Posted On: 2023-05-05 10:15:53
The month of May is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month. Discussions, Film Screenings, Events, etc., are conducted throughout the course of the month to shed light on this crucial topic. However, there is one mental health topic that is usually ignored, which is eating disorders.
Eating disorders like Anorexia and Bulimia are characterized by an unhealthy obsession with diet, appearance and body weight. A person dealing with eating disorders often resort to extreme measures to achieve the right body weight.
In India, Mental Health is seen as taboo, and not discussed openly. While prominent figures have recently started to speak up about their struggles with depression, anxiety etc. There is one mental illness that is not well-known in the cultural zeitgeist, and this is eating disorders.
This general lack of understanding can be harmful and dangerous, as it can lead to neglect and abuse. Therefore it is, extremely important to raise awareness of eating disorders. We would like to recommend Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, as a guide to understanding the inner mind of a person battling an eating disorder.
In this piece, we will discuss some signs and dangers of eating disorders, and at the end of the article, we will list five major figures who have battled with eating disorders and have become successful individuals in their lives. These role models can serve as an inspiration for many who are struggling with their mental health.
As mentioned before, a person with eating disorders has an unhealthy obsession with their weight and appearance. They often cut food into extremely tiny pieces, and avoid meals. Sometimes they may even experience disgust or guilt after eating a meal.
Often times, an individual going through anorexia would often count the number of calories they consume, in order to maintain their weight. This can lead them to go down a dangerous path. Some might exercise even after experiencing injury or fatigue, in order to reach their ideal weight. Constant complaint of being fat is another warning sign.
If a person feels ashamed of their body, it is another sign of an eating disorder. Men with eating disorders often feel ashamed about their lack of muscularity or manliness. This often leads them to resort to unhealthy ways of gaining muscles like steroids.
People suffering from eating disorders have a tendency to avoid social gatherings. As they feel insecure about their appearance and weight, social events are a cause of great anxiety and stress. They prefer to remain isolated and withdraw themselves from their close family and friends.
Feeling disgusted towards their own selves is one of the most dangerous symptoms of eating disorders. Cursing themselves for failing to meet their own set standards is quite common among people with eating disorders. It can reach unprecedented levels, where they might harm themselves or even commit suicide.
Now, as we have discussed the signs and dangers of eating disorders. We would to like to attach a great resource link compiled by Eating Disorder Hope, tailor-made for Indians. The resource includes NGOs, and specialist doctors which can be a great help.
To end this article on a positive note, we would like to talk about five major public figures who have a history of battling eating disorders. They have broken down barriers and become successful in their own lives. So, here are five people to serve as your inspiration
Ileana D’Cruz has wowed many with her presence in movies like ‘Rustom’ and ‘Barfi’. While many would assume that she is self-assured. The reality is quite different. She actually struggles with major self-esteem issues. She is quite open about her struggles with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and finds it difficult to be secure about her body shape, especially after entering the entertainment industry.
The ‘Fukrey’ actress famously said that she struggles with Bulimia. In an interview with NDTV’s Barkha Dutt, Richa Chadha said that she would often feel guilty after having a meal. She also said that after a certain point “You stop eating roti, sabzi, dal. You start eating protein, good carbs, complex carbs, good fat, good cholesterol and everything becomes so mathematical."
In an interview with Men’s Journal, Eminem opened up about he was obsessed with burning calories. He stated that he would exercise until he got injured. He made it his point that he would burn up to 2,000 calories per day. Eminem resolved his issue by changing his workout routine.
As referenced in Taylor’s latest song ‘Anti-Hero’, Taylor Swift is one of the victims of eating disorders. In her documentary, Miss Americana, Swift explains that struggles with eating disorders caused her to “go into a real shame/hate spiral.” She went on to detail her illness, stating that she would often feel like she was about to pass out at the end or in the middle of the show. Leading down to a terrifying route, she would even exercise without intaking any food, to achieve her desired size double-zero. However, after being snubbed by the Grammys in 2018, Taylor decided to stop pleasing everyone and instead do what makes her happy.
The world of sports entertainment is often induced with heavy octane live stunts. But to someone struggling with eating disorders, this can be a huge challenge. One person who knows about dealing with such a challenge is Alexa Bliss. The five-time champion explained how her weight shrunk to 80 lbs (36 kgs) when she was fifteen years old. Her heartbeat also dropped to 28 beats per minute. Her story gets scarier, as she revealed that she wasn’t allowed to sleep in the hospital, fearing that she would pass away. However, she has said that a strong support system has helped her overcome her demons.
We hope that this article helped you to understand the dangers and adverse effects of eating disorders. If any victims of eating disorders would like to raise funds for their treatment, they can start their crowdfunding page on Filaantro. Please share this blog with all your friends and family members to raise awareness.
Author: Adil Sayyad
Ready to Start a Fundraiser ?