In such a large and ethnically diverse society, it seems as if individualism and different body sizes should be more widely accepted. Anderson also pointed out that there are social and cultural links to anorexia and bulimia. But there are many expectations that are handed down for the female in American society. Overcoming some of these labels will be the most difficult part. Approaching a friend you suspect has an eating disorder can be a very sensitive issue because most people do not know enough about the topic.
Education is the best way to help friends help themselves.
The key to overcoming both of these diseases is communication. It is common for cases of both anorexia and bulimia to stem from communication gaps. Once communication is restored, patients can begin dealing with the real issues that in turn have caused the eating disorder. For anorexic and bulimic patients, the road to recovery is a long and painful path. Drake offers the services of the Counseling Center free of charge to any Drake student.