Effects of Anxiety on the Body

For three years I denied my body the nutrition it needed. My teeth broke, my hair thinned, my periods stopped. But, in that too-small body I was praised…

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting since 2020. Most of that reflection is done in the mirror, incidentally. For more than three years I had denied my body the nutrition it needed to function. My teeth broke, my hair thinned, as I did, and then it fell out in loud clumps in the shower. My periods stopped as my body tried to distribute the few calories I was giving it to my vital functions. My blood pressure plummeted. My social life disintegrated as I turned down offers of gatherings out of fear there would be food I couldn’t avoid. My feet bled in my shoes from excessive walking. I ruptured a tendon in my fist from over-exercising. I was constantly cold and miserable. But I was beautiful. They said.

For three years I denied my body the nutrition it needed. My teeth broke, my hair thinned, my periods stopped. But, in that too-small body I was praised… Read More »

Bodies of People With Mental Illness Are Biologically Older Than Their Actual Age

People with a long-term history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, have blood biomarkers that reflect increased biological aging. The findings may help explain why those with mental health disorders tend to have shorter life spans and are more prone to age-related diseases than the general population.

Bodies of People With Mental Illness Are Biologically Older Than Their Actual Age Read More »