Empathizing: Anorexia

Individuals with an eating disorder of anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight. They take steps in becoming dangerously thin. Signs of anorexia include less than normal weight, negative body image and obsession with food. They typically play around with their food and have specific procedures they must do when they eat. Mainly females and teenagers get anorexia. It is found among wealthy families. Anorexia individuals get their dieting way out of control; almost obsessive in that they strictly limit food intake constantly. They think about their weight and food all the time. They look in the mirror and see a fat image. Years of this lifestyle can lead to starvation, bone thinning, kidney damage or heart problems. Individuals who are perfectionists, who have jobs that stress thin weight for appearances or who have perceived pressures from family members trigger anorexia mentality. To force the food out of body and thus not gain weight, anorexics use laxatives or vomitting as strategies.

The treatment that is prescribed to an anorexia is:

1. emotional healthcare: the depression, anxiety or obsessive compulsive behaviors that the anorexic display may need mental renewal and rethinking. Various antidepressant medicines are prescribed.
2. diet counseling: the anorexic needs metabolism readjustment to turn from the starvation mode to regulate dehydration, starvation and the electrolyte imbalance on improper eating behaviors.
3. coping strategies for stress and the unique challenges they face

Ways to empathize with an anorexic:

1. Develop your social network with the individual. They must need this social approval and your trust to even help them with their playful eating habits.
2. Increase their self esteem by not falsifying compliments, but show genuine support in accurate help with their struggle. Remind them they do not need to please you. Reassure your friendship with them. Reassure them they do not need to be perfect for them to receive your love and concern. Reassure them they are accepted. Maturity is praised. Healthy eating habits is encouraged. A controlled disciplined eating plan is praised. A predictable routine and goals in their eating habits are encouraged.
3. Remove stress to the individual that causes them to think inaccurately about their body image. Do not highlight the "perfectionism" you desire, but steps toward mastery that are desired to be healthy. Reduce the references to the "top model" imagery; or "performance" competencies.
4. Play imagery tapes of the healthy way to think about your self.