how to battle an eating disorder

1. How to Battle an Eating Disorder and Win
Eating Disorders are a very complex issue that have become more and more popular
among today's youth. The cause of an eating disorder stems from many sources and can be
seriously detrimental to a person's physical and mental wellbeing. An eating disorder can be
extremely tough to beat. But with the right guidance and treatment anyone is capable of
recovery.
The first part of beating an eating disorder is knowing what an eating disorder is and
accepting that you have one. One of the most common eating disorders is anorexia nervosa.
Anorexia is when a person starves themselves to lose weight. People who have anorexia portray
lots of characteristics outside of just denying themselves food. Someone dealing with anorexia
nervosa is typically underweight. People with anorexia usually have low self-esteem or an
anxiety disorder. They also have a tendency to be obsessive. You might catch them counting
calories, hopping on the scale frequently, or constantly checking their appearance in almost any
object they walk by that gives a reflection. It's almost as if their brain sets rules and they are
bound to live by them Because they fear that if they don't they might gain weight or become
"fat'. This causes high amounts of anxiety and emotional stress around food and eating itself.
Some people with Anorexia even have panic attacks if they go over their calorie limit or feel like
they are being forced to eat.
Over time anorexia begins to wear down on your body. Physical side effects include loss
of hair, fatigue, low blood pressure, dry hair and skin, bristle nails, dehydration, absence of
ministration, constipation, and even osteoporosis. Their body lacks the nutrients to function and
will eventually start breaking down and could even result in death. If anything, I have described

2. in this paragraph sounds like yourself or someone you may know then you or that person has an
eating disorder.
Once you realize that you are battling an eating disorder the next step is to reach out and
seek help. There are hundreds of rehabs and treatments facilities that can help people recover.
Treatment centers off resources such as group therapy alongside other individuals facing with
same or similar issue, nutritionists to help guide get your physical health in check, psychiatrists
that can prescribe medication if needed and perform necessary psychological tests. Since Most
eating disorders do stem from anxiety and poor mental health, therapy is usually crucial to the
process. Meaning that it is highly recommended that a patient does one on one therapy sessions
and continue them even once they are discharged from a treatment facility. It must be kept in
mind that treatment centers are not permanent. They are simply to get you started on the right
path and help you get back on your feet. Once a patient is discharged, in order to remain stable,
they must have a plan to maintain. This leads us to the last and most important step, self-love.
Self-love is the goal you must work towards every day after treatment and this is
achieved through self-care. Set a calorie limit to maintain your weight but not to lose. Eat clean
and avoid junk foods but still treat your-self occasionally. This will keep your weight from
fluctuating so much and stressing you out, which could potentially lead to you reverting back to
old habits. Find physical activities that are not necessarily about losing weight but that are
relaxing and healthy for your body. Participate in yoga or go for a walk, but don't go running or
worry about how many calories you're burning while you're doing it. Your mental health is also a
huge portion along with your physical health. So, take time to enjoy things that make you happy
or make you laugh. Have a night out with your favorite people, watch your favorite movie, or
catch up with family. Live to be the happiest and healthiest you.

3. Recovery is not an overnight process. There is no magic pill or solution that will just
instantly make things better. It takes effort, patience, and the willingness to accept help. Most
importantly it is going to take time. The journey of recovery is about healing. Healing takes
time. It will entail some ups and some real low downs. There are going to be days where it seems
easy and there are going to be days where it feels impossible and like you simply just can't. But
you always can if you keep fighting and never stop.