Competitive Nature of Anorexia
One of the reasons why anorexia can become so severe and be so hard to recover from is the competitive nature associated with anorexia.
On sites like Tumblr and Instagram, I have been a part of both pro-anorexia communities and pro-recovery communities. While recovery communities are generally very supportive, communicating with other people who are also trying to recover can be potentially dangerous for the following reasons.
REASONS WHY ANOREXIA IS COMPETITIVE:
(based on my experience in anorexia communities)
- Many of the behaviors revolve around numbers (calories consumed, weight lost, hours exercised, etc.), making it very easy to compare to others.
- Patients in anorexia recovery can compare the size of their bodies to others.
- If you are in a treatment group with other anorexia patients, there is the worry that you will not be skinny enough, sick enough, etc. and others will not think you truly have anorexia.
- Even if you have been formally diagnosed with anorexia, it becomes a part of your identity that you feel like you have to maintain since it give you a sense of pride.