There are different types of eating disorders, but I will be talking specifically about two of them: anorexia and bulimia. This is a very important subject to discuss because anybody can be going through it, sometimes you don’t even know it. I myself am a recovered anorexic and bulimic. I went all the way from 150 lbs down to 98 lbs from it in about 5-6 months. I am now at a healthy weight and recovered. Let me tell you that it was not fun to deal with. I struggled with depression and anxiety as I was going through this tragic part of my life. It lasted at least a couple of years for me. Getting help was the best decision I’ve ever made. I feel so much better being able to eat without having any care at all. I now know that everytime I eat, I am fueling my body. I no longer have to punish myself and go awhile without food. A while meaning days, to over a week on an empty stomach. Really, I did that just to be skinny? Well, it was also from lack of control and depression, but I completely regret that part of my life so much. It was such a downhill era, and definitely the lowest part of my life for me.
The biggest step to healing is self love. You must learn to love yourself and your body no matter what it looks like. I know you’re probably thinking, “Love myself, sure, right as if I ever could.” or, “I could never love myself” you may even say you dislike or hate yourself. Have you ever been sick? I’m sure you probably have. Whether it’s the flu, covid, or just a normal cold, even allergies. Have you ever thought about how much your body loves you? Even if you don’t love it yet? Your body has healed you and revived itself from all those times of illness. Think about it, after you get sick, you eventually get better. Why? Because that’s how much your body loves you and cares about you. Your body is so strong. Your legs have the strength to hold your weight. Your arms have the strength to lift weights. When you’re bloated, it means you’ve fed yourself a good meal, nothing to be ashamed of! The tiny little fat you say you have on your face, it means you are nourished, that is great! Here’s the key, food is fuel. When you don’t eat for long periods of time, you start to experience dizziness, fatigue, faintness, confusion, and weakness. You can barely even function properly. If you eat a meal after all that time going without one, you feel so much better, I promise! It is such a good feeling to be fed and nourished. Food was made for us to eat, for us to fuel ourselves with. There is no other way to be our best self without eating. Fat is stored energy. Love your rolls, and your imperfections. They are what makes you, you. You are unique, you are different, and way stronger than you think. It’s ok to be curvy, it’s beautiful and womanly! It’s ok to have some extra fat, it’s normal! There is no “perfect body” There is just “body” and our bodies, there are many different body types. There is no real definition for beautiful, or perfect. Just let me say this, not eating, isn’t worth being skinny. The battle it really is, is you either love your dying body, or hate your healthy body. Really, our healthy bodies are what we were given, and we naturally feel better. so own it.
Now, let’s talk about what anorexia and bulimia are in their real definitions. First, anorexia. Anorexia nervosa, often simply called anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. Although, not all with anorexia have an abnormally low body weight, not just yet anyway if they don’t get the help they need. Anorexia is known to be the deadliest mental illness in the world. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with their lives. To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia usually severely restrict the amount of food they eat. They may also control their calorie intake. No matter how much weight is lost, the person continues to fear weight gain. Anorexia isn’t really about food. It’s an extremely unhealthy and sometimes life-threatening way to try to cope with emotional problems. When you have anorexia, you often equate thinness with self-worth.
Let’s talk about bulimia. Bulimia nervosa, commonly called bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia may secretly binge eat large amounts of food with a loss of control over the eating, and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. To get rid of calories and prevent weight gain, people with bulimia may use different methods. For example, you may regularly self-induce vomiting or misuse laxatives, weight-loss supplements, diuretics or enemas after binging. Or you may use other ways to rid yourself of calories and prevent weight gain, such as fasting, strict dieting or excessive exercise. If you have bulimia, you’re probably preoccupied with your weight and body shape. You may judge yourself severely and harshly for your self-perceived flaws. Because it’s related to self-image, and not just about food. Bulimia can be hard to overcome, but it is very possible with help provided.
There is not much evidence to say that there are real causes to eating disorders, they may stem from depression and anxiety as well. If you or someone you know or suspect has an eating disorder, get help right away. You can call the National Eating Disorders Hotline at (1-888-375-7767). Eating disorders not only affect you and your mental health, but also affect your family and friends. When the people who love and care about you see you go through things like this, it affects them too. It causes them to worry also. So get better, for the sake of your loved ones, and most importantly yourself. I hope this article can help someone, and maybe that someone is you or someone you know. I wrote this with care, and hope. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, I promise it will be one of the best decisions of your life.
Resources For Eating Disorder help:
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/eating-disorder-hotlines
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/Pages/Crisis-Hotlines–Resources.aspx
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/
Cited sources for factual data:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bulimia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353615