When it comes to human nature, a wise philosopher once stated, “our favorite pair of shoes are the ones we bought yesterday, our favorite thing is the newest thing that we have…and the thing we’ve seen the most and for the longest period of time is our reflection in the mirror, so obviously that’s going to be our least favorite thing.”
Of course, this philosopher was Taylor Swift, but regardless of whether you’re a pre-Socratic, or a pop star, this statement rings true.
Februarys 22nd to March 1st is Eating Disorder Awareness week here in The United States. For many, this is a time of solemnity to commemorate those lost, and to try and prevent this illness that has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder.
Fighting this disease has become increasingly more difficult in the recent years due to the rise of technology and social media in our society. Not only must loved ones and health professionals combat the constant bombardment of “The Perfect Body” from places like TV and magazines, but the rise of “pro-eating disorder” websites, have given rise to a whole new breed of what perpetuates this deadly disease. These “”Pro-Ana” websites are run by people with eating disorders, and they present the illness as a lifestyle choice rather than a disease. The websites effectively brainwash young women by making “Ana” look glamorous and giving such tips as “Wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it when you want to eat.”
Eating disorders are devastating conditions. Eating disorders develop because people do not have ways to deal with other stressful issues in their lives. They are not a choice, if left untreated, eating disorders like Anorexia and Bulimia can result in long-term health problems such as abnormal heart rhythms, gastro esophageal reflux disease, kidney problems, and yes, death.
57 percent of adolescent girls — those between the ages of 9 and 11 — experiment with crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills, or laxatives.
What that translates to, is that over half of your little sisters, nieces, cousins, and neighbors will suffer from disordered eating sometime in their young lives. A new study in the UK recently found that men are subject to these symptoms as well, and nearly one in five boys are obsessive about their weight.
This disease does not discriminate. Often victims feel like they are a burden to their friends and family, but like all diseases, people are willing to help and try to understand what the person is suffering from. The power of prevention is the first key to fighting this disorder, and afterwards, a lot of care and monitoring is needed to ensure relapse will not happen. Do you think someone you love may be suffering from an eating disorder?
A person who’s suffering may:
-Excessively exercise
-Feel shy or self-conscious about eating in public
– Have an extreme fear of gaining weight.
– Purge by vomiting or misusing laxatives
– Only allow themselves tiny portions of certain specific foods
-Wear loose, bulky clothes to hide weight loss
-Prepare elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat them
-Make comments about being “fat”
-Stop menstruating
– Feel guilty after eating
– Complain of bone and muscle aches
-Complain about constipation or stomach pain
Often when someone is met with an eating disorder, they respond by saying they had “no idea” the person was suffering. Often, people with ED’s are good at hiding it, and the point of Eating Disorder awareness week is to show them that it is ok to tell their secret, and that they need help.
So this week I challenge you to educate yourself on eating disorders. Participate in NEDAwareness week. There are many things we have “no idea” about with regard to eating disorders, but we can change that by being willing to learn and listen.
Stay Safe Healthy…and Educated!
Helpful Websites:
http://selahhouse.com/Resources/HelpfulWebsites
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
http://www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org/EDFLinks.htm
http://www.anad.org/eating-disorders-get-help/services/