The following information is in regard to a panel discussion on eating disorder recovery and an AED fundraising event that may be of interest to those of you from the Michigan area in the U.S.
Panel discussion: "Surviving an Eating Disorder: From Recognition to Recovery"
Featured speakers: Kirsten Haglund, 2008 Miss America
Kirsten's mother, Iora Haglund
Activist, Donna Friedman
Panel chair: Judith Banker, MA,LLP,FAED
Executive Director, Center for Eating Disorders
Immediate Past President, AED
This panel discussion seeks to raise eating disorders awareness, offer hope for recovery, and provide
useful tools for families and professionals. Kirsten Haglund and Donna Friedman will share their personal stories of recovery. Iora Haglund will discuss her experience as the mother of a teen with anorexia, including her ideas about how families can help. Panel chair, Judith Banker, will provide a brief overview of the etiology and current treatment of eating disorders. Q and A to follow.
Date/Time: Monday, November 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Meet-the-Speakers Fundraising Reception to follow to raise funds to support the work of
the Academy for Eating Disorders
Location: Ellen Thompson Women's Health Center
St.Joseph Mercy Hospital
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Space limited. To pre-register: 734-668-8585 or info@center4ed.org
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Magical Thinking?
Is it possible to control your world to the point of avoiding all things frightening and spontaneous? For anyone who has or has ever had an eating disorder, they will know all about the magnanimous effort it takes to attempt to do this. Often, a person who is suffering from an eating disorder, or one who suffers from OCD, obsessiveness, or anxiety, will also develop a certain pattern of thinking, in an attempt to find a solution for their life that feels safe. Because all of these disorders or conditions involve an attempt to avoid discomfort or pain, the aspect of 'magical thinking' may occur with all.
Think about the rules and rituals that often accompany an eating disorder. We feel a desperate need to ALWAYS do certain things, and NEVER do other certain things. I believe it all comes back to a need for certainty and an attempt to control our environment....an avoidance of harm or pain. We truly believe that by following a certain routine, using a special spoon or plate, cutting our food into certain sized pieces, chewing each bite a certain number of times, etc., we can prevent pain or harm from coming our way.
BLACK AND WHITE THINKING.
If you think about it, it's very dichotomous. On the one hand, we feel unworthy, weak, incapable, bad, or any number of other negative labels.
But...for some reason, we feel almost superior in our ability to control our environment to the point of controlling destiny.
If we do this, that will happen (or won't happen). If we don't do this, that won't happen (or will happen). It's a maddening way to live, and it keeps one totally imprisoned. There is only one way in our minds when this takes over. Our way. But the reality is, our way is slowly killing us.
Magical thinking?
Today, for me, magical thinking is simple. There is no perfect, so I don't have to be perfect. That's pretty magical to me! I can't control what happens in this world, but I can choose to live each day to the fullest, and to take the best possible care of myself along the way. When I look at my husband, the love I feel is magical. Being able to cry is magical, as it also allows me to laugh and sing.
I'm not running away anymore!!
Think about the rules and rituals that often accompany an eating disorder. We feel a desperate need to ALWAYS do certain things, and NEVER do other certain things. I believe it all comes back to a need for certainty and an attempt to control our environment....an avoidance of harm or pain. We truly believe that by following a certain routine, using a special spoon or plate, cutting our food into certain sized pieces, chewing each bite a certain number of times, etc., we can prevent pain or harm from coming our way.
BLACK AND WHITE THINKING.
If you think about it, it's very dichotomous. On the one hand, we feel unworthy, weak, incapable, bad, or any number of other negative labels.
But...for some reason, we feel almost superior in our ability to control our environment to the point of controlling destiny.
If we do this, that will happen (or won't happen). If we don't do this, that won't happen (or will happen). It's a maddening way to live, and it keeps one totally imprisoned. There is only one way in our minds when this takes over. Our way. But the reality is, our way is slowly killing us.
Magical thinking?
Today, for me, magical thinking is simple. There is no perfect, so I don't have to be perfect. That's pretty magical to me! I can't control what happens in this world, but I can choose to live each day to the fullest, and to take the best possible care of myself along the way. When I look at my husband, the love I feel is magical. Being able to cry is magical, as it also allows me to laugh and sing.
I'm not running away anymore!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
My Armour
How can I protect my heart and my soul from the pain and grief associated with my memories? My 'former' life? I can't just cut my family out of my life, nor do I want to. I can't pretend those years never passed, or the painful memories never happened. How did I survive as long as I did? And why?
Going back to my small hometown was hard this past weekend. Seeing Matt living out of a motel room breaks my heart, yet I know it's not my fault. No job, no driver's license or car. I can't help him at this point. I bought him groceries.
I saw and talked to Andy's Mom. Andy shot and killed my youngest son eight and a half years ago. It was an accident. Andy is struggling emotionally with his memories and grief. We cried. My instinct to comfort was totally off balance. How can I possibly reach out to this young man? How? Why?
I went to the county High School and picked up a 2002 Yearbook that someone had donated to me. It contains a memorial page with pictures of Tim from age three, up to ten days before his death. I cried. My heart hurt, as it hurts now. I will always be aware of a hole in my heart just as Tim suffered.
The hard fact is there is no 'protection' from my memories. The truth is I don't want them to be erased. I am now able to embrace my 'former' life, as well as the life I live now. I have accepted that THIS is my life. I am who I am because of both my 'former' life and the life I live today.
The pain and grief that accompany my memories parallel the joys and love that I experience every day. They are all a part of ME. I am in love with Dave. I live my life with no apology. I embrace the opportunities that life now hands me, and I accept the responsibilities that sometimes cause me anger or resentment. I would not know what to change if I could. I tried that for years, and it only caused me illness.
How did I survive for all those years? Not for me to figure out. Why? Does it matter?
What matters is that I am alive and I want TODAY to count, for myself and everyone else in my life.
My armour is my awareness, my health and my willingness to continue to learn and grow.
I am thankful.
Going back to my small hometown was hard this past weekend. Seeing Matt living out of a motel room breaks my heart, yet I know it's not my fault. No job, no driver's license or car. I can't help him at this point. I bought him groceries.
I saw and talked to Andy's Mom. Andy shot and killed my youngest son eight and a half years ago. It was an accident. Andy is struggling emotionally with his memories and grief. We cried. My instinct to comfort was totally off balance. How can I possibly reach out to this young man? How? Why?
I went to the county High School and picked up a 2002 Yearbook that someone had donated to me. It contains a memorial page with pictures of Tim from age three, up to ten days before his death. I cried. My heart hurt, as it hurts now. I will always be aware of a hole in my heart just as Tim suffered.
The hard fact is there is no 'protection' from my memories. The truth is I don't want them to be erased. I am now able to embrace my 'former' life, as well as the life I live now. I have accepted that THIS is my life. I am who I am because of both my 'former' life and the life I live today.
The pain and grief that accompany my memories parallel the joys and love that I experience every day. They are all a part of ME. I am in love with Dave. I live my life with no apology. I embrace the opportunities that life now hands me, and I accept the responsibilities that sometimes cause me anger or resentment. I would not know what to change if I could. I tried that for years, and it only caused me illness.
How did I survive for all those years? Not for me to figure out. Why? Does it matter?
What matters is that I am alive and I want TODAY to count, for myself and everyone else in my life.
My armour is my awareness, my health and my willingness to continue to learn and grow.
I am thankful.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Many things to share...
I'm about to leave for a drive down to see the family, with a small detour to 'meet' my newest great-nephew on the way. Very excited about that! There are many things I'd like to write about, so for this moment, I will share a 'preview'. For any of you who happen to read my rambling writings, I am quite passionate about sharing facts and information about the dangers and the myths that are believed about eating disorders. Some of the things I want to elaborate more about are: Weight is genetically determined....when we try to 'make it' what we want or what we think is our 'healthy' weight, we are likely to either end up with a deadly eating disorder, or at a much higher set point weight than ever before. You can't mess with biology! We are led to believe that we CAN pick 'our' weight, and we will be happy and healthier forever. It's not true, and that belief has killed many women and men in their attempt to achieve that. Can we change our height? Can we change our genetic make-up in other ways? No.
Also, how did our society become so obsessed with proving our worth by external evaluation? Perfection? Perfection itself is a fallacy. How can be begin to help ourselves, our children, our friends, to change the ways that we determine or base our worth? Society fights any attempts to look internally, but it is possible. It's all about focusing on developing those genetic characteristics, our talents, our values, and our personalities in such a way that we can embrace those things as who we are..not what we weigh, what size we wear, or if we are able to make straight As. What are we sacrificing in our lives in an attempt to achieve some impossible perfection? Freedom from this trap is possible. Recovery from eating disorders is possible. What do YOU value about yourself and about your life? Think about it....more on this later....Namaste
Also, how did our society become so obsessed with proving our worth by external evaluation? Perfection? Perfection itself is a fallacy. How can be begin to help ourselves, our children, our friends, to change the ways that we determine or base our worth? Society fights any attempts to look internally, but it is possible. It's all about focusing on developing those genetic characteristics, our talents, our values, and our personalities in such a way that we can embrace those things as who we are..not what we weigh, what size we wear, or if we are able to make straight As. What are we sacrificing in our lives in an attempt to achieve some impossible perfection? Freedom from this trap is possible. Recovery from eating disorders is possible. What do YOU value about yourself and about your life? Think about it....more on this later....Namaste
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Why So Ashamed?
Why are so many people ashamed of who they are? Where does the shame originate for a person who is suffering from an eating disorder? What is it about society today that causes so many people to question who they are, and if they are 'good enough'? Everyone has an opinion. But it goes further than that. Society seems to imply that there is a 'stamp of approval' that we all must meet in order to be acceptable members of society.
This pressure is especially damaging for those who are already sensitive to the opinions of others, and is sometimes noted to be a factor in the development of an eating disorder. This sensitivity, along with other factors, is also what causes such an intense fear among those suffering to reach out for help. What is this fear all about? Again, it comes directly back to the judgments of society and the criticisms of those who are different or unique.
When I first developed anorexia about forty years ago, I consider it an advantage in this respect that not much of an opinion had been formed about eating disorders...they were virtually unknown. When I found out that I had an illness, I had no fear of seeking help, there just wasn't good treatment available.
Today, because of common views of much of society about eating disorders, those who are suffering are often seen as defiant, selfish, attention seeking, and just not caring for themselves. This couldn't be further from the truth. Or, for some who are suffering, there is pride, and a sense of accomplishment for being stronger than others because they don't 'need' food, which also appears as 'virtuous', which is not at all factual.
Eating disorders can be fatal. People can and do die from eating disorders. Anyone who is suffering from an eating disorder needs to know that with the proper kind of treatment, recovery is possible. You can't get help if you don't reach out and ask for it.
My recovery truly began in 2002. Until that time, the treatment that I had received was not based on research, facts or scientific models. I found during my recovery that my worst fears did not come to fruition when I challenged them. I expected rejection from others when I opened up to them, but I found support, and openness on their part as well. I was told for the first time in all my years of illness that recovery was possible! The staff at the River Centre Clinic ( http://www.river-centre.org/ ) told me there was hope. I had never been given that.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, the least important thing is that others understand. The most important is that you (or they) get the best help possible, and as quickly as possible. I found from experience that even if the people that you want to understand don't, in time, when they see that you are recovering and starting to reclaim your life, it won't matter any more. You deserve to live, and you deserve to be free!! No shame. Please step forward and seek the help you need! Namaste
This pressure is especially damaging for those who are already sensitive to the opinions of others, and is sometimes noted to be a factor in the development of an eating disorder. This sensitivity, along with other factors, is also what causes such an intense fear among those suffering to reach out for help. What is this fear all about? Again, it comes directly back to the judgments of society and the criticisms of those who are different or unique.
When I first developed anorexia about forty years ago, I consider it an advantage in this respect that not much of an opinion had been formed about eating disorders...they were virtually unknown. When I found out that I had an illness, I had no fear of seeking help, there just wasn't good treatment available.
Today, because of common views of much of society about eating disorders, those who are suffering are often seen as defiant, selfish, attention seeking, and just not caring for themselves. This couldn't be further from the truth. Or, for some who are suffering, there is pride, and a sense of accomplishment for being stronger than others because they don't 'need' food, which also appears as 'virtuous', which is not at all factual.
Eating disorders can be fatal. People can and do die from eating disorders. Anyone who is suffering from an eating disorder needs to know that with the proper kind of treatment, recovery is possible. You can't get help if you don't reach out and ask for it.
My recovery truly began in 2002. Until that time, the treatment that I had received was not based on research, facts or scientific models. I found during my recovery that my worst fears did not come to fruition when I challenged them. I expected rejection from others when I opened up to them, but I found support, and openness on their part as well. I was told for the first time in all my years of illness that recovery was possible! The staff at the River Centre Clinic ( http://www.river-centre.org/ ) told me there was hope. I had never been given that.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, the least important thing is that others understand. The most important is that you (or they) get the best help possible, and as quickly as possible. I found from experience that even if the people that you want to understand don't, in time, when they see that you are recovering and starting to reclaim your life, it won't matter any more. You deserve to live, and you deserve to be free!! No shame. Please step forward and seek the help you need! Namaste
Friday, October 2, 2009
Reflective Vacation
A week ago tomorrow morning, we left for the airport to fly to Las Vegas. How can you predetermine what a vacation will be like? You can't, but we both knew FOR SURE that we needed some time away together. Ahh....
I began this vacation tired. Tired of the daily responsibilities of life, and tired of preparing for time away. Why does that happen? Yet, I was excited to be getting away for a change of pace and some time with just Dave. Ahh....
We are sitting in the airport, and I see this young man...he's probably 16 or 17, dark-haired, tall, with those ruddy-looking cheeks I remember so well....just like Tim. My eyes welled up, and I tried to distract myself. He's on our flight.
I was finishing a book about a young girl with a congenital disease. Her Mother fought hard and sacrificed her entire family's happiness to gain support and financial help for her...only to have the girl die a year later by accidentally drowning in a nearby pond. Tragic. I sobbed...for Tim. Why couldn't he be with me, going on vacation, growing up to laugh, fall in love, and continue to be his special silly self? And Matt, sitting in jail, none of us knowing his future.
Is it OK for ME to be happy? To laugh? To fall in love? To be silly? Why did my boys have to miss out because I was sick? No answer. Life isn't fair.
We arrived in Las Vegas, hurry down to claim our luggage, and there he is. Standing with his parents. My eyes are filling with tears. What would he do if I ran up and hugged him? I would probably be arrested. So I cry. Why are my emotions so 'right here' when we are beginning our vacation?
We were in Las Vegas for three nights. We had a wonderful time, laughing, loving and enjoying our time away. We had the lunch buffet at the Mirage. Hundreds of foods to choose from. I loved it, and could never have done it even two years ago. No fear. Ahh...
I continued to think often of my boys and wish I could take them both on vacation. Maybe I can take Matt someplace, I only hope that Tim knows my heart. He does.
Driving to San Diego I am enthralled at the beauty of our Earth, and I am filled with gratitude for the life I have been given, for the love I feel for Dave, for my health, and for the wonderful friends I have.
San Diego. The Zoo. The beauty of the foliage nearly made me high. I took more pictures of flower blossoms than I did of animals. I loved every moment. Why did it take so long for me to come alive?
I see all the little children, and I regret that I missed those moments with my boys. Pregnant women. An impossible dream that is forever past. If I controlled the Universe, I would be pregnant and give birth to a daughter. But I don't, and I won't.
Combing the beaches and climbing the rocks along the shore. Another gift of recovery. True amazement at the beauty of life and this Earth. I have strength. I can climb. I smile a LOT!! Ahh...
Tonight we are going out for some fresh seafood and our last night in San Diego. Matt was released from jail on Thursday. The facility is overcrowded. What a strange world. I want to take him someplace magical for a vacation. Ahh...
We have today. No guarantees beyond this moment. What am I waiting for?
Ahh......
I began this vacation tired. Tired of the daily responsibilities of life, and tired of preparing for time away. Why does that happen? Yet, I was excited to be getting away for a change of pace and some time with just Dave. Ahh....
We are sitting in the airport, and I see this young man...he's probably 16 or 17, dark-haired, tall, with those ruddy-looking cheeks I remember so well....just like Tim. My eyes welled up, and I tried to distract myself. He's on our flight.
I was finishing a book about a young girl with a congenital disease. Her Mother fought hard and sacrificed her entire family's happiness to gain support and financial help for her...only to have the girl die a year later by accidentally drowning in a nearby pond. Tragic. I sobbed...for Tim. Why couldn't he be with me, going on vacation, growing up to laugh, fall in love, and continue to be his special silly self? And Matt, sitting in jail, none of us knowing his future.
Is it OK for ME to be happy? To laugh? To fall in love? To be silly? Why did my boys have to miss out because I was sick? No answer. Life isn't fair.
We arrived in Las Vegas, hurry down to claim our luggage, and there he is. Standing with his parents. My eyes are filling with tears. What would he do if I ran up and hugged him? I would probably be arrested. So I cry. Why are my emotions so 'right here' when we are beginning our vacation?
We were in Las Vegas for three nights. We had a wonderful time, laughing, loving and enjoying our time away. We had the lunch buffet at the Mirage. Hundreds of foods to choose from. I loved it, and could never have done it even two years ago. No fear. Ahh...
I continued to think often of my boys and wish I could take them both on vacation. Maybe I can take Matt someplace, I only hope that Tim knows my heart. He does.
Driving to San Diego I am enthralled at the beauty of our Earth, and I am filled with gratitude for the life I have been given, for the love I feel for Dave, for my health, and for the wonderful friends I have.
San Diego. The Zoo. The beauty of the foliage nearly made me high. I took more pictures of flower blossoms than I did of animals. I loved every moment. Why did it take so long for me to come alive?
I see all the little children, and I regret that I missed those moments with my boys. Pregnant women. An impossible dream that is forever past. If I controlled the Universe, I would be pregnant and give birth to a daughter. But I don't, and I won't.
Combing the beaches and climbing the rocks along the shore. Another gift of recovery. True amazement at the beauty of life and this Earth. I have strength. I can climb. I smile a LOT!! Ahh...
Tonight we are going out for some fresh seafood and our last night in San Diego. Matt was released from jail on Thursday. The facility is overcrowded. What a strange world. I want to take him someplace magical for a vacation. Ahh...
We have today. No guarantees beyond this moment. What am I waiting for?
Ahh......
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Do I Expect Too Much??
I've been very frustrated lately. While I know that my expectations for myself are still too high sometimes, I'm much nicer to myself than I use to be...:)
My house isn't spotless, and I kind of like that I can (do) still use the excuse that I 'just' had back surgery (two months ago) to put off doing housework....very different for me.
Me...the person who would follow a 'schedule' no matter what....no matter WHO was sick, including myself, no matter how much pain I was in, no matter ANYTHING, if I didn't clean my house, blah blah blah....WHAT?? I guess I had nothing else to cling to....no other way to feel safe..although I wasn't.
So now I have no clue when I plan to 'clean'. My house isn't dirty. I'm still anal about clutter, but a little dust, some pretty cat hair...so what?
Now what was I saying....?
I'm very frustrated at the moment with people who say they will do something, then just don't do it. Please don't commit to doing something if you aren't going to do it. And if you do, and something happens that prevents you from doing it, then TELL ME! Especially when there are third parties to consider...you know?
Of course I go back to "if you want something done (right), then you have to do it yourself".
For most of my life, I was just too stubborn to ask for help. Or I thought no one could do it 'good enough' (including myself), so of course I just never asked. That section in Nursing School about 'delegating'? Forget it.....
So DO I expect too much? I don't think so. I don't ask much of others. I know when I am thinking critically towards someone, it's usually a criticism of myself....I get that now.
I don't approach very many situations in my life with 'expectations'....huh. I can thank 'the love of my life' for that....what a man....hey, married three years today....WOOHOO!!
I expect to be treated with respect. I expect to be free to speak my voice. I expect that I will treated in like as I treat others....old fashioned? I don't think so.
Yeah...I'm frustrated that my life is narrowed in some ways due to present circumstances. I DO love my Mother-in-Law!! I WILL NOT regret this when I look back years from now...assuming that I am able to do that.
More than that, I know that I allow things to fester more than I should before I release them....THEN I SCREAM!!
So, yeah, I probably take on more than I 'should' sometimes, but who else can I count on...:)
My house isn't spotless, and I kind of like that I can (do) still use the excuse that I 'just' had back surgery (two months ago) to put off doing housework....very different for me.
Me...the person who would follow a 'schedule' no matter what....no matter WHO was sick, including myself, no matter how much pain I was in, no matter ANYTHING, if I didn't clean my house, blah blah blah....WHAT?? I guess I had nothing else to cling to....no other way to feel safe..although I wasn't.
So now I have no clue when I plan to 'clean'. My house isn't dirty. I'm still anal about clutter, but a little dust, some pretty cat hair...so what?
Now what was I saying....?
I'm very frustrated at the moment with people who say they will do something, then just don't do it. Please don't commit to doing something if you aren't going to do it. And if you do, and something happens that prevents you from doing it, then TELL ME! Especially when there are third parties to consider...you know?
Of course I go back to "if you want something done (right), then you have to do it yourself".
For most of my life, I was just too stubborn to ask for help. Or I thought no one could do it 'good enough' (including myself), so of course I just never asked. That section in Nursing School about 'delegating'? Forget it.....
So DO I expect too much? I don't think so. I don't ask much of others. I know when I am thinking critically towards someone, it's usually a criticism of myself....I get that now.
I don't approach very many situations in my life with 'expectations'....huh. I can thank 'the love of my life' for that....what a man....hey, married three years today....WOOHOO!!
I expect to be treated with respect. I expect to be free to speak my voice. I expect that I will treated in like as I treat others....old fashioned? I don't think so.
Yeah...I'm frustrated that my life is narrowed in some ways due to present circumstances. I DO love my Mother-in-Law!! I WILL NOT regret this when I look back years from now...assuming that I am able to do that.
More than that, I know that I allow things to fester more than I should before I release them....THEN I SCREAM!!
So, yeah, I probably take on more than I 'should' sometimes, but who else can I count on...:)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
River Centre Clinic
Hands down...the River Centre Clinic saved my life. When I write that, I include every single staff person, including doctors, therapists, kitchen staff, program directors, office personnel, and every single one of the women I had the pleasure of being in treatment with. RCC is located in Sylvania, OH...which is actually right alongside the great city (a city is only as good as the people who occupy it, right?) of Toledo, OH...:) During my long battle with my eating disorder, I was in and out of many various types of treatment, including hospitals, psych wards, and specific ED treatment facilities. People ask me how I finally did it. Hmmm...I can't say it was ONE thing, but I do believe it was ONE place...RCC. I do believe that my previous treatment experiences were absolutely necessary, for negative and positive reasons, in order for me to end up at the door of RCC on January 21, 2002, desperate to find my path to life. My 'story' exists in other posts on this Blog, so I won't repeat myself. There were many aspects of my treatment at RCC that made it possible for me to fully recover, but the first and most important thing that I was given was HOPE. I had never been told that someone believed I could recover. Many people had given up on me..including myself. There were other aspects of my treatment at RCC that were unique, including....the scientifically-based treatment model that was used, which allowed me to utilize my obsessive mindset to propel me toward recovery....rigid meal planning...personalized therapy and treatment plans....a carefully planned aftercare plan for prevention relapse...their attention to the continuum of care, beyond the PHP program.....the constant focus on the development of MY identity....outside and without an eating disorder...and something that I never considered important-developing a support system by forming healthy and honest relationships. My recovery didn't happen quickly...but it has certainly become COMPLETE!! The most amazing thing for me now is to wake up and not feel fear. I had lived my life in fear before recovery. I have an amazing ability to LOVE, and I love laughing and being totally and completely silly! I now think a lot about TODAY, and what is important RIGHT NOW. After all, do any of us really know that we have tomorrow? I have seen many adolscents, young women and middle age women find hope and health through their treatment at the River Centre Clinic. Check it out at http://www.river-centre.org/ !!!
NEDA Conference
I had an amazing experience last weekend in Minneapolis at the National Eating Disorder Conference! It was truly an honor to be able to meet and share with some of the experts in the field of treatment and research of eating disorders. Not only did I learn a great deal, but this experience has expanded my vision for my own work in this field. I ask myself daily, "how can I make a difference"?
The Conference also allowed me to meet some amazing women who have also recovered from their eating disorders. ALWAYS REMEMBER FULL RECOVERY IS A REAL POSSIBILITY...A REALITY!! I met a very genuine, caring young woman named Jenni Shaefer. She is fully recovered from an eating disorder, and has written two books. I highly recommend that anyone with ANY interest or concerns about eating disorders read her books!! She also speaks all over the country, and works especially with students on college campuses. Way to go Jenni!! I came home with a lot of information, and some additional ideas about my own path as I strive to support others in recovery. I'm trying to figure out how to add more hours to my day! Since it isn't possible in the literal sense, I have to decide how I can manage that in terms of balancing my personal life..which is an important goal for anyone in recovery. More to come soon...:)
The Conference also allowed me to meet some amazing women who have also recovered from their eating disorders. ALWAYS REMEMBER FULL RECOVERY IS A REAL POSSIBILITY...A REALITY!! I met a very genuine, caring young woman named Jenni Shaefer. She is fully recovered from an eating disorder, and has written two books. I highly recommend that anyone with ANY interest or concerns about eating disorders read her books!! She also speaks all over the country, and works especially with students on college campuses. Way to go Jenni!! I came home with a lot of information, and some additional ideas about my own path as I strive to support others in recovery. I'm trying to figure out how to add more hours to my day! Since it isn't possible in the literal sense, I have to decide how I can manage that in terms of balancing my personal life..which is an important goal for anyone in recovery. More to come soon...:)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
ED-NOS a REAL Eating Disorder?
Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa are the two most common diagnoses given for someone who is suffering from an eating disorder. If a person is struggling with eating disorder thoughts, feelings or behaviors, but does not have all the symptoms of anorexia or bulimia, that person may be diagnosed with eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS).
Some known examples of EDNOS include:
1. Despite having regular menses, all of the criteria for anorexia nervosa are met.
2. Despite substantial weight loss, the individual's current weight is in the normal range.
3. Binging may occur, but at a frequency of less than twice a week or for a duration of less than 3 months.
4. A normal body weight is maintained, but inappropriate compensatory behavior after eating small amounts of food (such as purging after the consumption of two cookies) is seen.
5. Repeatedly chewing and spitting, but not swallowing, large amounts of food.
6. Recurrent episodes of binge eating in the absence of the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors characteristic of Bulimia Nervosa.
The “not otherwise specified” label often suggests to people that these disorders are not as important, as serious, or as common as anorexia or bulimia nervosa. This is not true. Far more individuals suffer from EDNOS than from bulimia and anorexia combined, and the risks associated with having EDNOS are often just as profound as with anorexia or bulimia because many people with EDNOS engage in the same risky, damaging behaviors seen in other eating disorders.
Often, people categorized as having ED-NOS are basically anorexic or bulimic, but cannot be classified as such because of a technicality. Obviously, ED-NOS can very easily lead to a diagnosis of one of the two other clinical eating disorders. Some sources point to as many as 50% of eating disorder cases being diagnosed as ED-NOS.
In the meantime, if you mention "ED-NOS" to most laypeople, they will not have a clue what you are talking about. While anorexia and bulimia get all the publicity, people diagnosed as NOS are often left in the shadows. They may look at the criteria for anorexia and bulimia and feel puzzled. They know something is "off" about their eating habits, but feel invalidated because nothing out there tells them that what they have is in fact an eating disorder. Invalidation, usually unintentional, may also come from family or friends. (The person who has lost fifty pounds by starving themselves but is still overweight will more likely get praise from loved ones rather than concern, for example.)
Even though ED-NOS may not get quite as much publicity as its more infamous "cousins," it is important to remember that ANY eating disorder has the potential to be lethal. In the long term, it's not the label that matters; it's the PERSON. And a person diagnosed with ED-NOS deserves just as much care, consideration, and support as any other eating disordered patient.
Some known examples of EDNOS include:
1. Despite having regular menses, all of the criteria for anorexia nervosa are met.
2. Despite substantial weight loss, the individual's current weight is in the normal range.
3. Binging may occur, but at a frequency of less than twice a week or for a duration of less than 3 months.
4. A normal body weight is maintained, but inappropriate compensatory behavior after eating small amounts of food (such as purging after the consumption of two cookies) is seen.
5. Repeatedly chewing and spitting, but not swallowing, large amounts of food.
6. Recurrent episodes of binge eating in the absence of the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors characteristic of Bulimia Nervosa.
The “not otherwise specified” label often suggests to people that these disorders are not as important, as serious, or as common as anorexia or bulimia nervosa. This is not true. Far more individuals suffer from EDNOS than from bulimia and anorexia combined, and the risks associated with having EDNOS are often just as profound as with anorexia or bulimia because many people with EDNOS engage in the same risky, damaging behaviors seen in other eating disorders.
Often, people categorized as having ED-NOS are basically anorexic or bulimic, but cannot be classified as such because of a technicality. Obviously, ED-NOS can very easily lead to a diagnosis of one of the two other clinical eating disorders. Some sources point to as many as 50% of eating disorder cases being diagnosed as ED-NOS.
In the meantime, if you mention "ED-NOS" to most laypeople, they will not have a clue what you are talking about. While anorexia and bulimia get all the publicity, people diagnosed as NOS are often left in the shadows. They may look at the criteria for anorexia and bulimia and feel puzzled. They know something is "off" about their eating habits, but feel invalidated because nothing out there tells them that what they have is in fact an eating disorder. Invalidation, usually unintentional, may also come from family or friends. (The person who has lost fifty pounds by starving themselves but is still overweight will more likely get praise from loved ones rather than concern, for example.)
Even though ED-NOS may not get quite as much publicity as its more infamous "cousins," it is important to remember that ANY eating disorder has the potential to be lethal. In the long term, it's not the label that matters; it's the PERSON. And a person diagnosed with ED-NOS deserves just as much care, consideration, and support as any other eating disordered patient.
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