We always see those glamorous models that are impossibly skinny. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Everyone says they only eat Jello (which they never would, it's all about the watermelon), they exercise all day everyday. You know, those people. It's always made out to be a beautiful tragedy. The unspoken word that always pops into everyone's mind. Anorexia. It's all over social media, there's even an entire Tumblr tag for it. So why is this not getting the attention it deserves?

For one, most people see it as an extreme diet as opposed to an actual disorder. Most disordered eating comes from body dysmorphic disorder, a mental disorder that affects the afflicted person's perception of themselves. Also, anorexic people look just like your average person, as they are quite good at hiding everything. But despite the bones and the artistic photographs anorexia nervosa is a dangerous illness that affects both the mental and physical well-being of the person. Symptoms include inadequate food intake leading to a weight that is clearly too low, intense fear of weight gain, obsession with weight and persistent behavior to prevent weight gain, and a sense of self-esteem that is overly related to body image. Also, there is a higher risk of suicide, as people who are anorexic are desensitized to self-injury.

It is nearly impossible to tell if someone is anorexic, despite all the warning signs and what websites tell you. Someone who is anorexic will never disclose to anyone that they refuse to eat, rather they will snake around situations that involve eating in order stay below the calorie intake they've allotted themselves (for most, this is about 600 calories eaten per day).

People who are anorexic also tend to look online for "meanspo", which are words of encouragement to lose more and more weight. Those looking for meanspo are looking for cruel words that will make them feel as though they are not worthy of eating, that they weigh too much and need to fast. This is what gives them a sense of support.

People who are anorexic also tend to excessively use diet pills and vitamin supplements in order to lose weight while still maintaining so-called healthy vitamin levels.

Anorexia is a serious illness and if you or someone you know is struggling, get help immediately. Contact a local counselor, or even go to a hospital. This is truly a life-threatening illness.