Experiences with Anorexia - Dealing with Anorexia

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Bob M: I want to post a few audience comments....

Marissa: I have had anorexia since age 10. I am now 38 and just found out 4 months ago that I have it.

Laurie: It's kind of hard Stacy, for fear and threats to health to scare one engaged in self-starvation into changing.

Ellie: College usually makes it worse because of the stress.

Donnna: I too have a daughter who is 4 yrs. of age. I want to be here for her. I'm ready to end this battle myself. It seems though that every time I hit an issue in my recovery, I fall back to the behavior

Taime2: I've struggled with this eating disorder for so long, I wonder if there is any hope.

Zonnie: Stacy, do you ever want to go back all the way to how you were before? I'm doing better, but I miss it, however weird that is.

Ranma2: I feel extremely guilty after I eat. Like I have done something shameful Stacy.

Irishgal: I have restricted my calorie intake to 200 calories every other day which I guess turns out to be 100 a day. I am trying to get back to my goal weight of 88 where I was a year ago, but its destroying me now. I passed out and got a bloody nose at swim practice today. I don't know what to do!!!

Julia: I know that my family and friends are worried about me all the time. If I go out for a walk, if I go out for dinner, if I am not feeling well, etc. They seem to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Bob M: Here's a follow-up question to the telling family or friends comment Stacy:

UCLOBO: How, would I go about telling them? See, they would COMPLETELY freak out on me and take me out of b-ball and that is my college tution. I'm very scared to tell them.

Stacy: They may understand, you cannot just push it at them. Let them know that you are in treatment.

Bob M: You can't force it on them. Let them know you are having difficulties...but that you are, or want to do something about it. UCLOBO, one of the most important keys to recovery is getting the help and support you need. Many people are afraid that if they tell their family or friends, they will be rejected. You are not alone with those feelings. But most family members care about each other and want to help. However, don't expect them not to react to the news. And remember to give them time to digest it. And, if your parents are not the supportive type, then you have to seek treatment on your own. Hopefully, you have a friend or two who can be there for you.

Bob M: Stacy, I want to thank you for coming here tonight and sharing your story with us.

Stacy: You are welcome Bob.

Bob M: The audience has been very receptive to your comments. Our next guest is Dr. Harry Brandt. Dr. Brandt is the medical director at St. Joseph's Center for Eating Disorders near Baltimore, Maryland. It is one of the top treatment facilities in the country for eating disorders. Prior to that, he was head of the eating disorders unit at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Washington, D.C. I will mention right now that if you are serious about getting help for your eating disorder, and it doesn't matter where in the country you live, you might want to investigate St. Joseph's. The Center is located in Baltimore, Maryland...but people from all over the country go there for help. After the in or out-patient treatment, they will help you arrange for treatment in your own community. And they will help with sorting out your insurance or medicare/medicaid. They have special financial counselors to help with that. Good evening Dr. Brandt. Welcome back to the Concerned Counseling Website.

Dr. Brandt: Thanks Bob, it is a pleasure to be back.

Bob M: You were here for Stacy's story and her battle with anorexia. How difficult is it to overcome an eating disorder?

Dr. Brandt: Eating disorders are nasty illnesses....and as we could tell from Stacy's story, they are difficult to recover from.

Bob M: What makes it so difficult?

Dr. Brandt: There are many reasons. First and foremost, the dangerous behaviors of the illnesses are highly reinforcing. Our culture tends to drive people to continue these behaviors.

Bob M: But why, once you recognize them as dangerous, is it so difficult to stop them?

Dr. Brandt: I think it varies for the different illnesses. I'll take them one at a time. In anorexia nervosa, starvation itself is potent perpetuating symptom. As people starve, they want to lose more and more weight. They often describe that after they have lost several pounds, something "clicks in" and they want to lose more and more weight. Similarly, the bingeing and purging of bulimia is also perpetuating. People describe feeling "soothed" by the behavior. Because the anorexia symptoms are gratifying, they are difficult to give up. The longer they progress, the more difficult it is to give up the primary symptoms.

Bob M: So, what you are saying is, if you catch the symptoms early, there is a better chance of recovery and a better chance of a longer-lasting recovery. Am I correct?

Dr. Brandt: Yes, early treatment is important and highly effective. But, I have seen many people like Stacy ultimately recover as well.