“Anna Rexia” Costume Angers Eating Disorder Community

Eating disorder experts often express frustration at the lack of awareness and understanding about the serious nature of the diseases among the general public. Many people still mistakenly believe that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice, one preferred by those who are vain or fussy about their appearance.

As discussed on ABCNews, there is clear evidence that there are still many people who do not understand the seriousness of eating disorders. A costume displayed on a costume vendor’s site, Ricky’s, depicts a woman dressed as "Anna Rexia," complete with skeletal details.

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Mental Health Awareness Increases as Getting Help Decreases

Is America more comfortable with vulnerability? A soon-to-be-released study says that more Americans than ever are reporting feeling depressed and anxious along with a host of other emotional health issues. If we are ready to acknowledge our mental health struggles, then why aren’t health care professionals seeing more Americans in their offices?

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About 50% of Americans Will Have a Mental Health Problem in Their Lifetime

Ileana Arias, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that the levels of mental illness in the United States are "unacceptably high" and that nearly 25% of adults in America reported having some sort of mental illness in the past year. Additionally, the CDC estimated the costs associated with mental illness in the year 2002 to be nearly $300 billion.

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Miami Dolphins Player Reveals Struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder

Brandon Marshall, wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, recently announced that he suffers from a condition known as borderline personality disorder, or BPD. The disorder has affected him over the past five years, according to an article in SB Nation.

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Gambling an Overlooked Addiction in America

Gambling is an issue that is often ignored in the U.S. With so many ways to gamble in casinos and bars and a proliferation of alcohol abuse, many are dealing with a double-edged sword. Convenience stores and mini marts carry Powerball tickets and college students also have a variety of gambling games that are popular with coeds.

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Parents: Health Risk for Teens in Lazy Cakes and Bath Salts

As summer approaches and children are out of school, parents should take the time to warn kids about the dangers of legal "drugs" that are for sale and readily available. These include bath salts, which are anything but safe, as well as a product called Lazy Cakes.

Both are legally for sale at convenience stores, truck stops and smoke shops in many states. But just because they can be sold doesn’t mean that they are safe to use – especially for children.

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