You're not talking to me, you're talking to Ana.

(written previously) So i wanted to write about an issue that has come up in my life recently.  Because eating disorders are so “hush hush,” they are clearly very misunderstood.  Not only does this create a negative stigma for those of us struggling, but it makes it difficult for people to understand how we think and why we do things.  In my life, i have been asked by somebody who supposedly cared about me, “why being thin is so important?” To an anorexic, thats like asking a healthy person why it is important to breathe!!!! I didnt even know how to answer this, maybe because i dont RATIONALLY know why it is so important, but i know that it is. to me. to ana.  I’ve seen that people in my life have tried to rationalize my disorder.  They have tried to reason with me, with ana.  This is pointless.

To the parents and loved ones of an anorexic,  you will NEVER understand.  This is not something that a healthy brain can comprehend.  And to be honest, to help your anorexic, you do not need to understand.  I’ve found that if you can accept that that this is something that we truly believe in, no mater how much you dont agree, to help you just need to accept.  Do not try to reason with us, do not try to persuade us in one conversation.  It will never happen. You are not reasoning with your loved one, you are reasoning and battling the anorexia.  If your anorexic is in health crisis, food is the only thing that will help.  They are not mentally stable enough to comprehend any sort of recovery until they are nourished.  But, if you are dealing with a medically stable anorexic, let the therapy work its way.  As a loved one, we want support, love, and acceptance.  Encourage a healthy lifestyle, but dont try to make us see how crazy this all is, bc as crazy as it is to you, its that RATIONAL to us.