Anorexia nervosa is a severe mental health disorder that impacts a person’s thoughts and behaviors related to eating and body image. It affects both men and women and is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, distorted self-perception, and maintaining an unhealthy low weight through restrictive eating, vomiting, or excessive exercise.
Individuals with anorexia may conceal their behaviors from those close to them. Common signs of anorexia include:
- Skipping meals, consuming minimal amounts of food, or avoiding specific food groups
- Going to the bathroom immediately after eating to induce vomiting
- Using laxatives or appetite suppressants
- Obsessively tracking calorie intake
- Physical issues such as dizziness, hair loss, or dry skin
- Constantly weighing oneself and examining one’s appearance in the mirror
People with anorexia may also struggle with other emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking counselling in conjunction with medical treatment can be extremely beneficial.
Potential therapeutic approaches include:
- Psychiatric management
- Cognitive-behavioral counselling(CBT)
- Dialectical behavior counselling (DBT)
- Schema counselling (ST)
- Cognitive analytic counselling (CAT)
Due to the multifaceted nature of anorexia, it’s often recommended that treatment incorporates a multidisciplinary approach, addressing mental, emotional, and physical aspects of the individual’s well-being.
The Hypoworry Online Counselling team has extensive experience in working with individuals who struggle with eating disorders. They can provide support and guidance through our online platform, making counselling accessible and convenient for those seeking help with anorexia.
