By: Tessa Reisner (In our last article, we talked about the effects of PTSD and how one may develop PTSD. As a reminder, this article contains sensitive content. A trigger warning is advised to those who are reading.) Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that affects millions of people in the world. To be diagnosed with anorexia, certain symptoms will manifest. These symptoms include a refusal to maintain healthy body weight, an irrational fear of weight gain, disturbance in body weight and shape, and amenorrhea (the loss of the menstrual cycle). In Bear River High School it is estimated that five to six percent of students suffer from some type of eating disorder. Ben Wiley, a counselor at Bear River, says that there is a recognized problem throughout the school. Wiley also said, “Everyone thinks that an eating disorder has to do completely, 100%, with body image. Often times it doesn’t.” He continued by explaining that it has a lot to do with having control over our own lives. Teenagers don’t have a lot of control over their lives. Parents pay the bills, work, and even control where teenagers go. An eating disorder could be seen as a way to control some part of an uncontrollable life. The impact which anorexia has on a person is huge. But it may also affect those around them. Clinical depression is often found side by side with an eating disorder, which can cause rapid mood swings, shyness, and even social withdrawal. Symptoms to look for include: the thinning of bones, brittle hair and nails, jaundice (yellow-pigmented skin), mild anemia, and a drop in internal temperature, to list a few. Along with anorexia, which is a mental disorder, is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder that affects the chemical balance inside one's brain. Mental Health UK lists the types of bipolar as Bipolar type one, Bipolar type two, Cyclothmania, Mixed bipolar state, and Rapid cycling bipolar. All of these have different criteria in order to be diagnosed. Bipolar takes its toll on an estimated 2.3 million Americans, many of which go unmedicated and undiagnosed. Wiley also mentions that it is crucial for students who think they may be suffering from Bipolar to talk with their parents or guardians. Mental health is a huge issue all over the world, and it’s very important for everyone to receive the help they need. Wiley said, “[Bipolar is] like a rollercoaster…Constant ups and downs.” These “ups” can be a spurt of happiness or even an episode of mania. Mania is an elevated state of mood in which one has rapid thoughts, hyperactivity without sleep, overflowing self-esteem, and even the loss of touch with reality. Many diagnosed individuals describe a manic episode as a feeling of invincibility. Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder may include: heavy mood swings, delusion, lack of thoughts or excessive thoughts, and impulsivity, to list a couple. Getting help is always the number one priority with any mental illness. Many of us are feeling unbalanced and unsure. If you or a loved one needs help, please reach out to those around you. Resources: Safe UT- Call 833-372-3388 or download the SafeUt App School Counselors emails- [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bear River Mental Health Crisis Hotline- Call 435-452-8612 Photo courtesy from: Bear River Health Department
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