Why does everyone think im anorexic

As a recipient of these comments, it irks me that someone stereotypes me so quickly based on my body type. Even further, these comments also demean and trivialize this mental illness and the pain behind it. Though eating disorders occur in both genders, people associate the idea more with women than with men. I try to contain my exasperation when people make false assumptions about me because of my diet and weight. Instead, I have learned to patiently correct their words and try to impart that just because I am skinny does not mean I am anorexic.

I may look thin, but I promise you, I can shove a full bag of Cheetos, several sleeves of Oreos and a passion tea lemonade down my throat in the early hours of morning with the best of them.

Reach the columnist at kelsey. Want to join the conversation? Send an email to opiniondesk. Keep letters under words and be sure to include your university affiliation. If you have anorexia, you may feel: afraid of putting on weight or being fat preoccupied with your weight unable to think about anything other than food as though your body is bigger or a different shape than it really is anxious, especially around mealtimes lacking in confidence and self-esteem irritable and moody that you have very high standards for yourself or you are a perfectionist.

The physical signs of anorexia include: weight loss lack of sexual interest difficulty sleeping dizziness hair loss constipation, bloating and stomach pains feeling cold and weak soft downy hair called lanugo growing all over your body difficulty concentrating low blood pressure periods stopping or becoming irregular.

Anorexia can affect your behaviour. What causes anorexia? Losing weight can start to feel like a sense of achievement or a way to feel a sense of worth perfectionism having another mental health conditions, particularly depression , self-harm and anxiety finding it hard to handle stress and cope with life obsessive or compulsive behaviours read our page on obsessive compulsive disorder.

Biological and genetic factors Research shows there may be genetic links to anorexia. What help is available? Talking therapies Talking therapies can help you identify the feelings and fears that triggered your anorexia and help you develop a healthier attitude towards food and your body. You may be offered: Cognitive analytical therapy CAT. This looks at past experiences and events to help you understand why you think, feel and behave the way you do now.

Your therapist will then help you develop new tools to cope in a healthier way Cognitive behavioural therapy CBT. This focuses on identifying and changing the thoughts and beliefs that may trigger your anorexia. They may also refer you for some blood tests to make sure your weight loss is not caused by something else.

If they think you may have anorexia, or another eating disorder, they should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists. It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and to ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment. You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling its adult helpline on or youth helpline on If you're concerned that a family member or friend may have anorexia, let them know you're worried about them and encourage them to see a GP.

You could offer to go along with them. Read more about talking to your child about eating disorders and supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can recover from anorexia, but it may take time and recovery will be different for everyone.

Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and should consider any other support you might need, such as for depression or anxiety. If you're over 18, you should be offered a type of talking therapy to help you manage your feelings about food and eating so that you are able to eat enough to be healthy. Talking therapies that are commonly used to treat anorexia in adults include:. If you're under 18, you should be offered family therapy.