Everything Is Normal?

This gif is amusing.

 

But looking past its cartoonish nature, once again, I associate it with a very real eating disorder pattern, executed by many of us.

Just like the cartoon, many of us, especially those of us who are struggling with anorexia, employ this disappearing melting action, at first, in a subtle way, and then, finally in its startling, emaciated, eventual form. Sooner or later, if intervention and treatment do not come to the rescue, certain individuals can look too much like the cartoon’s skeleton final product.

The skeletal appearance is easy to identify. But, long before that state, there are, indeed, signs and symptoms which can affect anyone. It’s not just a teenage girl’s thing. Both genders, all ages and people from all walks of life can fall prey. It does not discriminate.

So, with that in mind, look around. Is there anyone you know who may be struggling? A daughter or son? A mother or father? A sister or brother? A student or co-worker?

Below are just a few signs/symptoms of potential disorder. The key word to remember, indeed, id “disorder.”

Eating Disorder Signs To Look For

1) Dramatic changes in weight and appearance: may start wearing excessively baggy clothes to disguise weight loss or weight gain.

2) May display unusual behaviors around food. In example: May refuse to eat in front of others, constantly diet and/or avoid certain foods, smoke cigarettes, chew gum or binge drink alcohol to substitute for eating.

3) May display unusual behaviors concerning physical exercise (In example: He/she may demand a certain repetition of sit ups and laps/miles run per day.)  Individual may be rigid and ritualistic, choosing to exercise compulsives for hours at a time. Because of exercise routine, may be absent or show up late to class or rehearsal.

4) Individual may have low energy, may be weak (even having fainting spells) or be prone to falling asleep during daily activities.

5) Individual isolates, withdraws from fellow students or actors, is secretive and uncomfortable, especially around settings in which food is present.

6) Engages in negative body image talk about self and others: may compare and scrutinize others’ appearance, weight, measurements, especially during costume fittings for productions. Individual may have dramatic changes in body weight and size.

7) Individual may expect perfectionistic standards of self, be hypercritical about performance and appearance. (The running mantra being, “I’m not good enough.”)

8) Individual may struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, especially if he/she has not completed self-imposed rituals and rules concerning food, weight and exercise issues.

If there is any kind of issue, no matter how high functioning the person may appear to be, there usually is some form of disorder, instability and desperate chaos to their lives. Mood swings, missing money or food, isolation, dishonesty and secrets are usually not too far away from someone who is struggling. When in doubt, seek help.

If You Have Anorexia Nervosa…

Don’t diet. Never ever. Instead design a meal plan that gives your body all the nutrition it needs for health and growth. Also get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise or physical activity three to five days a week. More than that is too much.

Ask someone you trust for an honest, objective opinion of your weight. If they say you are normal weight or thin, believe them.

If You Have Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder…

Don’t let yourself get too hungry, too angry, too lonely, too tired, or too bored. All these states are powerful binge triggers. Watch for them, and when they first appear, deal with them in a healthy manner instead of letting the tension build until bingeing and purging become the release of choice.

Make sure that every day you touch base with friends and loved ones. Enjoy being with them. It sounds corny, but hugs really are healing.

Keep tabs on your feelings. Several times a day ask yourself how you feel. If you get off track, do whatever the situation requires to get back to your comfort zone.

ANRED: Self Help Tips (Used with Permission)

We can never tell for certain, the dangerous lengths an individual may pursue when coping with his/her pain. Don’t automatically trust “everything is normal” if you see the troubling signs of disorder. It may just be the precursor to the harmful melting process of a life-threatening eating disorder.

Copyright © 2015 by Sheryle Cruse