The Lesser Known Sister

The change is gradual, yet also very, very, very sudden. Overnight, it seems, everything is different, yet it's hard to pinpoint when it started. Something that once seemed normal, natural, and an every day part of life now inspires bone-chilling fear.

Eating disorders. They can strike anyone, at any time, bringing chaos, anxiety, and ultimately death. Familiar with the "starving anorexic" set-up, many people don't know that there is a far darker and deeper side to eating disorders. It doesn't matter if a person "looks like" they have an eating disorder. Often, the ones who DON'T look like a skeleton are far more unhealthy and unhappy. While the effects of continual starvation are dangerous and heart-wrenching, it's the secret life of an eating disorder that really opens the door to the darkness.

Binging. Purging. Weight gain. Starvation. Exercise. Weight loss. Fear. Anxiety. Self-loathing. Social phobia. Secrets.

These are all words that go along with Anorexia and Bulimia's lesser known sister, EDNOS. Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified is a catch all group for people so eating disordered, they can't be labeled. Starving for weeks on end, throwing up even liquid, these people survive as a waif of their former self. Suddenly, another loop on the roller coaster will throw the disorder in the opposite direction, the person will begin eating copious amounts of food (often in excess of 10,000 calories a day), and will compensate in any way possible. Exercising until they pass out. Purging until blood is clearly visible. Refusing to sleep because of the belief that calories are stored during sleep. Simply put, they struggle to survive.

The signs of EDNOS are harder to see than either Anorexia or Bulimia, because it's a cycling, secretive habit. However, they're clearly there if one only looks. Common signs include:

• Bruised knuckles
• Blood-shot eyes
• Puffy "chipmunk" cheeks
• Loosing and gaining weight rapidly (often 10-15 pounds within 1-2 weeks)
• Never having clothes that fit properly
• Disappearing quickly after meals
• Hair loss
• Comments or an obsession with weight
• Often of normal weight
• Wearing a green, beaded bracelet (Much like the red of Pro-Ana, or the purple of Pro-Mia)

Any one of these signs could spell out a potential life-or-death struggle for a loved one. The appearance of several means that help is needed, and quickly. If the person is medically unstable (as evidenced by dizziness upon standing, shaking hands, an "off" color to the face, or passing out) a trip to the local ER is called for. From there, the doctors can showcase resources in order to further treatment. There are hundreds of residential treatment facilities across the country, and they're easily found by location online. Unfortunately, residential treatment can be exceptionally expensive, although there are many aid options available. Community sources and support groups abound, and can be found via a local doctor, an online search, or by calling the local mental health center. Don't lose a loved one to a secret struggle. . . . . reach out today.