Anorexia and your mental health

Eat right and exercise is a tune that is sung to us almost every day. Most, if not all, of us aim to achieve such. However, some persons overindulging in these principles of life often cause damage to their health. Take, for example, people who work assiduously towards achieving the ‘ideal’ body, in spite of the difficulties that may arise. So, they alter their eating patterns and food choices, exercise too often to maintain their frame, sometimes becoming anorexic.

Medical professionals call it anorexia nervosa, while others choose to simply refer to the condition as anorexia. It is an eating disorder. However, like binge eating and bulimia, it also takes a psychological toll on your health.

So far, researchers are yet to identify the cause of the malady. Nonetheless, it’s judged that body image,whether perceived or actual, along with self-esteem, social experiences, and even mental issues often put persons at risk of developing the condition.

This disorder is known to affect more women than men. It’s victims usually consider themselves to be overweight when they are really thin, or even too small for their health. Sadness, moodiness, poor memory and judgement, confusion or slow thinking are some of the triggers that indicate the presence of anorexia and the deterioration of patients’ mental health.

But that’s not all. Women with anorexia often talk excessively about weight or food, avoid eating or eat very little, refuse to eat in front of others, and do not want to go out with friends.

BRAVE STEPS TO RECOVERY

If you are one of its victims, getting help is crucial. You don’t have to suffer in silence when help is available. Nutrition therapy is usually the first step in remedying anorexia. But if this fails, medicine is the next best option. Also, depending on the severity of the condition, you may be required to be hospitalised during the recovery process. The aim is to get you back to a healthy weight. This will also help to change your thoughts and feelings.

Psychotherapy: Although the first option helps with improving your psychological state of mind, there is a special treatment option that is intended solely for this purpose. Medical experts often refer to this as talk therapy. Discussing your feelings and the way they affect you are important at psychotherapy.

Forming a support group with family and friends will also help you to get back in good shape.

Source: www.womens.health.gov

rocheda.bartley@gleanerjm.com