ED Awareness

Empty Bellies Do Not Beget Genius

Submitted by nedic blogger on Wed, 03/30/2016 - 10:59

Originally posted on GalaDarling

This is a subject I am very, very passionate about. If you were expecting to be coddled on the subject, you’re out of luck. This is tough love, because we need it.

In today’s society, we often feel so much pressure to look a particular way. This isn’t news. But what IS news is that the wave has broken. People are starting to push back. From Coco Rocha and Doutzen Kroes speaking out publicly about the size of models, to Jessica Simpson’s series The Price of Beauty, women in positions of power or influence — and women who are often looked up to as body or beauty ideals — are finding a voice. A voice which says, “ENOUGH!”

What If Body Acceptance Doesn't Work? How About Body Neutrality?

Submitted by nedic blogger on Mon, 03/21/2016 - 14:26

I see a life coach.

The funny thing is, I call her my life coach when I’m doing well. I call her my therapist when I’m doing not-so-well. Because really, she’s one in the same.

According to her — and the firm for which she works — the difference between a therapist and a life coach is just that: where you are in life. If we were looking at a scale that goes from -10 to 10, a therapist would be there for you if you were on the negative side of zero, helping you to reach a healthier, more neutral place. If you’re already there, though, a life coach helps you improve that position, moving you up the scale into more happiness and life satisfaction.

Support and Awareness of Eating Disorders: The Role of the Fitness Professional

Submitted by nedic blogger on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 11:40

Image Source

 

There are an endless number of healthy reasons why someone may seek out a personal trainer; however, the reasons for wanting to engage in exercise are not always healthy, and the signs and symptoms of eating disorders are not detectable by the majority of fitness professionals when compared to medical professionals (Manley, O'Brien, & Samuels, 2008).

A Worthwhile Journey

Submitted by nedic blogger on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 09:27

 

It didn’t start out as an eating disorder. If you had asked me back then, I would have never admitted to having one. I was a collegiate athlete, studying health…there was no way I would allow something so terrible to ravage my body. I needed my body, and so did my teammates.

Why it is Hard to Be an Eating Disorder Recovery Advocate

Submitted by nedic blogger on Tue, 02/23/2016 - 11:44

Image Source

 

It is impossible to articulate just how challenging the days with my eating disorder were, and to remember all the various roadblocks to overcome. It is equally as challenging when preparing for a speaking event to know what type of information would be the most helpful, and what people need to hear. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me because of my experience; I want them to learn, and act, and change.

EDAW Reflections: Thinking Beyond the Stereotypes

Submitted by nedic blogger on Mon, 02/08/2016 - 09:46

So often we discuss body image, weight preoccupation, and eating disorders as issues that affect girls and women. However, when you take a closer look, through research, clinical cases, or through discussion with boys and men, it’s very clear that these issues are not exclusive to one particular gender. Throughout my pregnancy, I often thought about how I would promote a positive body image and healthy eating attitudes in my son. I never thought of difficulties in these areas as “girl problems.” As a new mom, I continue to reflect on the topics of body image, self-esteem, and eating related issues, and I’m already trying to put some positive practices into place. Thus, as this EDAW has come to an end, I’d like to share a letter I wrote for my son, with the hope that others will be inspired to share similar messages with the boys and men in their lives.

Bringing Awareness to Binge Eating Disorder

Submitted by nedic blogger on Sun, 02/07/2016 - 14:02

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is possibly the most common eating disorder, yet many of us hadn’t heard of it until recently. The notion of BED has been around for some time but until lately, it was not a stand-alone diagnosable eating disorder. This all changed with the release of the latest DSM-V. The latest version listed criteria for diagnosing BED, instead of lumping it into other unspecified eating disorders. The DSM-V set BED apart, similar to how Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa might be classified.

Six Steps to Creating Active Group Participants

Submitted by nedic blogger on Sat, 02/06/2016 - 12:26

Therapists- have you ever wondered why your patient who actively participates in individual therapy becomes invisible during group treatment? They may be shy or socially anxious, or perhaps autistic traits are impacting their participation. Researchers have demonstrated an overlap between eating disorders and autism spectrum disorder (Westwood, H. Et al, 2015).

The Importance of Taking Risks in Recovery

Submitted by nedic blogger on Fri, 02/05/2016 - 07:44

 

Even for individuals who have not been affected by eating disorders, there is an impulse to stay with what is comfortable and familiar. A comfort zone is a safe place to be; but no major growth ever happens there. In order to truly grow and strengthen your recovery, it is critical to continue to challenge yourself on a regular basis, whether it’s trying new restaurants, facing “fear or trigger foods”, being more flexible with exercise, taking rest-days, or resisting the urge to engage in food rituals.

Having Compassion During EDAW - Let's Remember Your "Self"

Submitted by nedic blogger on Tue, 02/02/2016 - 13:26

Image Source: KiddNation

Imagine if a dear friend was going through a difficult time dealing with a personal failure in their life. How would you comfort them? You would probably not criticize or blame them for making a mistake.. Instead, when responding to a friend whom you care very much about, you would most likely provide them with empathy and kindness.

Pages