Eating Disorder Hope Blog Update

To our dear Visitors and Friends:

We wish to thank you for your continued support and loyalty to Eating Disorder Hope.  Recently, we have made several changes to our websites and blogs, and as a result, we will no longer be posting to this particular blog.  We would like to re-direct you to our new blog, found here.  You can also follow Eating Disorder Hope on Facebook for up-to-date articles, resources, and support for eating disorders and access our website at www.eatingdisorderhope.com.  We thank you for your patience during this time and hope you will continue to choose Eating Disorder Hope for your one stop resource for eating disorder treatment information and recovery tools.  We look forward to continually serving you!  Thank you for being a friend of Eating Disorder Hope.

Blessings,

Eating Disorder Hope

Stuck In A Rut

Recently I have started on my own quest to conquer a healthier lifestyle and to be active in getting out of a recovery rut I’ve found myself in. Without going into my whole story, I can tell you that my body has suffered greatly from my eating disorder and obsession with exercise. In August of 2008 I was admitted to an inpatient residential treatment facility. With that being said, after leaving treatment in January of 2009, my recovery has been synonymous to a roller coaster ride with extreme highs and devastating lows. In 2010 I felt as though I was at a place where I could participate in exercise in a positive and healthy manner. I joined a team to train for a marathon; however, the purpose of the team was to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The idea of running as a way to support those who were suffering from this cancer was helpful in reinforcing the correct mindset to exercise. Unfortunately because of the osteoporosis I developed from the outcome of my eating disorder, I ended up fracturing my pelvis just by simply running. Since then, my health has been quite a confusing subject and I am dealing with a life changing bout of chronic pain. To conquer this misery as well as focus on healing myself from the inside out I have turned to yoga and meditation. In treatment we started everyday with yoga and practiced meditation during different times of relaxation. I was a bit curious about these practices as well as timid to fully let go and embrace the process. Once I was able to fully understand what I was doing and the benefits, I became a firm believer in mind and body health. Coincidently I stumbled upon an article outlining the benefits of yoga as a new way to fight eating disorders which include awareness, forgiveness and a greater mind-body connection. I encourage you to read this article and try this coping mechanism. It saved my own recovery and I hope by being honest and writing about this topic I can pass along my insight and convince you to do the same!

Hannah, intern with Eating Disorder Hope

F.R.E.E.D. Act

  Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, yet funding for research regarding eating disorders is inadequate. Although eating disorders are stereotyped as a female disease, men and women, boys and girls, old and young are unfortunately effected. A December issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics reported an astounding increase in the number of adolescents hospitalized for eating disorders by 119%. Thankfully the Eating Disorder Coalition took action and compiled the FREED act which can help the millions of Americans who are suffering. This bill encourages the National Institute of Health to increase the research on eating disorders. To read further on this amazing achievement by the EDC, please visit http://www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org/. 

Hannah Chase, Intern at Eating Disorder Hope

Men struggle with Eating Disorders too

Eating disorders have often been associated as a disease that afflicts women primarily, but the number of men who are seeking help for eating disorders is rising.  Overall, there seems to be a deficiency in professional resources for men who might be struggling with an eating disorder, and health professionals may not be appropriately trained to identify and treat men who have eating disorders.  Additionally, men may find it much more challenging to acknowledge diagnosis and treatment as there may not be much support or encouragement to do so.  Men are also susceptible to the cultural pressures that women face, and it is critical that awareness of eating disorders in men is raised so that appropriate help and treatment is available. 

What are some of the difficulties men may face in seeking help for an eating disorder?

Eating Disorder Hope Blog Update

To our dear Visitors:

We wish to thank you for your continued support and loyalty to Eating Disorder Hope.  Presently, our blogs are temporarily under construction as we seek to improve, enhance, and develop greater resources.  During this time, blog posts will be kept to a minimum, but we excitedly look forward to offering you increased resources in the very near future.  In the meantime, please follow Eating Disorder Hope on Facebook for up-to-date articles, resources, and support for eating disorders or access our website at www.eatingdisorderhope.com.  We thank you for your patience during this time and hope you will continue to choose Eating Disorder Hope for your one stop resource for eating disorder treatment information and recovery tools.  We look forward to continually serving you!

Blessings,

Eating Disorder Hope

Eating Disorders Identified in College Freshmen as They Return Home for Winter Break

Winter break is a most welcomed time for college freshmen across the United States.  Many families will be reunited with their college student over the holiday season, and for some parents, this time may lead to the discovery of the development of an eating disorder in their child.  The transition to college has been recognized as one of the two most common life stages in which an eating disorder can develop and progress, and it is particularly important for parents to be attentive and observant of symptoms of eating disorders as their teens arrive home for the holidays. Examples of some warning signs to be aware of that may indicate the development of an eating disorder include withdrawal from family/friends or avoidance of social gatherings and/or perceptible weight loss or weight gain since entering college.  Early recognition of these and other symptoms is essential to intervention and treatment.  Continue reading here to learn of additional warning signs to be aware of as well as suggestions for addressing the concern of an eating disorder developing.

If you are a parent of a child/teen who has struggled with an eating disorder, what were some of the early symptoms that you were able to recognize?  How can parents effectively approach their child who may be struggling?