Navigating Work and Recovery: How a Partial Hospitalization Program Can Fit into Your Busy Schedule

By Lee Neagle MA, LPC| 5 Min Read | December 12, 2024

Balancing a demanding career with personal health can be challenging, especially if you’re struggling with an eating disorder. The pressures of work, deadlines, and maintaining professional responsibilities can make it difficult to prioritize your well-being, leading to a vicious cycle of worsening symptoms. You may have noticed that the stress of balancing work and life has intensified your eating disorder behaviors, leading to declines in both mental and physical health—such as increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, fatigue, or digestive issues—but the fear of taking time off work or losing your job might be preventing you from seeking the help you need.

Eating Disorders Affect Adults Too

It’s a common misconception that eating disorders primarily affect adolescents and young adults, but research shows that these conditions can impact people of all ages. Studies indicate that 15% of women over the age of 30 struggle with some form of disordered eating. Additionally, studies have found that as many as 13% of women over the age of 50 experience eating disorder symptoms. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) reports that approximately 30 million Americans of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. This includes working professionals who may be struggling in silence, feeling the pressure to maintain their careers while managing a serious health condition.

Recognizing the Signs: When a PHP Might Be Necessary

If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, it’s essential to recognize when professional help is needed. Here are some signs that a Partial Hospitalization Program might be the right next step for you:

Intensifying Eating Disorder Behaviors: You’re finding it increasingly difficult to control disordered eating behaviors, such as restricting food intake, binge eating, or purging. These behaviors may be interfering with your ability to focus and perform at work.

Physical Symptoms: Unexplained weight changes, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and other physical symptoms are becoming more pronounced, affecting your energy levels and overall health.

Emotional Distress: You’re experiencing heightened anxiety, depression, or irritability, particularly in situations involving food or body image. These emotional struggles may be impacting your interactions with colleagues or your ability to cope with workplace stress.

Social Withdrawal: You’ve started avoiding work-related social events or meals, isolating yourself from colleagues to maintain control over your eating habits.

Difficulty Maintaining Routine: Your eating disorder behaviors are disrupting your daily routine, making it challenging to adhere to work schedules or complete tasks efficiently.

Understanding the Risks of Delaying Treatment

Delaying treatment for an eating disorder can have serious consequences, both physically and professionally. Untreated eating disorders can lead to a range of medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, and weakened bones, all of which can have a lasting impact on your health. The mortality rate associated with eating disorders is also concerning; anorexia nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder, with a risk of death that is 10 times higher than the general population.

The mental toll of an eating disorder can affect your focus, productivity, and relationships at work, potentially putting your job at risk. Taking steps toward recovery is not only crucial for your health but also for maintaining your career in the long term. Early intervention can prevent the worsening of symptoms and help you regain control over your life before more severe consequences arise.

How to Balance Work and Treatment

Worrying about taking time off work shouldn’t prevent you from getting the help you need. There are several options to consider that can allow you to seek treatment without jeopardizing your job:

Shift or Schedule Changes: If your job allows for flexibility, consider adjusting your work hours to attend PHP sessions. Many employers are willing to accommodate temporary changes to support your health.

Medical Leave: Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for medical leave, which allows you to take time off work for treatment while maintaining job security.

FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act): If you qualify, FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for medical reasons, including treatment for an eating disorder.

Paid Time Off (PTO): Using accumulated vacation or sick days can give you the time you need to focus on recovery without financial strain.

Taking the First Step Toward Recovery

At Inner Haven Wellness, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help you explore your treatment options and find a program that fits your needs and schedule. Don’t let the demands of work prevent you from seeking the help you deserve.

Take Inner Haven Wellness‘s free quiz to see if you might have an eating disorder, or call us for a free phone assessment. Our admissions counselors are available to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Your health and well-being are worth prioritizing—reach out today to learn more about how our Partial Hospitalization Program can help you on your path to recovery.