Post by omaklover on Aug 12, 2005 11:28:31 GMT -5
Mirror Mirror
By
Sarah Müller
By
Sarah Müller
Have you ever looked in a magazine and said to yourself I wish I could look like him/her. They’re perfect. Well here’s a reality flash: They’re not perfect. Many magazines airbrush the celebrities and models. Outside they may look perfect but inside they aren’t. They could be almost dying and you can’t see it.
The three most common known eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Compulsive Eating. Anorexics starve themselves to be thin. They eat very little or don’t eat at all. Most Anorexics have a special routine on how to eat. They also read books about their disorder and what to do.
Bulimics usually hide food to eat later and/or throw it up. Bulimics also eat larges amounts of food and then throw it up. When they do that it causes their teeth to rot and throats hurt. Compulsive Eaters eat, eat, and eat. They eat when there is stress/and or problems in their life. They are “addicted” to food. Compulsive Eaters also hide behind their appearance.
Some people don’t survive an eating disorder. There are some that do. Here is a girl who survived one.
Sarah: What ED did you have?
Silver: Anorexia, though I sometimes just call it ana
Sa: Did any of your friends express concern?
S: some, yea. They looked at me alot with these eyes that could rip you apart inside. I hated it! They were so worried and it killed me. I didn't want them to worry, I didn't want them to know...but it became obvious. they treated me like I was fragile, and always talked quietly around me, like if they talked to loud I would brake. They tried to take me out to eat, and would arrange special event that involved eating. It was hard, it was like everything I did hurt them more than it hurt me and I didn't want to hurt them! I just wanted to be thin! I just wanted to be perfect!
Sa: Were you in the hospital?
S: no I wouldn't allow it. My therapist tried to get me to go but I wouldn't.
Sa: Did you tell people about your disorder or did someone find out?
S: no I never did. It was very personal to me. My own battle that I was going to fight myself. I didn't say a word to anyone...they just sort of found out. I would lie when they asked questions. I did break down once and tell my closest friend but she had already figured it out.
Sa: Is their anything you want to say to girls out their with eating disorders: S: hold on. Things will get better. You’ll see.
Some people ask how they can tell if a friend/family member has an Eating Disorder. Here are a few Signs and Symptoms for Anorexia/Bulimia: Dramatic weight loss in a short period of time. Pale or “gray” look to skin. Trips to the bathroom after meals. Usually leaves water on while purging, and poor sleeping habits.
Here are some Signs/Symptoms for Compulsive Eating/ Binge Eating: Leg and joint pain. Believes that food is their only friend. Hiding food in strange places (such as closets, under the bed, drawers) to eat at a later time. Weight gain in a short period of time. Mood swings, depression, and weariness.
Another important thing about eating disorders is the cost of treatment. Anorexia/Bulimia treatment can extend up to many years. Outpatient treatment and medical monitoring can be up to $30,000 a month. Inpatient treatment can be up to $100,00 a month too. Out and in patient treatment can add up to $480,000 a year.
When you put all this information together this thought should come to your mind Do I need to have an Eating Disorder? It can take you days, months, and even years till you can overcome an Eating Disorder. Is it really worth it then?
Resources:
www.anad.org
something-fishy.org
gabrielle.self-injury.net/
I admire Silver for overcoming Anorexia. It must have been a long and hard struggle. I wish her the best of luck