Anorexia is a complex and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. It is characterized by a persistent and distorted fear of gaining weight, leading to severe food restriction, excessive exercise, and sometimes purging. Individuals with anorexia often have a distorted body image. Anorexia can have serious physical and psychological consequences, including malnutrition, stunted growth, depression, anxiety, and even organ failure. It is not just a matter of a person being underweight; the underlying psychological factors and behaviors are what define the disorder. Recovery from anorexia involves a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder. This may include medical management of any physical complications, nutritional rehabilitation, family-based therapy, individual psychotherapy, and support groups. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial for a successful recovery and the prevention of long-term health problems. Claire: https://www.instagram.com/clairelivezey/ If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, visit https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the podcast, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ZiHgdoK4PLRAddiB9 00:00 Introduction 00:05 Earliest memory of self-loathing 02:40 Childhood imagination 04:37 First negative experience around food 06:29 Comparing herself to others 07:35 Friend's family laughed at her 09:30 “Bad foods” 11:00 Beginning to restrict foods 12:40 Addiction to control 13:20 Diagnosis of anorexia 15:20 Going to inpatient facility 17:10 Experiences in inpatient facility as a child 19:40 Getting better 20:40 Going back to previous behaviors in high school 22:40 Doctor is dismissive of parents' concerns 23:45 Explaining outpatient & addictive aspects of anorexia 26:36 Back to inpatient 28:00 Nutrition at the facility 33:00 Leaving one facility for another 36:11 Another patient encourages more destructive behaviors 38:38 Sent back through the program 40:05 Realizations, starting to work through the program 42:15 Started to give herself things to make herself happy 44:00 Recovery and accountability