FREE ESSAY ON THE DISEASE OF SELF-STARVATION: ANOREXIA NERVOSA

THE DISEASE OF SELF-STARVATION: ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Turn on any television show or look through any teen magazine, and what do you usually
see? You will probably notice at least one ad for a food product that is being eaten by
happy and good looking people. What is the message being sent to our adolescents today?
Is it better to eat good food or be thin like a model? This is a hard choice that teenage
girls have to face everyday. Most people believe that thinner is better. Anorexia nervosa
is an eating disorder that usually strikes women. The term anorexia means "loss of
appetite". Of the 7 million women from age 15 to 35 who have an eating disorder, many
will die from the complications of anorexia. They suffer from eating disorders because of
anger, depression, and the wish to be thin. Teens that control their body weight gives
them a sense of control in their lives. Someone that suffers from an eating disorder is a
person that uses food to work out emotional problems and tries to get rid of feelings by
eating or dieting. But what influences dieting in the first place? Psychological
influences and genetics are the main influences on eating disorders in general. Mothers
of anorexics are themselves focused on their own weight and appearance. Woman struggle to
make their bodies conform to the ideal female body and appearance.
Anorexia nervosa is defined as a disorder in which a person becomes noticeably
underweight, yet feels fat and fears becoming obese. Of all anorexics, 95% of them are
women under twenty. This usually begins as a weight-loss diet and develops in
adolescence. Anorexics never believe that they are thin enough and they limit their
intake of food. They see themselves as "too fat", no amount of food is small enough, and
no weight is ever low enough. By starving themselves, it helps them deal with normal
pressures of life as a teenage girl in society. They begin to pull away from those around
them even before the disorder begins. The pattern of withdrawal makes it difficult for
others to realize the disorder. 
Generally, an observation of physical symptoms will quickly confirm the diagnosis of
anorexia. These symptoms are identical to starvation. Signs of anorexia include weight
loss, loss of appetite, menstrual period stops, seeing food as an enemy, continual
exercise, and the fear of gaining weight. The physical signs of anorexia include
dizziness, insomnia, numbness in hands and feet, infections that do not heal, heart
failure, and bruises. Anorexia can lead to severe medical problems and even death. At
this time, there is no treatment program for anorexia nervosa that is completely
effective. 
There is no single personality type of a person suffering from anorexia nervosa. People
who develop anorexia tend to share certain characteristics. Their parents often describe
them as model children, high achievers who have never once been in trouble. They are
perfectionists; they tend to be self critical. They also tend to be very controlled
people who stick to certain schedules and do not like changes in routines.
Most anorexics deny that they suffer from an eating disorder. The first step to getting
help with an eating disorder is to recognize that the problem exists. Know that you have
a problem and that you need to get help to solve the problem. There are many ways to get
help. By telling a friend, it makes the problem seem more manageable and you know that
there is someone that will help guide you through the process of recovery. Support groups
devoted to eating disorders are available all over the country. They are groups of people
that share the same problem that you have and is led by an experienced counselor or
person who once had the problem and has recovered. By attending a support group, it lets
the person know that he or she is not alone and people are their to help them recover
completely. Counseling is also available through school or a local social-service agency.
A counselor is there to listen to your problem and help you get through it. One last way
to get help with an eating disorder is to see a nutritionist. That person can help
identify food allergies, cravings, and other problems that may contribute to eating
disorders. He or she can help you develop a diet that will feel satisfying while helping
the person to gain or lose weight. Seeking help may be a painful experience for the
anorexic. He or she must face problems and feelings that have been avoided for a long
period of time. But best of all, acknowledging an eating disorder and committing himself
or herself to overcoming it means that he or she can look forward to the day when food is
not longer a terrifying temptation or a secret, it is just another enjoyable and
satisfying part of life.