Anorexia: Katie's story | NHS

What is anorexia?

Anorexia is when someone does not eat enough food because they worry a lot about their weight or looks. They might feel they are too fat even if they are very thin. This can make them very sick.

To help understand better, you can:

• Look at pictures that show what happens when someone has anorexia.
• Ask a grown-up to explain it in a simple way.
• Watch a short video that talks about eating healthy foods.

How did Katie's eating problem start?

What are common signs of anorexia?

Here are some signs of anorexia:

• Not eating enough food.
• Being very skinny.
• Worrying too much about weight.
• Exercising too much.
• Feeling tired or sick.
• Hair falling out.
• Feeling very cold.

It’s important to talk to someone who can help, like a doctor or a teacher.

How did Katie's anorexia affect her life?

Anorexia is a sickness where people eat very little because they worry a lot about their weight. It can make someone very sick.

Here is how anorexia affected Katie's life:

• Katie felt very tired all the time.
• She found it hard to concentrate at school.
• Katie lost a lot of weight and felt weak.
• She did not feel happy and often felt sad.

Here are some things that can help:

• Talk to a doctor or a nurse.
• Spend time with friends and family who can give support.
• Read or listen to simple stories about other people's experiences.
• Try to eat small meals and snacks to gain strength.

Why did Katie ask for help?

Where can you find help for anorexia in the UK?

If you need help for anorexia, you can:

• Go to your doctor. They can talk to you and help.
• Call a support line. They are there to listen.
• Tell a trusted person. Share your feelings with someone you trust.

Remember, it is okay to ask for help.

What are the treatments for anorexia?

Anorexia is when people don’t eat enough because they worry about their weight. Here are some ways to help:

• Talking to a Doctor: A doctor can help find the best treatment.
• Therapy: Talking to a therapist can help with feelings and eating habits.
• Nutrition Support: A dietitian can help plan healthy meals.
• Support Groups: Meeting others with similar struggles can be comforting.
• Medicine: Sometimes, medicine can help feel better.

Remember, getting help is good and there are people who care and want to help.

Why is family help important when getting better from anorexia?

When someone has anorexia, getting help from family can make a big difference. Family can show love and understanding. They can help the person eat and feel better.

Family can learn about anorexia to know how to help. Talking kindly and listening are good ways to help too.

Using tools like drawing feelings or writing in a diary can also help. Families can go to support groups to learn more.

How long does it take to get better from anorexia?

Getting better from anorexia can take a while. It is different for everyone. Some people take a few months, while others might take years. It is important to get help from doctors and therapists. They can help you feel better.

Here are some ways to help:

• Talk to a doctor or therapist.
• Join a support group.
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Be patient with yourself.

How does talking to a therapist help when someone has anorexia?

Talking to a therapist helps people with anorexia. A therapist is someone who listens and gives support. They help people understand their feelings. Therapists also help them find ways to get better.

If you have anorexia, talking to a therapist can help you feel less alone. It is important to talk about how you feel.

Some helpful things to do might be:

• Write down your feelings in a diary. This can help you understand what you are thinking.
• Draw pictures to show how you feel. Sometimes it's easier than talking.
• Use apps or tools that help you remember to eat healthy food.

Can having anorexia cause more health problems?

Having anorexia can make you very sick. It can cause more problems with your body. If you do not eat enough, your body does not get what it needs to stay healthy.

Here are some things that can happen if you have anorexia:

• Your bones can become weak.
• Your heart can have trouble working.
• You might feel very tired all the time.
• You can have trouble with your stomach.

It is important to talk to a doctor if you think you have anorexia. They can help you feel better.

Helpful tips:
- Use pictures to help remember information.
- Listen to an audio version if reading is hard.
- Ask someone you trust to explain things.

How did Katie get better and deal with problems?

Can someone get better from anorexia completely?

How can friends and family help someone who has anorexia?

Friends and family can play a big role in helping someone with anorexia feel better. Here are some simple things they can do:

• Listen: Be there to listen when they want to talk. Show them you care.
• Encourage: Support them to get help from a doctor or therapist.
• Learn: Read about anorexia to understand what they are going through.
• Be patient: Getting better takes time. Be patient and stay by their side.
• Offer company: Do fun activities together like walking or watching a movie.

Using tools like books, online support groups, or talking to a counselor can also be helpful. Remind them they are not alone and it is good to ask for help.

Is there any help for people with anorexia in the UK?

If you or someone you know has anorexia, there are groups in the UK that can help. These groups are like clubs where people talk and help each other.

Some things these groups can do:

• Let you meet other people who feel the same way.
• Give you advice and support.
• Help you feel better.

You can use these things for extra help:

• Talk to a doctor or a nurse.
• Call a helpline for support over the phone.
• Ask an adult you trust for help.