Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is the outcome of an individual’s crusade for thinness or intense fear of being fat. The drive to restrict food is all encompassing and leads to weight loss and disturbances in the way someone perceives his/her own body. Often times the beginning stages of anorexia are well-intended and can even be applauded by others. We live in a culture where restrictive eating and weight loss are commonly talked about and praised. We often have clients who’s loved ones encouraged the eating and/or exercise changes because they were initially seen as an innocent diet. While diets are about food and weight, Anorexia is about using food and weight to cope with underlying emotional issues. When someone is struggling with Anorexia, they often equate thinness with self-worth. Food and weight become a means to not only increase self-worth, but too also gain a sense of control, numb painful emotions, and earn approval or acceptance. Recovery involves exploring these underlying issues and addressing all areas impacted by the eating disorder.

A client once shared that Anorexia “touches everything.” We could not agree more. The intense preoccupation with food and weight disrupts physical health in so many ways, including unhealthy weight loss, loss of energy, trouble sleeping, amenorrhea, nutrient deficiencies, and medical complications. In addition, areas in life that once brought joy, such as socializing, are cut out to prioritize the disease. Family tension grows as the individual struggling isolates and family members struggle with how to help them. Anxiety and Depression can also develop as an individual struggles with this disease. Lotus Therapy Group has over 15 years of experience in helping individuals struggling with Anorexia take the necessary steps toward recovery.