Anorexia Symptoms: Physical And Emotional Health Risks Effects
Self Starvation Because Of Fear Of Being Fat
Anorexia symptoms affect the emotional and mental health of the individual just as much as the physical. Anorexia nervosa is a serious health condition that primarily affects teenage girls and young women. But young men have also become afflicted with this condition. A person who suffers from anorexia looks in the mirror and does not like what they see. They are always dieting to lose weight, even if they are extremely skinny to begin with. What they typically see in the mirror is much different than what someone who is not suffering from this disorder sees in the mirror. Anorexia is a keenly psychological disorder and is very treatable through personal counseling.
Anorexia Symptoms: Physical
The physical symptoms of anorexia are like someone who is fasting and yet they never break their fast. It goes on and on.
The anorexic will literally starve themselves to death because they think they are fat. This results in very ill health because they do not eat enough calories to sustain their body’s needs.
Physical symptoms are:
- Body weakness
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Anemia
- Lightheadedness
- Pale and gaunt
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Dry skin
- Brittle hair
- Bony facial features
- Sagging skin
- All of the signs of a mineral deficiency
The anorexic eats like a bird. They may eat a couple of bites of veggies and a slice of bread for a meal to make it look like they are eating to their parents.
The latter stages of anorexia are horrific. The anorexic is so in need of nutrition, and the body so weak, that it cannot continue supporting the heart functions. They may go into cardiac arrest.
Anorexia Symptoms: Emotional and Mental
Emotionally the anorexic has a low self worth. They are obsessed with their weight, even if they are very thin. They see themselves differently than the beautiful young women they are, which is the cause for the emotional trauma they go through.
The young woman who suffers from anorexia nervosa needs to find a good counselor and mentor that she can trust.
The emotional symptoms of anorexia nervosa are frightening. The major symptoms are:
- Moodiness
- Anger at self
- Self hate
- Suicidal
- Harming self
- Crying spells
- Easily agitated
- Inability to cope with stress
Other anorexia symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Racing heartbeat
- Palpitations
- Exhaustion to slight excursion
- Panic attacks
Anorexia Symptoms: Treatment
The person who suffers from anorexia absolutely needs to find a good counselor, preferably someone that has already defeated this condition. There are many counselors that deal with anorexia, but this does not mean they will be able to help your daughter or loved one.
When searching for a good counselor let your daughter help you decide on the counselor with you. She must be able to relate with her in some way. She needs to be able to identify with her and feel comfortable expressing her feelings to the counselor.
Counseling involves a very personal discovery of self, and brings out many deep-rooted feelings within the anorexic individual. This is why it is important she trust the counselor.
Ask for references so you may talk with other moms who have used this particular counselor before. Make sure she is reputable and has helped other young women overcome this affliction of the mind.
Once the emotional aspect of anorexia is healed, the individual will begin to eat normally again and regain her health back.
Just remember the “not eating” part of this condition is only a symptom of anorexia. The problem is emotional and how a young woman feels about herself. It is not a physical condition even though it deteriorates the body.
She does not need to see a medical doctor. She needs to see someone who is compassionate, understanding, and has genuine concern for the person suffering from anorexia.
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