Getting Real About Anorexia: Insights from an Anorexia Therapist
Insights of Anorexia from an Anorexia Therapist
Let’s delve deeper into Anorexia, specifically focusing on what it’s like to struggle with anorexia. In our culture, there are significant misunderstandings and misinformation surrounding anorexia, which can be detrimental in recognizing and addressing these issues effectively.
Challenges in Recognizing Anorexia & it’s Importance to Get Early Intervention via Anorexia Therapy
One of the biggest challenges is understanding what exactly constitutes anorexia and the misinformation surrounding it that often leads to difficulties in recognizing the disorder, both in others and within oneself. Early recognition is crucial as it allows for timely intervention including anorexia therapy, which significantly improves the chances and prognosis of recovery.
Contrary to popular belief, an individual does not have to be severely underweight to be diagnosed with anorexia. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference for diagnosing mental health conditions, the criteria for anorexia nervosa does not solely rely on body weight. Many individuals diagnosed with anorexia do not meet the stereotypical image of being emaciated or underweight. If you want to dive more into this, check out my blog post/rant about “atypical anorexia.”
Additionally, the misconception that anorexia involves complete starvation is misleading. While severe calorie restriction is a primary feature, it is not uncommon for individuals with anorexia to engage in sporadic episodes of binge eating or purging. These behaviors may not fit the traditional image of anorexia, but still can be symptoms of the disorder.
Signs of Anorexia & the Barriers to Getting Anorexia Therapy
Another important aspect to consider is the impact of anorexia on physical health. While routine blood tests may appear normal, they do not always reflect the underlying health consequences of the disorder. Anorexia can lead to significant health complications, including bone density loss, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances, even in the absence of drastic weight loss. Learn more about the potential health consequences of anorexia here.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of anorexia requires a nuanced understanding of the disorder beyond surface-level appearances. Behavioral changes, such as perfectionism, social withdrawal, or excessive exercise, may also indicate the presence of anorexia.
It's essential to dispel the myth that anorexia is solely determined by outward physical appearance or behavior. Seeking help from a qualified anorexia therapist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Recovery from anorexia is possible, but it requires comprehensive support and professional intervention tailored to individual needs.
Going back to the problems that misinformation and misunderstandings around anorexia cause, a person who is suffering with anorexia may find themselves convincing themselves that they don’t actually have an issue. They may believe that they “aren’t sick enough” or that they’re just “being dramatic.” As I mentioned before, Anorexia doesn’t typically look the way society would have you believe it looks. Some thoughts that a person struggling with anorexia may have are:
“Well, I do eat, so I can’t have anorexia.”
“A lot of people diet, this is just a diet and anyone who thinks that I have a problem is just being dramatic.”
“I don’t look like I have anorexia, so no-one would believe me or take me seriously.”
Imagine suffering with a disorder that invalidates every part of your suffering. Imagine suffering in this way and worrying that no-one would take you seriously and would think that you were just being dramatic. Doesn’t that sound lonely and hopeless?
Even worse, sometimes these thoughts are validated by helping professionals such as doctors, therapists and nutritionists because of their lack of education and experience around anorexia. This is why it is so crucial to get help from an anorexia therapist, a therapist who specializes and understands your specific struggles.
As a society, we need to do better with educating and learning about all eating disorders. This will help people who suffer to not only recognize that they are struggling in this way, but also be able to reach out for help and feel as though they are taken seriously.
It’s Time to Get Anorexia Therapy
If you believe you may be struggling with anorexia, you do not have to diagnose yourself or meet the markers that you believe would qualify you as having anorexia. Reach out to an anorexia therapist who can help you to navigate what you are struggling with as well as your thoughts and feelings around it. Click here to submit a contact form in order to set up your free 15-minute phone consultation call with me, an Anorexia Therapist, to see how I can help you recover from Anorexia.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be struggling with an eating anorexia, I encourage you to seek help and support. Remember, you are not alone, and recovery is possible with the right guidance and treatment!
Here’s my Youtube video on this blog topic!
*Disclaimer* - I am not a medical doctor and this post does not constitute as medical advice. This post is derived from my experience working with clients who struggle with Bulimia, research and collaborating with medical professionals.