“AITA For Telling My Roommate That Her Anorexia Is Not My Problem?”

"This happens for a variety of reasons, but there are two main reasons. Firstly, people with anorexia can have a significantly reduced body fat percentage," Richard noted. "Body fat is crucial for insulation and regulating body temperature, meaning that individuals with a reduced body fat percentage struggle to maintain their body temperature."

"Secondly, our core body temperature comes from metabolising energy - we create our own heat by burning energy stores. In anorexia, the body is trying to preserve as much energy as possible so it reduces the individual's metabolism - reducing the amount of heat being produced," he explained. "It's normal for people with anorexia to have a reduced core body temperature and therefore be more susceptible to the temperature of their environment."

We were also curious about what the journey of recovering from anorexia is typically like. "[It] is rarely straightforward," the expert says. "Research shows that, on average, recovery takes around 10 years - although it can be shorter or longer depending on someone's individual circumstances. Recovery usually requires a mixture of therapy, dietitian support and medical support, although the amount of each will vary. We have some clients who only need to work with their therapist and have occasional health monitoring. Other clients have multiple appointments a week with a number of professionals."

Richard also noted that it is exceptionally common for someone in recovery to be irritable. "Again, there are several reasons for this. Firstly, as the brain is starved of nutrients it reduces function," he explained. "Comfortable emotions, such as happiness, are not necessary for survival and so can be reduced to save energy. Other emotions, such as anxiety and anger, are necessary for survival and so the brain will keep them going."

"Secondly, recovery involves letting go of eating disorder behaviors," the expert shared. "We tend to view eating disorders as coping mechanisms. As the individual lets go of their anorexia, they have to learn how to cope with situations and experiences that the anorexia was originally keeping them safe from."

"Thirdly, but similar to the second reason, during therapy the individual will be encouraged to work on resolving the underlying causes for their anorexia. This often means working through significant trauma which can take months, sometimes years, to process," Richard noted. "It is entirely normal for the individual to be left holding a lot of powerful emotions between sessions which can, unfortunately, come out at the people around them."

Richard also says social support from friends and family are vital during recovery. "They make the process much quicker and easier, but we understand that it's not an easy role to take. There are a number of things people can do to support someone in recovery: Education yourself - learn about the nature of eating disorders, read accounts from people who are/have been in recovery to help you understand what living with anorexia is like (picture being in a 24/7 365 day a year battle with your brain. You get no rest, no break from it. Your brain is bullying you relentlessly - that is what having anorexia is like)."

The expert also recommends keeping in mind that recovery isn't linear. "There will be ups and downs. Some days will be better than others, and this is normal. Try to avoid judgement or criticism, especially on the down days," he noted.

Next, Richard says it's important to talk to the individual and find out from them what they need from you. "This doesn't mean that you have to give them everything - it's important to take care of yourself too - but keep in mind that there is no such thing as a typical case of anorexia," he told Bored Panda. "What works and helps one person will make another person worse. Talk to the person you're supporting and discuss how you're both feeling and what you need from each other. Try to not let resentments bottle up because that's when they can explode out and knock someone backwards in recovery."

"It's so important to keep in mind that everyone's recovery journey is unique. Flexibility, empathy and open communication are essential," Richard added. "It's also essential that anyone who is supporting someone with an eating disorder also takes care of themselves. It's a long, hard journey and it can take its toll on you. Boundaries, self-care and personal support are really important to maintaining your own mental health while supporting someone else."