Helping people afflicted with anorexia is by no means an easy task. Realizing that something is wrong with them and with their eating behaviors, anorexics often
go to great lengths to hide their eating disorders. They tend to withdraw from social contacts, refuse to eat with others and hide their withering bodies by wearing
loose or baggy clothes or by using layered clothing. All these are done in an effort to hide their eating problems.
Even when their cover has been blown and
their eating problems are brought out in the open, most anorexics will definitely shun the idea of treatment arguing that they do not need it. Many will even claim that
it is not a problem but rather a lifestyle choice. The problem is even greatly aggravated by the astronomic rise of pro-anorexia websites on the internet. These
websites glorify anorexia and proclaim it as an ally. They even offer tips on how to further deny hunger and turn away from food forever.
Anorexia can be
very difficult to subdue. Its power over a person can be so overwhelming rendering any treatment an uphill battle. It can even be a lifelong struggle and anorexics
may forever remain susceptible to the disease.
This disease poses a grave threat to a person's health. Anorexia causes a great deal of damage to a person's
vital organs and deprives the body of the needed nutrients for normal functioning. Some of the damage incurred by the organs may be irreparable even when the
sufferer has evidently recovered. At worst, anorexia may even lead to death.
Knowing the detrimental effects of anorexia, it is critical to spot the disease at
its inception. So if you notice a family member, a loved one or a friend expressing extreme dissatisfaction about his or her physical appearance, severely dieting
and/or displaying low self-esteem, talk to them about these concerns. Who knows? You might be preventing the development of a full-blown eating disorder and
might be saving a person's life.
If you notice the signs of anorexia in a family member or in someone else that you care about, there are things you could do to
help. The National Eating Disorders Association suggests that you follow these simple rules.
. Talk to the person. Set aside a time to discuss your concerns
about his or her behaviours privately. Tell him or her that you are worried about the noticeable changes in his/her eating habits and excessive exercising. Tell
him/her that these may be signs of a deeper problem, which needs professional medical attention.
. Lend a sympathetic ear. Show him or her that you care.
If he/she does not want to admit to a problem, just voice your concerns and your reasons for feeling that way. Cite specific instances, which led you to talk about
the perceived problem. There is no need for you to fight or clash wills with the person.
. Do not place guilt, shame or blame on the person.
. Avoid
suggesting simple solutions. Anorexia is a complex problem, which requires intensive and thorough medical attention. There is never a simple solution or a shortcut
remedy to this problem.
. Express your unconditional support. Reiterate that his/her health and happiness are your primary concerns.
The way to
recovery may be long and tedious, but there always remain a flicker of hope for those who want to break free from this disease.
