ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by intentionally restricting food in order to lose weight. Those who have participated in restricting behaviors for a long period of time may appear underweight or emaciated. However, a person who is struggling with a form of Anorexia might not be underweight. You cannot always tell by looking at the person if they struggle with Anorexia. They have difficulty wanting to maintain a body weight appropriate for height, age, and build due to an intense fear of gaining weight. Sufferers typically develop an obsession with losing weight, creating their own food restrictions and possibly compulsive exercise routines. It may also include laxative use, vomiting, and binge eating. They may be in denial of the seriousness of their low body weight. They may see themselves as “fat” even though they are of normal or low weight. Negative body image is experienced. Those who struggle with Anorexia have 10 times the risk of dying compared to same-age peers. Death may be due to cardiovascular issues, multiple organ failure, or suicide.

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  • Emma
    open-quote I went to integrated counseling for two years for eating disorder recovery. Every week, I loved meeting with my counselor to celebrate my successes and work through the barriers that come with mental health challenges. My counselor thoroughly explained the reasons behind eating disorder behaviors, showed empathy with hard topics, and helped me overcome Issues I had dealt with for years. I looked forward to each session.  I am in a healthier state of mind and in a better place in life because of the thoughtfulness, kindness, and professionalism that my counselor showed me close-quote
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    open-quote I am a 56 year old woman who has struggled with disordered eating for the past 42 years of my life. It wasn’t until I found my counselor with Integrated Counseling, that I started to reverse all the ill effects of dieting, issues around controlling all my food and letting go of my fat phobia. The program that my counselor guided me through was an awesome mix of self compassion, intuitive eating and movement, being present in all aspects of life and stopping judgement towards myself and others. I am convinced that I would not be nearly as far along in my healing process were it not for my counselor. She was gentle yet firm, patient and incredibly understanding. I am left with all the tools I need to proceed through life on my continued recovery journey. close-quote
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  • E. A.
    open-quote As a young woman who has struggled with body image and a relationship with food for most of my life, receiving counseling for my eating disorder was the only way I could finally see light at the end of my dark tunnel. My anorexia had consumed me to a point where food, exercise, and the way I perceived my body controlled my thoughts and feelings every hour of the day. It wasn't until I sought out counseling and had a desire to recover that I am finally healing. These past three years receiving professional help have truly saved my life. I am now the healthiest I have ever been. Without a shadow of a doubt, I would encourage any person who is struggling with an eating disorder to not be afraid to reach out and trust that you can finally learn to love yourself. close-quote
    E. A.
  • E.G.
    open-quote I went to integrated counseling for two years for eating disorder recovery. Every week, I loved meeting with my counselor to celebrate my successes and work through the barriers that come with mental health challenges. My counselor thoroughly explained the reasons behind eating disorder behaviors, showed empathy with hard topics, and helped me overcome Issues I had dealt with for years. I looked forward to each session.  I am in a healthier state of mind and in a better place in life because of the thoughtfulness, kindness, and professionalism that my counselor showed me. close-quote
    E.G.
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    open-quote I had Annie as my therapist and she’s one of the best therapists I’ve ever had. She’s great at listening to what I need and making sure I’m comfortable no matter what. I love her and it’s because of her I know how to communicate and trust my therapists! Thank you! close-quote
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    open-quote I have loved my time with Integrated Counseling and Wellness. The staff made me feel comfortable and well taken care of. My therapist, Liz, was incredible. You can tell she is professionally trained, well qualified, and truly cares for her patients. I've seen a dramatic change in my life since beginning my treatment at Integrated Counseling, and I will be forever grateful for my time there. close-quote
    Emma M.
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  • J Waite
    open-quote I have experienced incredible growth with the help of my counselor here. Best counseling I have ever had! close-quote
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Common symptoms of Anorexia nervosa may include:

  • Constantly striving toward low body weight
  • Fear of weight gain – Needs to “burn” off calories
  • Distorted body image – may wear baggy clothing to disguise low body weight
  • Expresses cold intolerance
  • Possible loss of menstrual periods in females
  • Cold intolerance
  • Possible loss of menstrual periods in females
  • Impotence in males
  • Increased irritability
  • Inflexible thinking – possible perfectionism
  • Preoccupied with weight, food, calories, dieting
  • Hair loss/thinning hair
  • Denies feeling hungry, makes excuses not to eat
  • Complains of being tired all the time
  • Early osteoporosis i.e., loss of bone mass
  • Constipation
  • Stomach distress
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headaches/migraines
  • Low resting heart rate/chest pain or discomfort
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