Why do so many people with anorexia self-harm?

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12 Comments

I work in an eating disorders unit and nearly all the patients with anorexia are self-harmers. When I say self-harmers I mean serious self-harm to the point where their faces and arms are completely covered in scabs and scars. Is it normal for people with anorexia to harm themselves when they care so much about their appearance? After nearly 2 years working in an ED unit I couldn't give you an answer to this question

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Based on 27 votes (19 yes)
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Comments ( 12 )
  • bleach_baby
    9 years ago

    Anorexia is a form of self-harm. You don't work in an ED unit or if you do you shouldn't - anorexia has nothing to do with caring about how your body looks.

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    • itachitheproblem
      9 years ago

      Well in that case, drinking, smoking and even bungee jumping can be forms of self-harm. When I say self-harm I mean deliberate intentional self-harm where the primary goal is to cause damage to the body. The primary goal of Anorexia is not to cause damage (it's a consequence), if it was then you wouldn't be diagnosed with anorexia (you'd be diagnosed with PAWS (pervasisve arousal withdrawal syndrome) or something else) considering to meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia, as well as having a low body weight, there needs to be clear evidence of an intense fear of becoming fat. - So thus anorexia has at least something to do with your appearance although that may not be the only factor.

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  • RoseIsabella
    9 years ago

    I dunno, my guess would be that they hate their bodies.

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    • itachitheproblem
      9 years ago

      Ah yeah... that could be a reason

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  • charli.m
    9 years ago

    You've worked there for two years? And don't know about the disorder?

    What work do you do there?

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    • itachitheproblem
      9 years ago

      Anorexia is a complex mental health condition, although its linked to low self esteem and perfectionism, its unique for everybody. Understanding what makes a person decide never to eat again, or never to brush their teeth with water is not something that can be "known about" regardless of experience. Not even the best ED psychiatrists know

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      • charli.m
        9 years ago

        But if you're working with them, you'd learn about whether something was typical of a condition.

        I really hope you're not working as some form of carer, because your education on this subject doesn't seem up to scratch, particularly as yyou're asking on a non specific internet forum for your "research".

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  • dynamohumm
    9 years ago

    I agree with what charli.m is saying. I'm sorry but it's a bit hard to believe that you work in an eating disorders clinic when you don't know seem to know much about what the disorder involves.

    I have known personally a few anorexics over the years and not one of them self harmed themselves by slashing etc. As another poster suggested anorexia is self harming by itself.

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    • itachitheproblem
      9 years ago

      This question is formulated from my own exp in one ED unit where the great majority of people with anorexia self-harm, it is not a generalisation.

      As bizarre as it may seem from a laypersons perspective, you will find that many people including consultant psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health professionals don't seem to know much and fully understand anorexia because (despite commonalities) it is so unique from person to person.

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  • JellyTots
    9 years ago

    In my own opinion, self harm is a coping mechanism. It is a method used to control the pain a person feels inside. So, if I feel pain on the inside, I want rid of that pain, I'm in a state of mind where by hurting myself on the outside will stop the pain on the inside. Get it?

    p.s. I used to self harm. 100 something days clean. :')
    It gets better........

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    • itachitheproblem
      9 years ago

      Yeah I get it, "it makes me feel better" is probably the most common reason that I've personally heard from my exp. Well done on staying self-harm free, I can imagine it mustn't be easy. Keep it up!

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      • JellyTots
        9 years ago

        Thank you very much. It isn't easy but my outlook on it has changed so that helps.

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