Video Transcription

Let’s Talk Anorexia Nervosa – Transcript

Hi, I’m Sarah Cox, a clinical psychologist and the manager of the Butterfly National Helpline.

I’m here to talk about Anorexia Nervosa – what it is, the warning signs and risks, and how to get help.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental illness. Someone with Anorexia experiences a distorted body image and intense fear of gaining weight, which results in them depriving their body of food. They might also become preoccupied with exercise.

Like all eating disorders, Anorexia is a serious mental health condition. It is not a lifestyle choice and recovery can be hard without professional support.

What are the warning signs and risks?

Anorexia does not discriminate and can affect people of any age, weight, size, shape, gender identity, sexuality, cultural background or socioeconomic group.

There’s no one cause of Anorexia – it’s a complex condition, usually due to a combination of genetic, psychological and cultural influences.

Signs that someone is experiencing Anorexia can be different for everyone, and often people go to great lengths to hide their behaviour.

Some of the most common warning signs and symptoms include:

• Physical signs: Sudden weight loss or persistent low weight, loss of periods, fainting, sensitivity to the cold, fatigue, fine hair appearing on the face and body, thinning or loss of hair, bone pain or breaks, and a compromised immune system.
• Psychological signs: Preoccupation with food, body shape and weight; fear, anxiety or feeling out of control around food and mealtimes; extreme body dissatisfaction; and black-and-white thinking about food as “good” or “bad”.
• Behavioural signs: Dieting, calorie counting, fasting, obsessively weighing or looking in the mirror, secrecy around food, avoiding mealtimes, excessive exercise, extreme changes in food preferences, and social withdrawal.

Some people may have Atypical Anorexia, where they meet most of the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa but are within or above a typical weight range. Atypical Anorexia is just as serious and also requires professional help.

Without treatment, Anorexia can lead to serious medical and psychological consequences including:

• Bone density issues
• Heart problems
• Infertility
• Kidney failure
• Increased risk of self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide

People living with Anorexia have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric conditions, which is why spotting the signs early and reaching out is critical.

How to get help

Recovery from Anorexia is possible, even if you’ve been living with the illness for many years.

Whether you’re worried about yourself or someone you care about, having a conversation is an important first step. Seeking help early can reduce the severity and duration of an eating disorder.

• Not sure if you’re experiencing Anorexia? Try Butterfly’s screening tool to assess risk.
• Speak to a GP, healthcare professional or trusted adult. Use Butterfly’s Referral Database to find experienced practitioners.
• Contact the Butterfly National Helpline for free and confidential support – available 7 days a week, 8am–midnight.
• Call: 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673)
  Visit: www.butterfly.org.au to chat online, email, or access more resources.

Remember, you’re not alone — and talking helps.