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Self-Image Development: Seeing Through the Eyes of an
by Anya Konsletto
http://www.foranorexia.com

Individuals who suffer from anorexia see themselves as fat
when they may actually be rail thin. Imagine your self
image if you always thought you were fat, but nothing you
did, including starving yourself to death, did anything
to change it. Mentally healthy, balanced people enjoy a
positive self-image. Sometimes life events may lead to a
distorted self-image. People in this situation see
themselves in a disproportionately unrealistic way. This is
the case with people with anorexia. This distorted sense
of reality becomes a mental life sentence in prison.

Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes individuals to
starve themselves. Their distorted sense of their physical
appearance forces them to constantly diet to become thinner
and thinner. Yet, no matter how thin they become, they will
continue to see themselveas as fat, and continue to take
more and more desperate measures to lose more weight. As
this cycle continues, mere dieting eventually becomes a
refusal to eat and without treatment, can eventually result
in death, as the body shuts down from lack of nourishment.

Statistics tell us that the average anorexic is at least
15% below weight (according to insurance charts for their
age, height and build). In addition to refusing to eat,
anorexics often embark on a difficult exercise program and
then even resort the use of laxatives to completely lose
the food they do eat. This is all in an effort to lose even
more weight. This is a lethal combination, that, in many
cases leads to death. The body is starved of essential
fuel, it is physically pushed beyond limit, and then pumped
with medicine that damages the internal digestive organs,
and can cause them to shut down.

The profile of an anorexic individual is: Caucasian female
in early or late puberty, and from a high socio-economic
class. They will usually be engaged in activities that
stress the need for thinness and also seem to breed
anorexia. Theater, dancing, especially ballet, and certain
sports activities such as track and field usually attract
people with a higher than average rate of anorexia.

Among the symptoms that may indicate the presence of
anorexia are extreme or rapid weight loss, refusal to eat
in public or the absolute refusal to eat, disruption of the
menstrual cycle (three or more missed cycles,
consecutively), shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue,
anxiety, brittle skin and obsessive behavior in the area of
caloric intake. It~s important to remember that not all
symptoms are apparent in every individual. If even some of
these become apparent, it~s important to consult a
physician immediately. Whether these symptoms are due to
anorexia or some other illness, they indicate a serious
health issue.

People who suffer from anorexia can become angry, combative
and secretive because they think the world is against them
since they don't see themselves as others see them. They
don't even see themselves as they are in reality. Therefore
they often resort to such tricks as cooking large meals for
others but will not eat any of it themelves, fearing that
they will become more and more obese.

If you notice a loved one exhibiting any of the above signs
of this illness, you should immediately contact a physician
to be sure the necessary steps are taken to get them help.
Treatments do exist to help anorexics overcome this
condition. You also need to provide a strong support
system throughout the recovery period. Remember, if you
are helping someone with this disease, fear and denial may
lead them to say almost anything, so do not take anything
they say to you personally. Just continue to offer as much
love and support as you can.

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