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

Every one of us has a self image. Mentally healthy,
balanced people enjoy a good, or positive self-image.
However, certain conditions and life events may lead to a
distorted self-image. In these cases, the way they see
themselves is disproportionately beyond reality. This is
the case with individuals who suffer from anorexia. This
debilitating disease causes people to see themselves as fat
when they may actually be rail thin. This distorted
self-image becomes a prison for their body, frequently with
a death sentence.

In a nutshell, anorexia is an eating disorder that causes
individuals to starve themselves, as a result of their
warped perception of their own physical appearance. In
other words, no matter how thin they become, they continue
to see themselves as obese and take every desperate measure
to shed those unwanted ~ if non-existent ~ pounds.
Inevitably, this deteriorates into the refusal to eat and,
if left untreated, will cause death due to the breakdown of
the body~s systems.

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.

Most commonly the victims of anorexia are Caucasian females
in their early or mid teens, typically from a high socio
economic class. There are certain activities that stress
the need for thinness and so also seem to breed anorexia.
Such activities as theater, dancing and certain sports
activities, especially track and field related sports have
participants 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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