Understanding Anorexia

Do your friends and family know how to support you in your recovery? Do you think that they understand anorexia and other eating disorders? Do they know what truly helps you, and what doesn't? It can be challenging for friends and family to know how to be supportive because they don't know what it's like to have an eating disorder. They haven't walked in your shoes. But one supportive husband tried, at least for a few days. J brought an article entitled, "Anorexia Nearly Killed My Wife" (Glamour magazine, January 2008). The article told the story of Meg's anorexia and recovery, and her husband Tom's perspective and process of support. In an effort to understand anorexia, and why it was so hard for Meg to overcome it, Tom tried to "simulate anorexia," by deliberately cutting calories in addition to daily workouts. The first two days were a struggle. But by day three, he found himself thinking that when he refused food, he had a sense of victory. This helped Tom to understand the "seduction of the words in her head, how they could override the most basic human survival instincts." Tom's experience helped him to be more patient, understanding and supportive during Meg's recovery. A word of caution: Tom's starvation experience is actually what happens to many dieters. It is estimated that 33% of dieters become obsessed with weight loss, and 10% end up like Meg, with a severe eating disorder. While Tom's efforts were noble, let's be clear: to understand anorexia, you don't have to starve yourself. Just ask lots of questions, read lots of books, and be grateful that you will never really understand.