Essays

When most people hear of someone with an eating disorder they almost automatically assume the person has a problem with food, eating disorders are not a sign that a person has a problem with food, lather eating disorders are actually only the symptoms OF underlying problems in that person's life. With proper treatment, people can hilly recover.

This section will provide you with definitions, signs and symptoms and physical/medical complications for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive eating. This section will also provide you with information in regards to the dangers associated with certain products used in an attempt to lose weight and who's at risk.

One of the hardest things to do is admitting and accepting that you have an eating disorder. The next hardest thing to do is reaching out and asking for help. Many of us feel that since this is our problem that we should deal with it on our own. People with eating disorders are very independent and arc not used to sharing their feelings with anyone, especially not a therapist. They may feel too ashamed or embarrassed to reveal to someone what they are doing. Please know that there is no shame in having an eating disorder. I tried for many years to keep this a secret and I tried to stop on my own. It did not work. This problem is too big to correct on your own and you need the help of qualified individuals-

It is important that you find ways that are helpful for you. Many people will try to tell you what you "have" to do in order to recover, but only you know what methods of treatment are best for you. What works for one person, may not work for another. Do not be afraid to tell people what you want and need.

Recovery is a long road and remember that you do not have to travel that road alone- [t really is important to reach out for help. There is no shame for having an eating disorder and help is available. You do not have to be a prisoner to your eating disorder forever. Not only is it okay to ask for help, it is necessary. Below are some sections that I hope will be of help to you or to a loved one as they begin getting the help needed to assist them in their recovery.

The recovery process will take time and it will not be easy. Many people have asked me how long it will take, but I cannot answer such a question nor should anyone else feel that they can. Everyone is different and everyone will recover at their own pace. You cannot put a time limit on recovery. I can tell you that the eating disorder will not disappear overnight like many people wish for. Going to bed at night, hoping and praying it will not be there in the morning, will not help you. You will only feel worse when you awake to find it still present in your life. Acceptance is best. Accept that tor now you do have an eating disorder, but remind yourself it is only temporary. The more you move forward in your own personal recovery, the more the eating disorder will be left behind to become part of your past. Recovery is difficult, but then again, so is living with an eating disorder.