Anorexia Nervosa
Management and Resources
At home
Although people with AN require professional treatment, there are some behavior changes one can try to improve their quality of life. These include self-compassion, social support, and challenging beliefs and behaviors.
Self-compassion
Individuals with AN often have negative thoughts about themselves and their bodies. These thoughts, over time, can create a series of critical and negative thinking that lead one to hold themselves to different standards than they would of another. For example, one may look at someone and see an ideal body, and when they look at their own body (which objectively looks similar) will say harsh statements that they would never say to another. When one practices self-compassion and treat themselves like they would their best friend or partner, the “inner critic” becomes smaller and less judgmental over time.
Social support
Battling anorexia nervosa can be hard and social support can go a long way in the journey to recovery from AN. People with AN often need the help and support of family members and friends; however, sometimes it can be hard to accept the help and be vulnerable with others. They might consider joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend.
Individuals with AN may benefit from trying to surround themselves with body positive people (acceptance of all bodies), and avoid discussing weight and food with others. Be mindful of social media use and online support communities that might be pro-anorexia. Having a community of supportive people who only want the best for a person can make a major difference when in treatment for AN.
Challenging beliefs and behaviors
Anorexia nervosa can cause people to believe negative thoughts and engage in behaviors they wouldn’t normally do. In treatment, they are encouraged to challenge these thoughts and behaviors -- and it’s never too early to start. Individuals with AN can try journaling to get to know themselves better and to see if they notice any trends in their thinking or behaviors. In this exercise, they might acknowledge any limiting ideas about their body, weight, food, or what they should be like.
They might take note of whether they are engaging in any behaviors that only worsen their feelings like checking their body in the mirror, over-exercising, or hiding under baggy clothes. Over time it will be easier to challenge oneself and make decisions based on their values, instead of what the anorexia may want.
In relationships
Many people with AN have low self-esteem and may struggle to think of even one good aspect of themselves. They may avoid close relationships or sex and intimacy because they do not want the close scrutiny of their bodies and may imagine that others will be disgusted by their appearance--although the person with AN may believe others see them as “fat,” when the reverse is true.
People who are close to someone AN can help out by learning about the illness and trying to help the individual be more open and honest about their feelings. It can be easy to worry about saying the “wrong” thing to someone who is struggling with this condition, that nothing at all is said; That is often a mistake. As in all relationships, sometimes the person may not like what is said but as long as comments are made with love and with the intent to be positive and nurturing, then others are on the right path.
At work
At some point, people with AN may not be able to work because they become too ill to perform basic daily work responsibilities. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that falls under the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means that if workers with AN can no longer perform all or most of their duties, then they may be entitled to potential accommodations. Human resources at the place of employment may refer the individual to an employee assistance program for help or assist the employee in seeking workplace accommodations.
At school
At some point, people with AN may not be able to attend school because they become too ill to go to class, complete their homework, or focus on their studies. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that falls under the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For the purposes of this law, AN is considered a disability when it causes limitations in their ability to participate in education at the same level of other students that do not have AN.
Students with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations designed to help mitigate symptoms and increase their likelihood of academic success. Each school’s process of requesting accommodations may look different, individuals with AN should be sure to speak with their school administrator to understand their process and what documentation is required from them.
Organizations
National Institute of Mental Health
National Eating Disorders Association
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians