Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Age 43

I am a mother of a teenage daughter. I watched my 5’5” child waste away to 70 pounds and felt completely helpless. I felt as though I failed my daughter. I knew I had to get her help or she would die. After seeing an eating disorder specialist, my daughter is now on the mend and regaining her health. She still has her struggles and faces many challenges, but I now see that recovery for my daughter is possible.

Monday, February 25, 2008

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 24 - March 1, 2008

In the United States, as many as 10 million females are battling - often silently - with eating disorders. Society's emphasis on physical beauty has created an overwhelming pressure to remain thin in an attempt to obtain the "perfect body" (by any means possible). Due to the shame associated with eating disorders, many cases go unreported although treatment is available and recovery is possible. An eating disorder is a very real illness with serious, dangerous consequences. This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Share your story.

For more information, visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Age 17

In middle school I remember being happy. No one talked about their weight or their body. I am now in high school and the girls at my school are constantly criticizing their bodies and the bodies of others. There is always talk of this girl throwing up, or that girl not eating, or another sneaking into an unused classroom to do another 100 sit-ups. It’s almost like a sick competition. It’s become more of a struggle to feel OK about yourself. Before high school, I thought I looked alright. Now I’m just trying to fit in with the rest of the girls. It’s like we all strive to look like the other and I don’t even know why.