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.
On average, those who are anorexic will tend to be at least
15% below the normal weight for their age, height and
build. In addition to refusing to eat ~ or eating very
little ~ they~ll often develop an unrealistic exercise
regimen for themselves and abuse laxatives. The
combination of these three traits can cause the eventual
death of those with anorexia, since their bodies don~t
receive adequate fuel, are pushed beyond the logical limit
of endurance when exercising, and are bombarded with the
type of medication that will soon damage the intestines and
prevent them from working properly.
Most commonly the victims of anorexia are Caucasian females
in their early or mid teens, typically from a high socio
economic class. There are certain activities that stress
the need for thinness and so also seem to breed anorexia.
Such activities as theater, dancing and certain sports
activities, especially track and field related sports have
participants with a higher than average rate of anorexia.
Extreme and rapid weight loss, refusal to eat in public,
followed by the refusal to eat at all, disruption of
menstrual cycles (three or more consecutive missed periods)
shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue,anxiety, brittle
skin and obsessiveness regarding food intake are all
symptoms to look for in diagnosing anorexia. Not all of
these symptoms present in every individual who has anexoria
but if a young, healthy girl exhibits any of these syptoms,
one should be concerned in any event. It is therefore
important to consult a physician immediately. They indicate
a serious health problem, and whether it is anorexia or
some other illness, it should be attended to.
Since those who suffer from anorexia aren~t seeing reality
on the same plane as others, they can become angry,
combative, secretive and resistant to assistance. Although
they~re sometimes known to cook large meals for others ~
without eating any of the meal themselves ~ they, somehow
only see themselves as obese, which will worsen until their
very death, unless confronted and treated.
Anorexics can receive the necessary help and treatment to
overcome this condition. If a loved one has exhibited
signs of this illness, contact your physician immediately
and take the necessary steps to get them the help that they
need, while providing a strong system for them throughout
the course of their recovery. Most important is the need
to remember that their fear, anger and denial might lead
them to say anything, so be prepared not to take it
personally and offer as much love and support as you can.
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