‘Anna Rexia’ Costume Is No Laughing Matter

A costume that’s been for sale online since 2011 has inspired one woman to share her journey with a near-deadly eating disorder.

The “Anna Rexia” costume – which is a small black dress with the outline of a skeleton etched on it and measuring tapes around the waist and neck – prompted 26-year-old Jessi Davin to write a blog post two years ago that is still popular today.

The post, which appears on Davin’s Tumblr site, affirms that anorexia is nothing to joke about – even on Halloween.

“Think anorexia is funny? Sorry. I am a survivor and find NOTHING cute about this,” Davin wrote.

‘I can’t be silent about this’

Davin’s post quickly gained traction and has been shared thousands of times over numerous social media platforms the last two years.

“I think eating disorders are a disease a lot of people really don’t take seriously in the first place,” she told Buzzfeed, “and to see that costume really just made me think ‘OK. I can’t be silent about this anymore. I need to show the harsh reality that is anorexia. It’s not a joke.’ So I did just that.”

In the post, Davin recalls what anorexia meant to her, including 4 years of hospitalization, a feeding tube, organ failure, a wheelchair and a lifetime of medications “for the anxiety and the health issues” her condition caused.

“Anorexia is nothing to party about or laugh at. Want to dress as ‘Anna Rexia’? Just go as a Vampire, or a Zombie. Because 1/3 of us are dead,” she wrote.

Davin is currently back in treatment and is seven months pregnant. She is dedicated to preventing her illness from affecting the safety of her daughter.

“If my post helps spread awareness for anorexia and other eating disorders and helps those who don’t understand maybe comprehend just a little bit more,” she said, “then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.”

Source: Wet Paint
Image screenshot via Wet Paint