: Turning to unhealthy foods, losing appetite, or deliberately restricting food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight
• Isolation: Avoiding social contact due to a fear of judgment from others or not knowing how to talk about their condition
• Sleep problems: Struggling to fall asleep or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating: Having problems setting priorities and moving from one task to another

Can depression and anorexia cause one another?

While depression and anorexia are distinct mental health conditions that can occur together, one doesn’t cause the other. It’s also important to note that not everyone with depression develops anorexia. Yet when both conditions are present, they can intensify symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. Undernourishment from anorexia can worsen depression, while depression can make it even harder to manage anorexia.

Both depression and anorexia can stem from underlying factors, including low self-esteem and a history of trauma and abuse. These shared vulnerabilities increase the risk of developing both conditions at the same time. 

In addition, several factors can contribute to the co-existence of anorexia and depression, including:

• Family history: If you have a family history of depression or anorexia, you may be more susceptible to developing both conditions.
• Personality traits: People with anorexia often exhibit perfectionism. Striving to meet unrealistic standards can also lead to depression. Having low self-esteem and engaging in negative thinking are also both traits of anorexia and depression.
• Biological factors: Low serotonin and dopamine are linked to both conditions. Since these imbalances affect mood and impulse control, they can make both anorexia and depression harder to manage. 
• Societal pressures: Constant exposure to social media can contribute to people comparing their own bodies to others’. Viewing others through a filtered lens can make people feel worse about their own bodies, leading to depression and eating disorders.
• Past trauma: Research has shown that those who’ve experienced traumatic events are at a higher risk of developing both depression and anorexia. 

Treatment for anorexia and depression

Managing both anorexia and depression can be a complex process, both physically and emotionally. But you’re not alone. Working with a mental health professional trained in depression and eating disorders can help. 

Through a combination of talk therapy, nutrition counseling, and, in some cases, medication, you can explore your thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. It’s important to speak with your provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your circumstances and needs. 

Negative self-talk can keep you trapped in a cycle of depression and sidetrack your recovery from anorexia. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of talk therapy used to treat eating disorders. Using DBT, you learn how to challenge and change negative thought patterns. 

Sometimes people can experience worsening depressive symptoms while they’re recovering from anorexia. Therapy can help you work through your depression in a safe space with someone who’s trained in both eating disorders and depression.

Self-care is also an important part of the recovery process if you have anorexia, depression, or both. A number of self-care strategies can complement talk therapy to help you manage your symptoms. These include:

• Making sleep a priority: Poor sleep can make it harder to regulate emotions, increasing your vulnerability to depression. Try to adopt a regular sleep schedule, and practice some of these sleep hygiene tips to help you get a good night’s rest.
• Staying hydrated: Not drinking enough liquids can lead to low energy, food cravings, and increased feelings of anxiety and depression. 
• Embracing mindfulness: Adopting a mindful eating practice means being more aware of your eating habits, the sensations you experience when you eat, and the thoughts and emotions you have around food. 

Find care with Rula

Working through anorexia, depression, or both can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate your recovery on your own.

At Rula, we can connect you with a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression and anorexia, and who accepts your insurance. With our extensive network of therapists, you can find the right provider in less than a minute and begin treatment as soon as tomorrow, in a convenient online setting, using our online platform.

Find a therapist with Rula