Eating disorders do not discriminate. They don’t take age, race, weight, IQ or anything else into account before taking over someone’s life.
Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are serious eating disorders. Sometimes people don’t fit just one category though and are diagnosed as having eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). According to doctors, including Dr. Alexander Sackeyfio, an eating disorder specialist known throughout the country, EDNOS is probably the most dangerous of all the eating disorders.
I developed an eating disorder in middle school but had body image issues. When my mother took me to an eating disorder specialist in middle school we were told that I was just going through a phase, but I never exited the phase.
In college it got even worse. I ended up hospitalized multiple times. I probably know more than most doctors about eating disorders. I was originally diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and years later diagnosed with EDNOS. I will spare you all of the gory details.
Most colleges have programs for those students who struggle with eating disorders such as support groups, yet EMU does not. College students are likely to develop eating disorders due to stress, change in lifestyle, peer pressure and many other reasons.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses. They are hard to treat and overcome emotionally. Men and women both suffer from eating disorders. A lot of people think that an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa is a lifestyle choice, but that’s not true. People, both those suffering and those on the sidelines, think this because of the mainstream media, pro-eating disorder websites or YouTube videos that give those with the illness what they like to call “thinspiration.”
Personally, I see the pro-eating disorder websites and videos as emotional outlets. I find it is hard for me to talk about my eating disorder with friends or family, so I use those websites as an outlet. While using the websites I realized how unhealthy they were for me. It becomes an addiction like the eating disorder. I see that I am not alone in the world struggling.
Eating disorders can be very taboo to talk about. When someone is
addicted to drugs or alcohol that person is told just to stay away from that substance. The problem with food is that everyone needs food to survive.
If you have an eating disorder (or think that you might), or someone you know does urge them to get help. Besides death, eating disorders can cause permanent problems.
Eating disorders can cause heart problems, kidney problems, and stomach problems and even cause depression.
You don’t want to pass out in public or on a first date (it has happened to me). As my doctor has told me time and time again be good to yourself, treat yourself like you would treat a child. I know that it sounds lame, but it might just work.
