Do We Really Understand?

Eating disorders are serious conditions. What most people do not understand is that eating disorders are mental disorders. So do we really understand what these people are going through? I am going to venture to guess that we really do not. Most of us know what anorexia and bulimia are but there is more to these disorders than there definition. It is commonly thought that people with eating disorders are doing it to themselves and that it is their own fault. This is ignorant thinking.

Do you really know what anorexia nervosa or bulimia actually is? Do you understand how these people are looking at themselves?

Anorexia is an obsessive disorder were an individual refuses to eat in order to either lose weight or feel like they are in control. Someone with anorexia only sees a distorted imagine when they look in the mirror. These people could be a size extra small however when they look in the mirror they only see fat. In regard to anorexia people do not understand that the individual is often unaware of what they are doing. These individuals do not realize that the image they see in the mirror is not realty.

Bulimia is an obsessive disorder where an individual wants to loose weight but sporadically eats large quantities of food and then feels ashamed or guilt and then tries either to fast or throw it up. These individuals know what they are doing is wrong; however, the pressure from society makes them feel like they have no choice.

The problem does not stop here. In many cases when these individuals are developing these eating disorders they look for results and encouragement to continue. There are actually websites and blogs that encourage these individuals to continue to mistreat their bodies. As these disorders develop these individuals begin to distort their personal image. One of the most important realization people can make about an individual with an eating disorder is that it is an internal issue. You may be able to see the physical aspects of the disease; however, the root of the issue is invisible and is internal.

If you know someone you suspect has an eating disorder please get them help. Please understand that there are deeper issues at play. Make sure that you are informed about the disorder they have so you can be active in their recovery. These individuals need the support of their loved ones to become healthy.

Remember this is not a choice they make. These are obsessive disorders that are triggered by their outside environment and we need to be patience and understanding throughout their recovery.

Image link: http://www.blogilates.com/blog/2012/06/10/bringing-it-to-light-eating-disorders/