weighing
Getting cold easily
Irregular (or absent) menstrual cycle
Feeling like they are too fat even though they may be very thin
Nails and hair become brittle
Dry and yellow skin
Preference to eating alone or only eating around other people
Feeling depressed and irritable
Lanugo, or fine body hair, on the trunk and face
If you are experiencing a number of these things, it may be helpful to talk with someone you trust, like a family member, teacher, psychologist or local doctor.
What causes anorexia nervosa?
Eating disorders such as
anorexia are a combination of physical and mental health difficulties and there are usually a number of factors that contribute to its development. These factors could include any or all of the following:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual trauma
- Cultural emphasis or preoccupation with body image ideals
- Relationships with peers and family
- Loss and grief
- Brain chemistry
- Physiological effects of dieting
- Stress or coping styles
- Genetic factors
- A feeling of lack of control over one's life
- An inability to cope with and manage emotions/feelings in a more positive way
It is often impossible to identify one single cause of a person's
eating disorder. Rather, eating disorders are usually a result of a combination of factors working together. For some people it will be easy to identify what some of the reasons may be, but for others in may be very difficult. Regardless of the causes or reasons, it is important to remember that people with
anorexia can and do recover.
