Anorexia
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 30
What is anorexia?
Anorexia, also called anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder and mental condition. It can make someone feel very scared of gaining weight and lead them to try and keep their weight very low. For example, by eating to little, exercising to much, or using other unhealthy behaviours. A person with anorexia may also see their bodyy differently from how it really is, and it have a serious effect on both physical and mental health. It can affect young people of any gender, and it is not just about attention-seeking or "just wanting to be thin".
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Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia
People suffering with anorexia will see a range of behavioural and physical symptoms. If you experience any of the symptoms below, it is important to seek the correct medical advice by contacting you GP
Behaviour Changes
Eating less or doing to much exercise.
Spending a lot of time thinking about calories, food or what you have eaten.
Having very fixed or rigid rules about food, eating and meal times.
Trying to change you weight by making yourself sick or using laxatives.
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed when eating.
Feeling fat even when others are worried you are underweight.
Becoming focused on body image and checking your weight a lot.
No longer enjoying things you would like to do.
Feeling low, drained or lacking energy.
Feeling more frustrated, snappy or irritable than usual.
Physical Changes
Losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time.
Periods becoming irregular or stopping completely.
Losing interest in sex or finding it heard to enjoy it.
Poor blood flow, which can make you feel cold most of the time.
Struggling with sleep and finding it harder to focus.
Soft fine hair starting to grow on parts of your body.
Struggling with sleep.
Finding it hard to focus.
Feeling bloated or having stomach issues.
Change to hormone levels and normal puberty development.
Getting help - Anorexia
If you think you may be dealing with anorexia, try to speak with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, teacher or counsellor. They can support you in getting the help you need. Talking about it can feel really difficult, but there is nothing embarrassing or shameful about struggling with a mental health condition, reaching out is the first step to recovery.
When life feels overwhelming, controlling food might seem like a good way to cope. But this is not a safe or long lasting way to manage how you feel. Anorexia is a serious mental health condition, so it is important to get the support from a professional who can help you find healthier ways to cope. Click here to find places where you can get help.
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