How to Feed an Empty Soul

Award-winning journalist, author, and former anorexia-sufferer Emma Woolf once said in her book An Apple a Day: "Basically, when it comes to women, both aging and eating are somehow shameful." Unfortunately, nowadays, we live in a society in which eating disorders are not only possible but also extremely prevalent. These disorders have spread like wildfire over the past few decades, mostly striking teenage girls and taking the lives of many.

Eating disorders can be very complex and difficult to understand. Psychiatrists and other psychological experts have yet to discover the deep roots of eating disorders and are constantly researching new treatment methods. In addition, there is a common misconception that anorexia is the only "true" or "valid" eating disorder; this is of course entirely false. There are many diverse eating disorders other than anorexia nervosa such as bulimia nervosa, diabulimia, binge eating disorder, pica, ARFID (Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and various others that are just as dangerous. While young females are more prone to these disorders, research has shown that a noteworthy amount of males suffer from eating disorders as well. According to Brian Murphy, Ph.D. , an estimated 30% of men are inflicted with these vicious disorders.

Although eating disorders are difficult to treat, it is not entirely impossible to learn to control and live with them. For instance, a little professional guidance and a few simple habits can go a long way. First of all, you should not blame yourself if you have an eating disorder. Remember that none of this is your fault; your disease is caused by a variety of factors that are simply beyond your control. Putting the blame on yourself or on somebody else will only wreak unnecessary stress upon you. Instead, address your situation to your close understanding friends and family members; emotional support is absolutely crucial.

Furthermore, consult a professional. Psychiatrists and psychologists will help diagnose you and decide your own personalized treatments. One wonderful way to release all the food-related negativity out is to express your troubles during therapy. Be honest with those who treat you and do not be afraid to share, as they are obligated to keep what you have confided in them confidential. Seeking treatment will remove a huge "albatross off of your neck" and bring just enough light to aid you in your recovery journey.

Another helpful tip is to lay off social media for a while. Apps that rely on edited pictures and videos for content, like Instagram are detrimental to one's mental health. They can lead you to think that you have to look or eat a certain way to be considered pretty and sometimes "normal". Distance yourself from such websites and focus on recovering at your own pace. Approach your triggers one by one, however long it takes. If you are used to relying on social media for entertainment, limit your screen time and/or unfollow users that make you feel uncomfortable. Aside from your body, you are an entity, a soul; do not let your body image or your eating disorder determine who you are in any way.

Finally, help others around you that might have disordered eating habits. Share the wisdom you have accumulated over the course of your recuperation process and be ready to accept that of others who bestow their advice upon you. A support group is an excellent method of treatment as it creates a strong sense of community. Having people who understand your struggles and daily internal battles will encourage you immensely to get better as soon as possible. Be patient together. Paint a beautiful picture of you all being happy and feeling complete again. Endure together the battle of the ancient two wolves: the evil and the good; the empty and the full; the one that wants you to be happy and the one that begs you to die a slow death just to fall by society's toxic pull. Everyone has his or her internal battle; fight-never yield to the demons inside your head and remember that what was can become what is if you have a strong will.