Aunt Agatha Advocates: What is Anorexia?

Designed by: Leow Jia Wen, Jolene (20-E1)

Introduction: What is Anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa, or more commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. Anorexia patients use extreme methods to control their weight and body shape, which may result in complications like insomnia, abnormal blood count, thin appearance and dizziness. They exercise excessively whilst severely restricting their food intake, at times to the point where their body can no longer function normally. This problem is even more worrying when it affects children, and unfortunately0.5% to 2% of children are affected by this condition worldwide. So, what can people do to manage this condition?

How do people with this disorder cope?

There are various ways people can cope with anorexia. For instance, some people may turn to close friends or loved ones when they feel down. Talking to people whom one trusts  can aid in stress relief  as a listening ear can reduce patients’ anxiety and stress. This is also crucial to lasting recovery.

Some anorexic patients choose to use exercise to improve their condition. Moderate exercise can help improve one’s body image and mood through the release of endorphins. Furthermore, regular exercise has been lauded for reducing stress and anxiety. Instead of turning to food as an avenue to release their vexatious emotions, some people may choose to go jogging or cycling to feel better. 

Another method that people use to manage anorexia is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT in short. CBT is a form of psychological treatment that is effective in treating a spectrum of mental health issues, including but not limited to anorexia. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thought and behavioural patterns. For instance, patients undergoing CBT treatment learn strategies to curb binge eating and compensatory behaviour, such as using delay, alternatives, and problem-solving skills. They are also encouraged to keep track of their food intake and pen down their emotions before and after eating. CBT aims to combat unhealthy thoughts and eating behaviours by helping one cope with their emotions and build stronger self-esteem. 

What should we not do around them?

Most people who have friends or loved ones suffering from anorexia would want to be supportive and caring. owever, even the nicest words can be unhelpful, and at times, cause emotional harm to an anorexic patient. There are many questions that one should never ask someone suffering from anorexia. One of them is “Why don’t you just eat?”. While asking such a question can be tempting, , one must remember that there are many biological, genetic and socio-cultural factors that make someone unable to eat. Doing so is often unhelpful as it can come across  as accusing and shame-inducing.  

Another statement one should avoid saying to someone suffering from anorexia is “You actually look wonderful/very healthy!” While this may sound helpful, many patients feel that this comment is very infuriating. Eating disorders like anorexia can change one’s perception of words . As someone with anorexia might need to gain weight as part of treatment, they will take any comment noting the change in appearance as confirmation of the weight gain. In other words, in the mind of someone with anorexia, healthy means being fat. This can cause them to become self-conscious, and hence, refuse treatment at times.

What can we do to help people with this disorder?

As mentioned earlier, some people might turn to their loved ones if they feel overwhelmed by emotions. However, the fear of judgement can make it hard for people with anorexia to confide in others, even if they do want to seek comfort or understanding. As such, if we’re unsure about whether someone we care about is suffering from anorexia, one of the best things we can do is to try and find a private space to speak to them about it. Admittedly, this can be scary, especially if you’re talking about  something as severe as anorexia. Nevertheless, as much as it can be very embarrassing if you get it wrong, it would hurt your friend more if you were right but didn’t try to speak up or offer them a safe avenue to talk, for ultimately speaking up is the only way to know for sure.

Despite this, it is important to know how to talk about it. Anorexia tends to exacerbate other conditions as well, and sometimes, it can be easy to make things worse if we’re not careful or sensitive about what we do or say. So, what should we do when trying to express our concern? Firstly, make sure that you’re speaking to the person while they are not suffering from other stressors. Otherwise, to the person that you are trying to help, it might just feel like you’re giving them more pressure. Furthermore, make sure that they are not in a rush to go somewhere or to do something, because such conversations can actually make things worse if they are not carried out  properly, and might make the person worry more about your perception of them . Secondly, make sure to not to lecture or criticise them, or act like you know better than they do, because that will just make them feel like you are attacking them for something that they cannot control. Be patient, be supportive and explain why you are concerned for them in an appropriate way.

Nevertheless, there are limits to what you can do for them. In the end, it’s best to encourage them to get help from specialists in the subject field . Do not go behind their backs and tell other people about them without their permission. They might not feel ready to speak up  just yet probably because they fear being judged by others. Still, don’t set yourself on fire trying to keep others warm. Trying more isn’t the way to go; offering the wrong help will only put the one you care for in deeper trouble.  Guide them and encourage them to find help from professionals too, if you are absolutely clueless on what to do.

Conclusion

So, where does that leave us? In the end, the best thing that we can do is to understand anorexia better, to encourage people but never pressure them too much. Eating disorders are taxing  at times, but there is always a way out, even if it is hard to see at first. As Laurie Halse Anderson wrote in ‘Wintergirls’, “there is no magic cure, no making it all go away forever. There are only small steps upward; an easier day, an unexpected laugh, a mirror that doesn't matter anymore.” In the end, all we can do is to help others reach for that easier day, and allow them to step forward on their own, and find a solution for themselves.

Bibliography

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2. Wint, C. (2017, August 4). Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/anorexia-nervosa#treatment 

3. Muhlheim, L. (2020, July 20). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-eating-disorders-4151114  

4. Oh, J. Y., & Davis, C. (2020, January 14). Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents. SingHealth. https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/medical-news-singhealth/eating-disorders-children-adolescents 

5. Cowden, S. (2020, January 28). What Not to Say to Someone With an Eating Disorder. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-anorexia-or-bulimia-1138326  

6. Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (2021, April 19). Helping Someone with an Eating Disorder. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/helping-someone-with-an-eating-disorder.htm