ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder and serious mental health problem. Someone with anorexia often has an intense fear of gaining weight and may have a distorted view of their body, thinking they are fat even when they are underweight.
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Commonly known as bulimia is an eating disorder and serious mental health problem. Someone with bulimia might feel parts of their life are out of control and use purging to give them a sense of control. Bulimia is a serious condition that can cause long-term damage, but there is help available. Anyone can develop bulimia, but it’s most common in young people aged 13 to 17.
ANXIETY
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry or fear. We all feel anxious at times, but anxiety may be a mental health problem if your feelings are very strong or last a long time. More than 5% of us have an anxiety disorder. Some common anxiety disorders include:
- Generalised anxiety disorder - feeling anxious or worried most of the time.
- Panic disorder – having regular panic attacks, often for no apparent reason.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – having anxiety problems after experiencing a very stressful or frightening event. This can include flashbacks and nightmares.
- Social anxiety disorder – a fear or dread of social situations. It’s more than just shyness or nerves, it’s a fear of being judged by others or being embarrassed or humiliated.
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – having recurring unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) and performing certain routines repetitively to relieve anxiety (compulsions).
- Phobias – an overwhelming fear of a specific object, place, situation or feeling.
DEPRESSION
Everyone can feel sad or blue when bad things happen. However, everyday blues or sadness is not depression. A major depression is one that lasts for at least two weeks, affects the person’s behaviour, and also has physical, emotional and cognitive effects. A person who is clinically depressed will have at least two of the following symptoms for at least two weeks: Some common anxiety disorders include:
- An unusually sad mood that does not go away.
- Loss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyable.
- Lack of energy and tiredness.
- Poor self-esteem.
- Wishing they were dead.
- Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions.
- moving slowly or being agitated and unable to settle.
- Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Loss of interest in food, or overeating .