Anorexia Nervosa

by Tracey Weston

Initially you lost just a stone in weight
We all meant it when we said you looked great
Not listening closely to the things that you said
Never understanding the thoughts in your head.
Your health quickly began to slide downhill
We never suspected that you were seriously ill.

Food very rarely touching your lips
Your favourite saying; '...a lifetime on the hips'
You began to hide food in your handkerchief
Convinced you are fat. Your misguided belief.
You are hungry and yet too frightened to eat
Hiding it from your family through lies and deceit.

At the age of eighteen, you weigh seven stones
Your skin is sallow, you're all skin and bones.
Your throat is burning, your teeth are rotting
All that stomach acid from self induced vomiting.
And only last month your periods did stop
Just a young woman; your hormones messed up.

You take laxatives to rush food through your system
Vitamin deficiencies worsen your symptoms
Often constipated, bowels not working properly
Aches and pains rack through your frail body.
You're feeling depressed, tired all the while
You need food for energy but you're in denial.

You're beautiful as you are, beautiful as you were
Talk to your family or a specialist if you prefer
You're not fat; you're underweight; you need to see
Yet somehow you perceive things so very differently.
You need to talk; work out why you feel this way
Stop long term health problems before you fade away.

Anorexia Nervosa can affect anyone of any age but is more common between the ages of 15 - 25. It is also more common amongst females than males. Causes for anorexia are varied but tend to be psychological in origin although genes may also have some influence. The pressures of society to be 'thin' and 'perfect'; personality; family environment and relationships can all be contributory factors. Treatments tend to be psychological therapies backed up by family and GP support and also self-help. Anti-depressants may help in some cases. Other inputs may also be needed depending on the damage inflicted by starvation. Such treatments vary but often relate to dental or digestive problems and even osteoporosis.