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Anorexia Destroys Self-Image
by Anya Konsletto
http://www.foranorexia.com
In order for an adult to enjoy a healthy, balanced life, a
positive self-image is necessary. For many, the image that
they have of themselves is distorted far beyond anything
resembling reality, such as in the case of those who suffer
from anorexia. This debilitating ~ often deadly ~
disorder afflicts those who either have the inability or
unwillingness to see themselves as they truly are, in the
physical sense. As a result, their lives become more and
more restricted, until they~ve locked themselves into an
invisible prison from which some never escape.
An eating disorder that causes individuals to literally
starve themselves is called anorexia. The people who
suffer from it have a distorted sense of their physical
appearance and they constantly diet to become thinner.
However, no matter how thin they become, they continue to
see themselve as obese, and continue to take more desparate
measures to lose weight. The cycle continues until only
dieting eventually becomes refusal to eat. Without
treatment, this disorder can result in death.
Statistics tell us that the average anorexic is at least
15% below weight (according to insurance charts for their
age, height and build). In addition to refusing to eat,
anorexics often embark on a difficult exercise program and
then even resort the use of laxatives to completely lose
the food they do eat. This is all in an effort to lose even
more weight. This is a lethal combination, that, in many
cases leads to death. The body is starved of essential
fuel, it is physically pushed beyond limit, and then pumped
with medicine that damages the internal digestive organs,
and can cause them to shut down.
Anorexia is most common among Caucasian females who are
entering or already experiencing puberty, and are of a high
socio-economic class. Those who are also in a high risk
category are people who are involved in activities that
stress the need for thinness, such as theater, dancing and
sports activities ~ particularly Track & Field related
events.
The symptoms to look for in diagnosing anorexia are extreme
and rapid weight loss, refusal to eat in public, followed
by the absolute refusal to eat, disruption of menstrual
cycles, such as three or more consecutive missed periods,
shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue,anxiety, brittle
skin and obsessiveness regarding food intake. Not all of
these symptoms are apparent in every individual, but if a
young, healthy girl exhibits any of them it is cause for
concern in any event, so even if some of these symptoms
exhibit themselves, it~s important to consult a physician
immediately. Whether these symptoms indicate anorexia or
some other illness, they indicate a serious health problem.
People who suffer from anorexia can become angry, combative
and secretive because they think the world is against them
since they don't see themselves as others see them. They
don't even see themselves as they are in reality. Therefore
they often resort to such tricks as cooking large meals for
others but will not eat any of it themelves, fearing that
they will become more and more obese.
If you notice a loved one exhibiting any of the above signs
of this illness, you should immediately contact a physician
to be sure the necessary steps are taken to get them help.
Treatments do exist to help anorexics overcome this
condition. You also need to provide a strong support
system throughout the recovery period. Remember, if you
are helping someone with this disease, fear and denial may
lead them to say almost anything, so do not take anything
they say to you personally. Just continue to offer as much
love and support as you can.
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