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Anorexia - Where to Get Help For Eating
Disorders
There is one silver lining in the staggering statistics about the
prevalence of Anorexia Nervosa today: there are now a multitude of resources available
to help you or your loved one make a full recovery. Research
If
you're still in the research phases, check out the National Eating Disorders Association
website at http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. Not only do they offer comprehensive
information about Anorexia, Bulimia, and other eating disorders, but they also
offer a referral service to help you find specialists in your area. In addition,
you can find out about treatment centers offering in-patient care in a home-like
facility. I recommend calling and speaking to the doctors and therapists
in your area to find out about the kind of help they provide. Sometimes they can
put you in touch with previous patients they have worked with who can tell you
about their experience. Reach Out
If you think you might have
an eating disorder, you don't have to suffer alone. Tell a trusted friend or family
member, and ask them to help you find the proper treatment. It can be daunting
to do it yourself, and you don't have to. If you don't have a friend or
family member who you trust enough to reach out to, then contact the National
Eating Disorders Association or another eating disorders organization for help.
They can put you in touch with someone in your area who might be able to help. Methods
of Treatment
Whether you're getting help from home, or staying at an inpatient
facility, Anorexia is most commonly treated using a multidisciplinary team approach.
A doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, and dietitian (along with, sometimes, a fitness
trainer, group therapy, art therapy, massage, and more) all work together to ensure
that the eating disorder is treated from every angle. Anorexia isn't just
about maintaining a low weight. It's often accompanied by depression and anxiety.
Anorexia is also sometimes classified as an addiction, because of the fixation
and obsession with food, and the dependency on ritualistic behaviors surrounding
food and exercise. Proper treatment is necessary to ensure a complete recovery. If
You're a Friend or Family Member
It's painful to watch someone you love
suffering from an eating disorder. The best thing you can do is offer support.
Remind him or her that you love them, and that you're there for them. Avoid commenting
on their weight or appearance; instead, remind them of their strength and beauty
regardless of what they look like. If they're already seeking help and in treatment,
ask general, non-invasive questions about what they're learning. Some facilities
have friends and family days when you can meet with the treatment team and find
out more about your friend or family member's progress. If they haven't
started treatment yet, or are in denial about their condition, try to talk to
them about it without pointing fingers or accusing. Again, remind them that you
care, and want to see them healthy and happy. If Cost is an Issue
Treatment
for Anorexia can be costly. If your insurance does not cover eating disorder treatment,
or if you don't have insurance, find out if specialists in your area offer a sliding
scale. Some schools have free counseling to students and staff, and many cities
have free 12-step meetings for eating disorder recovery. To recover from
Anorexia, nothing can replace professional treatment with a team of specialists.
It's unfair that we sometimes have to weigh the cost of treatment with the cost
of our health, but your health should always come out on top. Don't avoid seeking
help because of the cost.
By
Peach Friedman
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