Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious and complex mental health condition that involves much more than food or weight. It often includes a deeply rooted fear of gaining weight, a distorted perception of body shape and size, and a drive for control that can feel all-consuming. People struggling with anorexia may drastically restrict their food intake, and some may also engage in purging behaviors such as vomiting, using laxatives, or excessive exercise.
While anorexia is often associated with extremely low body weight, it's important to understand that the emotional and psychological toll can be just as significant—sometimes even more so—than the physical signs. Medical complications can include irregular heart rhythms, loss of menstrual periods, dental erosion (if vomiting is involved), and, in severe cases, death. But with the right support, healing is absolutely possible.
A client I’ll call “Mia” once described it this way: “It’s like there’s this voice in my head that says I’ll fall apart if I don’t follow its rules. It tells me I’m not allowed to rest, to eat, to take up space. Sometimes I hate that voice—but I’m also terrified of what will happen if I stop listening to it.”
In therapy, Mia began to gently get to know that voice—not as her enemy, but as a part of her that developed in response to pain and fear. Using a blend of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we explored the protective role that part had been playing, and gradually helped her reconnect with her own inner wisdom—the part of her that longed for freedom, connection, and peace.
According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa includes:
Restricting food intake to the extent that it leads to significantly low body weight for the person’s age, sex, developmental stage, and physical health.
An intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when already underweight.
Distorted body image, with self-worth overly tied to body shape or weight, or an inability to recognize the seriousness of one’s low body weight.
If you’re struggling, I want you to know: there is meaning behind the suffering, even if it feels senseless right now. Parts of you may be working very hard to keep you safe, even while causing harm. In therapy, we can begin to make space for all of those parts—without judgment—while also helping your truest self begin to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion. You don't have to continue living in constant tension with your body and mind. There is a way forward, one step at a time.