I used to think that if I could just lose a few more pounds, I'd feel better, prettier, happier...I'd somehow be a bit more complete or worth more or something like that. But it was never enough. I'm not sure why this happens to someone with an eating disorder. It can very quickly go from, "hmmm, I want to eat healthier or get in better shape" to "I can't eat this or that or anything and I need to go workout for 3 hours because I just ate one piece of candy." Maybe that sounds like an exaggeration but for some it is a reality. An eating disorder can escalate very quickly and this can easily happen without loved ones noticing the changes.
This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and one point of focus for the week is "I Had No Idea." I had no idea that my friend was obsessed with exercising, it just seemed like she wanted to get in better shape. I had no idea my brother was starving himself, I just thought he was eating healthier. You get the idea. The truth is, most eating disorders are greatly misunderstood. Someone finds out their friend has an ED and they tell him or her to start eating more, no problem right? Just eat a burger and extra fries. The friend who is addicted to exercising? Simple, stop running so much, skip a workout or two. Nope, not that simple. See, it's much much bigger and deeper than that...it's not really about the food, or the exercise, the calories or the special diet. And many people with an eating disorder may not even realize that they have one. In fact, especially in our diet and health obsessed culture, it gets harder to recognize what's healthy and what's crossed over to an ED.
If you think someone you love may be heading down that path the best thing you can do is show that you care. Start an open, honest conversation in a safe place and tell them you are worried, you care, that you want to help. NEDA reported that early intervention can help to reduce the risk of someone moving into a full blown eating disorder. And even if your friend doesn't respond in a positive way, know that your support and love is so important to that person. Don't give up on them. The National Eating Disorders Collaboration has some great tips on how to talk to a loved one about an ED here http://www.nedc.com.au/what-to-say-and-do.
I am blessed to say that I have recovered from my eating disorder. This could not have happened without the love and support of family and friends and my yoga practice. The road to recovery is long and bumpy but it is without a doubt the most beautiful moment of freedom to realize you are on the other side of your ED. So for this week, try more love for yourself, for those around you and less talk about your diet, your weight and the amount of calories you burned. Your words are powerful. Stick to love.
Love from Oz.
This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and one point of focus for the week is "I Had No Idea." I had no idea that my friend was obsessed with exercising, it just seemed like she wanted to get in better shape. I had no idea my brother was starving himself, I just thought he was eating healthier. You get the idea. The truth is, most eating disorders are greatly misunderstood. Someone finds out their friend has an ED and they tell him or her to start eating more, no problem right? Just eat a burger and extra fries. The friend who is addicted to exercising? Simple, stop running so much, skip a workout or two. Nope, not that simple. See, it's much much bigger and deeper than that...it's not really about the food, or the exercise, the calories or the special diet. And many people with an eating disorder may not even realize that they have one. In fact, especially in our diet and health obsessed culture, it gets harder to recognize what's healthy and what's crossed over to an ED.
If you think someone you love may be heading down that path the best thing you can do is show that you care. Start an open, honest conversation in a safe place and tell them you are worried, you care, that you want to help. NEDA reported that early intervention can help to reduce the risk of someone moving into a full blown eating disorder. And even if your friend doesn't respond in a positive way, know that your support and love is so important to that person. Don't give up on them. The National Eating Disorders Collaboration has some great tips on how to talk to a loved one about an ED here http://www.nedc.com.au/what-to-say-and-do.
I am blessed to say that I have recovered from my eating disorder. This could not have happened without the love and support of family and friends and my yoga practice. The road to recovery is long and bumpy but it is without a doubt the most beautiful moment of freedom to realize you are on the other side of your ED. So for this week, try more love for yourself, for those around you and less talk about your diet, your weight and the amount of calories you burned. Your words are powerful. Stick to love.
Love from Oz.
