Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It leads to excessive weight loss, irrational fear of gaining weight, and obsession with one’s figure. Anorexia starts in adolescence and is more prevalent among females than males. That said, about 10% of males suffer from anorexia.
It can also be attributed to the much-famed size zero culture. Anorexia is a combination of both physical and psychological problems. It may be caused due to genetics, mixed feelings of low self-confidence and perfectionism, cultural and social pressures, and stressful life events.
How to cope up with anorexia nervosa as a parent
As parents, if you feel something is disturbing your child or if you find changes in her behavior, better talk about it and seek help. Anorexia, if treated early, can be managed to a great extent. If untreated, it may lead to osteoporosis (thinning of bones), kidney damage, heart problems, and sometimes even resulting in death.
How to cope up with anorexia nervosa as an individual
As an individual, if you are having strange feelings regarding your food habits and body image, confide in someone whom you trust. With the support of your family, find a specialist and address your health problems.
Please work with your therapist on a long-term recovery plan and stick to it. The recovery plan may include therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring. You can also find help in online support groups for anorexia.
Self-help tips
These are the self-help tips that you can do for yourself. Love yourself for whom you are. Surround yourself with positive, happy, and healthy people how they approach life could benefit you a lot. Make a list of your positive qualities. Emphasize the features which you feel good about yourself. Stop negative self-talk.
Wear comfortable clothes; do not watch your weight, do not read fashion magazines. Be good to yourself and always stay active. Follow a healthy diet plan, identify the triggers that make you feel bad, and work on them to overcome them.
Open your eyes and see the world of people suffering from poverty, war, and social and cultural taboos. You will have plenty of reasons to be thankful. You will definitely come out of your nutshell and will do your best to help these people in need.