Summary
Anorexia is an eating disorder and serious mental health condition that involves heavily restricting food, and causes intense fear about weight gain as well as distorted views of your own body. Read more to find out about some of the causes behind anorexia, and where you can find help if you’re struggling with disordered eating.
Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that can be triggered by feelings about body image or as a control response to a stressful situation.
It is characterised by three aspects:
- The act of persistently restricting yourself from eating, causing you to become significantly underweight for your age, sex, developmental stage or physical health.
- Having an intense fear of gaining weight and taking extreme measures to avoid weight gain (e.g. over-exercising)
- Seeing your body weight or shape in a negative light, even if you have a healthy weight or are very thin
It might seem that anorexia is primarily caused by feelings about weight and body shape but a person may develop the condition because of the way they feel about themselves.
It can also be a way of taking back control if you are going through a very stressful or tough time in your life. Both boys and girls can develop anorexia.
Stopping yourself from eating is very dangerous and can seriously affect your physical and mental health. It can also be hard to admit to having anorexia, even if you feel very ill.
That’s why it’s so important for you or your friend to get help if you’re eating less and losing a lot of weight.
More information and support
Bodywhys
Bodywhys provides support and information for people affected by anorexia and other eating disorders.
Website: bodywhys.ie
TALK NOW
If you’re thinking about suicide or self-harm or if you need help right away, call 999 or 112
There are also specific support lines that you can call:
Samaritans Ireland – 116 123
Pieta House – 1800 247 247
Childline can also be contacted by any child or young person by calling 1800 66 66 66, texting to 50101 or chatting online at Childline.ie 24 hours a day, every day.
Key takeaways
- Anorexia Nervosa is a serious mental health condition.
- It’s characterised by restricting food, and causes you to become significantly underweight
- It can be related to feeling out of control in your life.
- Anorexia is not an easy condition to fix, but with treatment and support it can be overcome.
- It is vital that you reach out for help if you or someone you know is suffering from anorexia.
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