Anorexia Nervosa
By: Halsey Perry
What is anorexia?
Anorexia is an eating disorder. This disorder involves a person that willingly loses weight. It commonly begins in the teenage years between the age of 15-20. People who embody anorexia prohibit themselves from being full, and usually refuse to eat. They restrict the amounts of food consumed. Anorexic people are under the average weight that is recommended by doctors. Typically their weight becomes so low that health issues occur.
What are the effects?
The effects of anorexia depend on the severity of each case. Some emotions effects are forced withdrawal from school, loss of connection to religion, career disruption, isolation of friends and family, and suicide. The physical effects of anorexia include infertility, shutdown of major body systems, brain damages, heart attacks, and potentially death.
How to get help
The road to recovery begins with admitting you have a problem. You must find support from a close friend, family member, or teacher. In order for the recovery phase to begin you need to willingly discuss your emotions and situation. Find someone who specializes in your disorder and can provide advice and essential information. Address all your health problems you could have acquired while you were anorexic. Enroll in therapy where you can openly discuss your story with people who have personal experience with your disorder. True recovery from anorexia involves learning how to listen to your body and feelings. Also, acquiring trust and love for yourself. The major step that shows great improvement is learning how to enjoy life again.
How to get help others struggling with anorexia
You should confront your friend about their problem. If you seem them not consuming a reasonable amount of food encourage them to eat. If the problems keep occurring, address a trusted family member. Make sure you get your friend the help they need.
Eating disorders are a daily struggle for 10 million females in the United States
1% to 4.2% of women have suffered from anorexia in their life
Anorexia is the third most common long-term illness among teens