Last updated July 22, 2024
Eating disorders among young men have surged in recent years. While it is impossible to say what, exactly, causes this increase, experts suggest that social stigmas and unrealistic body standards are exacerbating the prevalence of male eating disorders.
Researchers also find that many men with eating disorders are unable to disclose their illness to others, usually due to the erroneous assumption that eating disorders only affect women.
Rather than ignoring the symptoms, men who experience conditions such as anorexia and bulimia can find refuge and relief through wilderness retreats. These retreats are designed to help reevaluate one’s relationship with food and can be a powerful catalyst for those who have failed to stick to a treatment plan.
Wildlife retreats offer men a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, fostering improved mental health and overall well-being. Men who attend themed retreats such as horse-based healing retreats often experience reduced stress and can connect with mentors who can help them overcome emotional blocks and triggers.
Eating Disorder & Stereotypes
Many people commonly associate eating disorders with women, perpetuating a harmful stereotype that hinders men from discussing their struggles with food. This stigma is particularly problematic because eating disorders, such as anorexia, have alarmingly high mortality rates.
Unfortunately, busting the myths surrounding eating disorders is hard. Some individuals wrongly perceive eating disorders as a matter of personal choice, while others inaccurately attribute them to inadequate parenting in childhood.
These misconceptions trivialize the gravity of eating disorders and discourage people from seeking essential treatment and support. This misconception is a significant social issue, particularly since eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate among all psychiatric illnesses.
The general lack of awareness about male eating disorders means that many men overlook the importance of nutrition and diet. This represents a huge issue, as nutrition and mental well-being are integrally linked. Men who fail to reassert control of their diet may suffer from heightened anxiety, a weakened immune system and mood disorders.
Healing Power of Nature
A week-long retreat in nature can be a powerful tonic for men with eating disorders. Nature can play a crucial role in recovery by encouraging individuals to rethink their relationship with food. Kate Siber shares this perspective, noting that her time spent in nature was instrumental in her recovery from anorexia nervosa.
Siber details how “I was at my best when I was in the wilderness for days or even weeks at a time,” as this meant “I could forget myself for a while.” For Siber, forgetting gave her the motivation to eat the foods that her body needed to fuel up and recover properly — thus allowing her to feel at home in her body and reevaluate the role that food played in her life.
Men who attend healing nature retreats may also experience a similar desire to eat foods that are healthy as well as fuel their adventure. For example, individuals who go on wilderness backpacking retreats will need to eat some combination of healing foods to sustain their participation in activities.
This can be transformative for men who have a complex relationship with eating. Men who are interested in using nature to heal their relationship with food can consider therapeutic, stress-busting activities including:
- Forest bathing
- Mindfulness walks
- Journalling
- Bushcraft and backpacking
These activities are engaging and demand proper nourishment. This experience can foster a healthier relationship with food and help more men appreciate the benefits of spending time in nature.
Male Eating Disorder Recovery
Men with eating disorders should always consult a healthcare professional before attending a retreat. Connecting with a doctor is crucial, as a professional can top up medication and suggest strategies for success while away from the world at large.
Men who do choose to camp for therapeutic reasons should consider camping in different seasons. Camping in various seasons can be deeply rewarding, as campers get to see the world as it transitions between spring, summer, fall and winter.
For men who do decide to camp year-round, consider seasonally appropriate activities such as:
- Beach camping and boating in the summer when the water can help campers cool off
- Leaf peeping and fishing in the fall when the foliage is turning and species begin to migrate
- Wildlife viewing from established sites and snowsports like snowshoeing to stay active during the cold, short winter days
- Bird watching and canoeing during the spring when the world comes back to life and waterways are cleared for recreational use
Similarly, men who take retreats throughout the year can enjoy seasonal foods and slowly reconnect with the natural rhythm of the world through food.
For those opting to camp during their retreat, proper preparation is key to a successful experience. This includes bringing extra food to compensate for the additional calories burned while engaging in activities like hiking, swimming, fishing and setting up camp.
Choosing the right tent is also crucial. Although large tents might seem attractive, they are often heavy and difficult to set up. Instead, men should consider packing a single-person tent, especially for smaller retreats.
This not only makes the setup easier, it also frees up space for essential gear, like food and cold-weather equipment, especially when camping outside the summer season.
Wellness in the Wild
Spending time in nature can be healing for anyone with an eating disorder. Nature provides a respite from the modern food industry and can help men establish healthier food habits over time.
However, nature retreats alone cannot heal a person from eating disorders. Instead, men with eating disorders should seek guidance from medical professionals. This ensures that they get the treatment they need and will empower their efforts to overcome the stigma associated with ED.
*This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
About the author:
Sam Bowman enjoys writing about people, wellness and adventure, and how they merge. He enjoys traveling solo, with friends or even with his dog. In his spare time, he likes running, reading and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.
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