Archive for December, 2009
How long does it take to really recover from an eating disorder?
What should I say to someone who has developed anorexia when I see her for the first time in a long time?
I am going to see a family friend’s daughter, who is fifteen.
Do I say that she looks good? Do I not talk about how she looks at all? She is going to look very, very different from the last time I saw her and it might be weird if I don’t say anything at all.
I recognize that if I say “you look awful,” maybe I will draw her attention to the fact that she is not well, but I don’t think it will help with the actual disease. But if I say “you look great,” maybe she will think, “See Mom? I look fine. Why do you say I look so thin?”
I also think that to not say anything at all would be like if I met Britney Spears after she shaved her head and didn’t comment on it. It would just be conspicuous.
Bulimia Side Effects – What You Need to Know
Bulimia is a seriously dangerous illness that is becoming increasingly popular among young women. With the added pressures of society and even family members telling young girls the way to be successful and beautiful is to be thin, many turn to extreme diets such as bulimia that can have severe effects on their mental and bodily health. Bulimia is characterized by binging and purging and the side effects of this behavior can be devastating.
Many of these side effects are not obvious in the beginning stages of the illness. Many people will just have stomachaches, but this typically does not alarm anyone because of how common they are. However, as time goes on, the side effects of bulimia get worse. After forced vomiting only a few times, the person may see blood and have increasing stomach pains, and this is only the beginning
One of the most common side effects of bulimia is discoloration of teeth or tooth decay. Since the stomach contains acid, constant vomiting can cause many dental problems caused by teeth coming into contact with the acid. Stomach acid can also affect the esophagus, causing it to bleed. Those who vomit excessively may also tear their esophagus and need immediate medical attention. Frequent vomiting can have serious effects on the body. Stomach contents also have the potential to enter the sinus cavities or lungs and cause infection.
There are many physical side effects of bulimia such as organ problems, irregular heartbeat, malnutrition due to continuous vomiting as well as weak bones and overall feeling of weakness. Of course, these side effects of bulimia are awful, but the side effects do not stop there and honestly, the physical side effects are not the worst of them. Those who suffer from bulimia also suffer from severe psychological damage.
Feelings that are out of control often accompany bulimia. People may also feel anxious or depressed, as bulimia can often be caused a chemical imbalance in the brain. Bulimia is not only an illness, but also something that takes control over the sufferer’s life. Although it may seem as though they **** food, it is still constantly on their mind. Bulimics also may not be able to eat in front of others or avoid people all together.
Often, bulimia is an eating disorder that is taken lightly. It may be difficult to see some of the side effects of a person suffering from the illness. However, if these symptoms are left alone, they will lead to death. Bulimia is a terrifying disease that has claimed the lives of thousands of teens already so, it is important to notice the symptoms so there is no chance of these side effects occurring.
This is only a partial list of side effects of bulimia, but there are many more. It is a terrifying list so you will want to do everything you can to make sure no one has to deal with them.
By: Samantha Adams
About the Author:
Anorexia Causes – Things That Cause People to Become Anorexic
Anorexia is a very serious disorder. Anorexia is an eating disorder where a person eats very little or starves themselves in order to become thinner. Here is a list of anorexia causes:
1. Self esteem issues- if you have low self esteem you are more likely to suffer from anorexia.
2. You compete in sports like ballet, gymnastics, or cheerleading- If you feel like you need to be thinner in order to compete then you might develop anorexia to cope with the pressure to be thinner. Trainers and coaches might also add pressure to the situation and the pressure to want to please the coach or trainer might cause someone to develop anorexia.
3. Personal issues- you are sad or lonely because of personal issues such as a death in the family, divorce, breakup etc. Some young girls become anorexic after their parents get divorced because they want some control, so they think by controlling their weight they are accomplishing this.
4. Depression-depression can make you have anorexia because when you are sad or lonely you are less inclined to eat or take care of yourself.
5. Media-television, magazines, and mass media all emphasize being thin. Many people want to be skinny like models and celebrities so they become anorexic. People mimic what they see on television and in magazines and mass media. You feel like you are not cool or an outcast if you are not a perfect size zero.
Anorexia usually affects teens but this disorder can affect both men and women young and old. Anyone can become anorexic, if left untreated, anorexia can be fatal. If you starve your body for too then your body systems will begin to shut down which will lead to organ failure. If your organs start to fail then you will die.
It is important to know what the anorexia causes are. This is because in order to prevent anorexia from getting too far advanced, you must first keep your eyes open to causes of anorexia and monitor those individuals who might be at risk for developing this disorder.
If you know anyone who might be suffering from anorexia, please consult a psychiatrist or mental health professional. You should also speak to the person’s family, a trusted teacher, or another responsible party. You should always speak up because anorexia is a life threatening disorder. Many people who suffer from anorexia are ashamed to ask for help. Many times, anorexia sufferers cannot admit that they have a problem. Suffering in silence is a horrible thing so we all must do our part to help people who suffer from anorexia. Hopefully, the list of anorexia causes will help people spot behaviors that might cause anorexia. We need to help bring light to this critical disorder and find a way to prevent it.
By: Wendy Pan
About the Author:
Is there anybody on here suffering from a eating disorder?
How harmful is a one day eating binge?
The school social worker thinks I might have unintentional anorexia. What does this mean?
I am over 25 pounds underweight and have been very underweight my whole life. She thinks there will be lasting side affects if I don’t start gaining weight soon. Is there any treatment for this besides eating more? Can I drink any special shakes or anything like that?
I’m going to the doctor in 2 days. I’m usually not hungry enough or too busy to eat a lot.
I also don’t eat meat. Sorry about not saying that from the beginning!
Bulimic eating disorder
I created this movie in order to emphasis the hardships that one must overcome if they are a sufferer of bulimia.








