As someone who suffers from iron deficiency anemia, I believe that I have a good support network of people who are helping me with my health struggles, although they often find it difficult to help me. Iron deficiency anemia is a manageable illness, however it is not easy to deal with. Having this illness means I have a low red blood cell count and hemoglobin issues, making it difficult for oxygen to travel through my body. The symptoms of iron deficiency are fatigue, weakness, migraines, paleness, chills, and fast heart palpitations, and even high blood pressure, loss of focus, anxiety, and irritation.
I see my condition of anemia as an eating disorder because it can be controlled with better eating habits--by eating foods with higher sources of iron. My experience with this illness is complex because of my bad eating history. I have been through plenty of unhealthy eating stages. There was a time when I used to unintentionally starve myself (eating only one meal a day). In this stage I lost roughly 30 pounds but it was one of the worst experiences in my life. If you're looking to lose weight this is never a good option. It will only make you nauseous and gain it all back when your routine goes back to normal. I've had opposite reactions to stress as well, in which I would eat to de-stress. Of course this only made me feel worse. I'd even have suicidal thoughts due to my illness. There are plenty of ways to avoid this though.
After being diagnosed with anemia, I received iron pills and was told to eat foods high in iron--beets, carrots, green veggies, chicken and beef (which I had been trying to avoid). With the medicine, I started eating multivitamins as well, which actually caused my body to heat up quite a bit. Although this is a constant struggle for me, I know that I have to make some major changes and know when to take breaks when my body simply cannot handle stress any longer. Things that help: forming good hobbies, exercising for short periods, and taking long showers.
With anemia, exercising became hard for me due to the constant dizziness. Earlier on in my life I had some dreams of being in the WNBA (the funny thing is I wasn't even decent at basketball, but that's besides the point) and I was also told to join a local track team. Soccer didn't work out for me either. All these dreams came crashing down when my eating habits worsened as I got generalized anxiety...Oh well.
However, there is a bigger side to this issue: family and friends.
In my family, whenever someone suffers from weight problems there are constant jokes that go around. People in society tend to generalize weight issues and say that it is the individual's fault and tease them for the issue. People in the family also tend to gossip about other people's health and make the issue seem worse than it is. This only causes problems for the person with the condition. Although family has the right to worry about one another's health, the right reaction is key. Never ever body shame anyone (whether that person is "thick" or "thin") because it only adds to more stress and is counterproductive. Let the person manage the issue alone, unless they specifically ask for help. Also, do not make mountains out of molehills. No one likes to be told that their problem is only going to get worse, because that is not always the case.
Things get back better over time. Time heals! A person's success can only be measured by how hard they are trying, so there is no need for negativity. And when it comes to the human body, sometimes the body and mind do not like to think alike. Although I know it's going to be hard to cure my anxiety and anemia, I know it's worth trying. I won't give up. Life gives you ups and downs, so don't let negativity get to you. Things will eventually get better!
Take care of yourself -- your health should be your number one priority.
*Resources: 1 (800) 273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Hotline), (877) 235-4525 (Crisis Call Center), Crisis Chat (eating disorders and more)
