When we focus on calories and losing weight, we keep ourselves in a state of denial about painful experiences in our lives. We have a strong need for acceptance from others and will go out of our way to please others, even if it means sacrificing our selves. This need for acceptance, coupled with feelings of low self-worth, keeps us stuck in a world of perfectionism, where our primary focus is on our body, how unacceptable we perceive it to be and what life will be like when we finally have the body we desire. As long as we believe that our body is the source of our unhappiness, we are able to stay in denial about the underlying causes of our distress with an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa. What we fail to understand is that we are capable human beings, who can safely be responsible for our emotions and experiences, and who can learn to show respect for ourselves and our needs, without losing the support and respect of others.

The following is a list of some symptoms of anorexia. You need not have all of these concerns to be anorexic but you will likely identify with many.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa (physiological)

• Over-excessive concern with body image
• Extreme weight loss due to reduced food intake
• Feelings of being fat in spite of increasing thinness
• Obsessive Behaviour: With food, with dieting, and with exercising

Other physiological symptoms may include: weakness, swelling of the neck, cessation of menstruation, low pulse and blood pressure, ulcers, loss of tooth enamel due to repeated vomiting, thyroid dysfunction, insomnia, hormone and electrolyte imbalances, potassium deficiency, and others.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa (psychological)

• Loss of self-esteem
• Fears of growing up
• Difficult parent/child relationships
• Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority
• Peer and parent pressure
• Perfectionism
• Deep feelings of guilt and shame

Anorexia is also often accompanied by extreme over-activity, panic, anxiety, and sometimes drug abuse.

What You Can Do

If you believe that you or someone you know may have anorexia, there is something that you can do. At The CEDRIC Centre we understand many of the complex issues regarding anorexia and have qualified counsellors who will support you through the healing process.

For more information, or to speak with one of our qualified counsellors, please fill out our request for services form.