Anorexia: it’s a word almost all people know but an illness that most don’t truly understand. Eating disorders are one of the deadliest psychiatric disorders, and in the U.S., 24 million people are suffering from this condition. So why is it that this illness is still being used as the punch line for jokes?

As recent as 2014, the popular TV show "Modern Family" even used bulimia as a joke.

You would think that by this year, these jokes would surely be out of common vernacular, but "New Girl" proved that wrong with this line.

While society's current views trend toward being fit and strong instead of skinny, this is still problematic and potentially harmful for those with eating disorders. Having anorexia isn’t an illness solely about being skinny. It could be a coping mechanism for any trauma, abuse, depression, or anything else that someone can’t handle. In fact, many of those with eating disorders also have other mental illnesses, commonly depression. For 21-year-old Ariana Magro, it is an illness that has stolen not only years but has almost taken her life. So, what should society promote instead of these damaging ideas? Ariana says that the goal should be “overall balance and health both mentally and physically."

Ever since she was as young as two years old, Ariana noticed the harsh criticism she threw at herself, crying at the size of her thighs. Now a beautiful young woman, Ariana has faced 26 treatment facilities and will be checking in to her 27th here soon. While treatment centers can offer amazing help, Ariana explains that some centers are the complete opposite. While each person reacts to treatment differently, one thing that needs to drastically be changed in treatment centers is a committed staff whose goal is to provide individualized care for patients. Aside from treatment centers, the way insurance companies treat eating disorder patients needs to be reformed as well. From being kicked out of treatment centers before they are ready, to being denied coverage for some treatment, insurance companies often make the battle that those with eating disorders are fighting that much worse.

The mental toll of an eating disorder is often the toughest part of the illness, but the physical suffering can end up being deadly. While Ariana is only 21 years old, her illness has caused her to have serious heart problems, severe osteoporosis, and many other health issues. While society pokes fun at eating disorders as a way to lose weight, Ariana associates her illness with “dry skin, flaky skin, hair falling out, passing out, losing friends and turning into a zombie and ultimately, slowly killing yourself.” Ariana describes it as if a voice has hijacked her mind, and it is a voice that is impossible to ignore. While the constant, pop culture-fueled bombardment of rail-thin, photoshopped, and airbrushed models is enough to give anyone self-esteem issues, anorexia takes over your mind. Ariana’s perspective is that “genetics load the gun and the environment pulls the trigger.”

Any eating disorder should be treated as a serious illness that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Ariana’s advice to those struggling is to get help, and for those who are supporting loved ones that are ill, to be open-minded and willing to help. Every person fights their battles differently, but the most important thing is to find the will to live. For Ariana, being there for her little brother Andrik is a huge inspiration to keep fighting. While the love of friends and family greatly help Ariana in her battle, I strongly encourage anyone send support to a great friend and a truly amazing person.

If you or someone you know might be suffering from an eating disorder, here are some of the signs:

-Feeling listless
-Difficulty concentrating or focusing
-Difficulty regulating mood
-Low body temperature
-Thin hair/hair loss
-Development of fine body hair (an attempt by the body to retain heat)
-Swollen abdomen following eating or binging (causes discomfort and bloating)
-Loss of teeth
-“Chipmunk cheeks” (swollen salivary glands from vomiting)
-Sore throat because of induced vomiting

If you or anyone you know are showing signs of an eating disorder, get help immediately. For those that are struggling with an eating disorder, know that you you deserve to be here and that you are loved. A free and confidential number to get help through the National Eating Disorders Association is 1-800-931-2237. To find a support group, send an email to emilyrosenthal@hotmail.com with "group" written in the subject line.