What is Anorexia?

By Valerie O'Neill 

Today I would like to educate you all on Anorexia; what it is, what the warning signs and symptoms are, and the difficulty of having it. This subject is very personal to me as not only is it my platform that I have aimed to raise awareness for as a titleholder, but I also have Anorexia. Anorexia nervosa is more than just an eating disorder, it’s a battle that consumes both the mind and body. It’s a relentless struggle with self-worth, control, and an internal voice that convinces you that you’ll never be enough. I know this because I have lived it. For the past nine years, I have fought against anorexia, facing its darkest moments and the toll it takes on every aspect of life. It has brought on me, depression, intense anxiety, suicidal thoughts, social anxiety, and one too many health issues that keeps on adding to the list as I get older. 

Now, as a titleholder, I am using my platform to bring awareness to this silent and often misunderstood illness. Too many people believe that anorexia is purely about wanting to be thin, but it goes far deeper than that. It is a complex mental health disorder, one that affects millions of people regardless of age, gender, or background. Through my advocacy, I aim to educate others on the warning signs, break the stigma surrounding eating disorders, and provide resources to those who are struggling, so that we might bring the fatality rate down. 

No one should have to fight this battle alone. My mission is to be a voice for those who feel unheard, to show that recovery is possible, and to create a world where those suffering from anorexia can find the help and hope they deserve. Anorexia has taken too much from us and it’s time to take our lives back and be in control again. 

So, let’s get into it! 

What is Anorexia? Anorexia is a serious and complex eating disorder and mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and extreme food restrictions. People with anorexia often go to great lengths to control their weight, including excessive dieting, compulsive exercise, or purging behaviors. Despite being dangerously underweight, individuals with anorexia typically perceive themselves as overweight and struggle with deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism.

What are the warning signs of Anorexia?  

Refusal to eat certain foods or pushing foods around on the plate, frequent to extreme dieting, avoiding public meals or finding excuses not to eat, obsessing over the number of calories taken in, constant weighing and counting calories, the inability to maintain a medically appropriate body weight, low energy, fatigue, feeling cold constantly, insomnia, mood swings, withdraw from social activities, dizziness, anemia, heart problems, intense anxiety, low self-esteem, hair loss, bone loss, kidney problems, and low/high blood pressure. 

Now that we know what the warning symptoms of Anorexia are, let discuss the importance of acting quickly if a diagnosis is made. The longer someone lives with Anorexia, the harder it can be to counteract the disorder. This may seem like a minor problem, but Anorexia is a dangerous disorder that can cause death. In fact, it is the highest-case mortality rate for mental illnesses out there. 10,200 people die a year from Anorexia. This number really pushes the importance of getting treated right away if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from anorexia symptoms. Because not only can Anorexia also make other health risks pile up such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, and suicidal ideation. It also has long-term effects if left untreated. These being, malnutrition, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, loss of bone mineral density, hormone imbalances, fatigue, slow healing, and increased risk of stress fractures, cardiovascular issues, and memory loss. I really want to push the importance of catching anorexia and getting the help you need in the early stages. Because I did not catch my Anorexia in the early stages. I did not ask for help or let anyone know I am struggling and because of that, I am past the point of early recovery. Now I get sick very easily and it takes me a lot longer to recover than most, I have reduced bone density, hair loss, memory loss, and a lot of stomach issues. I personally know firsthand the setbacks Anorexia can cause in your life and that it why I am here. Because I do not want anyone to go through what I have. I want every individual struggling with an eating disorder to get the help they deserve and make a full recovery. Okay, now let’s now discuss the importance of a strong support system. 

The Power of a Strong Support System in Anorexia Recovery

Recovering from anorexia is not a journey that should be taken alone. Eating disorders thrive in isolation, and one of the most important factors in healing is having a strong, compassionate support system. Whether it’s family, friends, therapists, or support groups, the people surrounding someone with anorexia can make a life-changing difference in their recovery.

Why Support is Crucial

Anorexia is more than just an obsession with weight or food, it’s a deeply rooted mental health disorder that can be incredibly isolating. Many individuals struggling with anorexia experience feelings of shame, anxiety, and fear, making it difficult to reach out for help. An eating disorder such as anorexia cannot be treated like a common cold or headache; you can’t simply take a few aspirins and expect the outcome to become positive. Instead, the individual’s emotional, physical, and psychosocial health must be all treated, but for eating disorders, a person’s relationship and family dynamics are key causal factors, and they also can act as triggers for disordered behaviors.

This is why having a support system is so important:

Emotional Support: Eating disorders often come with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Encouraging words, patience, and understanding can help someone feel less alone.

Accountability & Encouragement: Recovery is full of challenges. A strong support system helps keep an individual motivated, whether it’s reminding them to eat, attending therapy with them, or simply being a listening ear when they’re struggling.

Recognizing Warning Signs: Loved ones play a key role in noticing when someone is relapsing or struggling. Because anorexia often convinces a person that they don’t need help, having trusted people who can gently step in and provide guidance is vital.

Breaking the Stigma: Many people with anorexia suffer in silence due to fear of judgment. A compassionate support system reassures them that their struggles are valid, and they deserve help without shame or guilt.

How to Support Someone with Anorexia

If you know someone struggling with anorexia, here are ways to be there for them:

Listen Without Judgment: Let them share their feelings without trying to "fix" them or dismiss their emotions.

Educate Yourself: Learn about anorexia so you can better understand what they’re going through.

Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest therapy, nutritional counseling, or medical support if they are not already receiving treatment.

Be Patient & Avoid Pressure: Recovery is a process. Avoid making comments about their weight, appearance, or eating habits. Instead, focus on their well-being, progress, and strength.

Remind Them They Are Loved: Many people with anorexia feel unworthy of love and support. Reminding them that you care and are there for them, no matter what, can be incredibly powerful.

You Are Not Alone

For anyone struggling with anorexia, please know that you don’t have to fight this battle on your own. Finding people who support, uplift, and encourage you through the highs and lows of recovery can make all the difference. You are worthy of healing, of love, and of a future free from anorexia. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out. Help is available, and there are people who care and want to see you thrive. Recovery is possible, and you are never alone.

There are plenty of resources out there to support and give you the help you need. Such as, ANAD, NEDA, Eating Disorder Hope, Open Path Collective, and ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders & Severe Malnutrition. 

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Valerie O'Neill is the current Miss City of Sunshine (OR). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

She has been kind enough to write several posts for Section 36 Forevers. Be sure to read all of her guest blogs.

The Heart of a Youth Behavioral Development Specialist: Making a Difference for At-Risk Youth

By Valerie O'Neill 

Every day, I step into a world where the stakes are high, where young lives hang in the balance, shaped by trauma, loss, and hardship. As a Youth Behavioral Development Specialist, my mission is to support at-risk youth, guiding them through some of the toughest moments of their lives.

These kids and teens have been through the unthinkable. Many have cycled through foster care, juvenile detention, mental health facilities, or GOBI homes. Some are experiencing severe behavioral health episodes, struggling with suicidal thoughts, or dealing with the lasting effects of extreme trauma.  and in many cases, they’ve never had a stable, loving support system at home. That’s where I come in.

What I Do

My job is about more than just supervision. It’s about teaching, guiding, and showing up for these kids in a way they may never have experienced before. I help them build critical life skills such as:

✔ Anger management – Helping them recognize and regulate their emotions in healthy ways.
✔ Self-regulation – Teaching coping strategies for handling stress and overwhelming feelings.
✔ Social interaction – Encouraging positive communication, boundaries, and relationship skills.
✔ Crisis response – Being alert and ready to step in when a situation escalates.

Because these youth often face severe emotional and behavioral challenges, I have to be hyper-aware of my surroundings. Crisis situations can arise at any moment, requiring me to act quickly and effectively to ensure their safety and well-being, as well as other teens’ and my safety. 

Why This Work Matters

Many of the kids I work with believe they have no future. They feel forgotten, unheard, abandoned, and beyond help. Several have never felt love before and have always been pushed away and ignored when asking for attention. They have raised themselves from a young age and some even had to raise their siblings as well. They are lost, hurt, frustrated, angry, and confused. My goal is to show them that they matter, that their lives have purpose, and that there are people who care about them, even if the world has made them feel otherwise.

I want to be a role model who proves that they can overcome their struggles. That healing is possible. That they are more than their trauma. This work is challenging but knowing that I can make a difference in even one child’s life makes every moment worth it.

Looking Toward the Future

This is just the beginning of my journey. I’m currently enrolled back in college for the fall to work toward a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. My long-term goal is to use this degree and minor to join a crisis team. What is a crisis team, you ask? A crisis team is a specialized group that responds to at-risk, suicidal teens in emergency situations. Crisis teams play a vital role in assessing situations, implementing intervention strategies, and providing support to youth in immediate distress.

But my passion doesn’t stop there. I also dream of traveling the world to help in disaster relief efforts, supporting orphans, and expanding my project, "Helping Hands," which provides emergency kits filled with essential items for the homeless.

Final Thoughts

Being a Youth Behavioral Development Specialist isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. It requires patience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping kids who have been through more than most adults could imagine. These young people deserve love, guidance, and the chance to build a brighter future. And if I can be a small part of that transformation, then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

If you’ve ever considered working with at-risk youth or supporting mental health initiatives, I encourage you to take that step. Every child deserves someone who believes in them. Be that person.

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Valerie O'Neill is the current Miss City of Sunshine (OR). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her second blog for Section 36 Forevers. Be sure to read all of her guest blogs.

A Bit About Me

 By Valerie O'Neill 

Hello everyone, my name is Valerie O’Neill. I am your Miss City of Sunshine 2024. I am 21 -years old and last year was my very first year ever competing in pageants. A little bit about me is I was born and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I grew up on a farm with my five siblings and my mom homeschooled us all until we graduated. 

I currently work as a full-time children’s behavior development specialist in the BRS homes for Klamath Basin Behavior Health. I work with foster and juvenile children ages 10-16. It is a heartbreaking job as you have to see firsthand what these babies have gone through, but it is very rewarding getting to see the progress they slowly make towards a hopeful future. While I work full-time, I also go to school full-time. I am currently finishing a certificate in Business Management Marketing and Sales. I started with Business to learn all the leadership skills I need to be able to work up in my career. It also has all the fundamental classes I need for my next degree, and I now have all the financial skills I need to either start or run a business. I will be graduating in June 2025. From there I want to transfer over to either the Oregon Institute of Technology University or Western Oregon University in hopes of starting and completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. Why do I want this degree and minor? Because my career goal is to work on a crisis team with suicidal teens. But I need a bachelor’s degree to do so, and the minor in criminal justice will help further expand my range of working with those in the juvenile system too. Okay, that is a little bit about where I am education and care wise currently. I shall be back soon to talk some more! 

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Valerie O'Neill is the current Miss City of Sunshine (OR). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.