.jpg)
1) Overview
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious eating disorder involving restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted view of body shape or weight. It can affect physical health, emotions, thinking, relationships, and identity. Anorexia is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support.
2) Common Signs & Symptoms
Restricting food, skipping meals, or eating very little
Intense fear of weight gain or feeling “out of control”
Preoccupation with weight, calories, body checking
Over-exercising or compulsive movement
Feeling cold, dizzy, exhausted, faint
Low mood, irritability, social withdrawal
Feeling guilty after eating
Perfectionism, anxiety, high self-criticism
Changes in periods (if applicable) and hormones
Difficulty recognising seriousness of weight loss
3) Why It Happens (Causes & Triggers)
Anxiety and need for control
Perfectionism and fear of failure
Trauma, bullying, relationship stress
Low self-esteem and identity struggles
Diet culture and social pressures
Genetics and brain chemistry influences
Emotional pain turned into food control
4) Self-Help & Daily Support Tools
Safety first:
If you’re restricting heavily or losing weight quickly, medical support is essential.
Stabilise eating gently:
Aim for regular eating times (even if small). Structure helps recovery.
Challenge eating disorder rules:
Write: “ED rule” → “what it costs me” → “healthier alternative”
Reduce body checking:
Mirror checking, weighing, pinching = fuels anxiety. Reduce gradually.
Build support around meals:
Eating with someone safe can reduce fear and prevent relapse behaviour.
Separate “ED voice” from you:
“This is the eating disorder talking — not my true self.”
5) Professional Treatment Options
Specialist eating disorder services
CBT-E (CBT for eating disorders)
Family-based support (even for adults, support networks help)
Dietitian + medical monitoring
Trauma therapy if anorexia is trauma-linked
Hospital support if medically unsafe
6) Recommended Downloads
“Eating Disorder Voice vs Real You” worksheet
Meal routine planner + gentle structure guide
Body image reframe workbook
Recovery motivation list + values sheet
Relapse prevention plan
7) Where to Get Help (UK)
GP urgent support + physical checks
NHS Eating Disorder Services referral
Beat Eating Disorders (helplines + resources)
Samaritans 116 123 if in crisis
NHS 111 if you feel physically unsafe or severely unwell
