I was anorexic for 5 years, it was so hard to change those habits. I still struggle with it….

There’s some secrets on PostSecret this week that are about ED:
http://www.postsecret.com/

“You will never hear a doctor say “well, you have cancer, but we’re going to wait until you have MORE cancer before we do anything.” Except you do, it’s called labeling the cancer “benign”! Eating disorders may have particular trouble getting recognized in the medical world, but so do most mental and physical disorders. Medicine and the education of doctors and nurses is far from perfect.

I had orthorexia as a teenager (I was not able to fit within the category of anorexia even though when I received treatment they acted like my ED was the same as anorexia, causing a lot of frustration, unsolved problems, lingering mental trauma). Even though I didn’t intend to use veganism as a way to go about self-recovery, it ended up helping me much more than my doctors, counselors and caregivers could. It got me out of the unhealthy mental state that calories were all that mattered when it comes to food, and it helped me break out of limitations I once had. The only person who really instilled me with the feeling that I could be happy and healthy was the vegan nutritional specialist they offered.

I still have BDD and I’m starting to realize I probably will have it for most of my life, but at least now I know how to cope with it.

I didnt know that it was this week. I need to spread lots of awareness!

EDNOS as well, since I was 15.
7 years later, for the first time -ever-, I made a weekly meal plan where I didn’t count calories at all, but instead focused on nutritional value and made absolutely certain I would be getting everything I needed to be healthy
I’ve been at a BMI of 19 for about without any fluctuation for about a month now because I haven’t been -trying- to lose weight. While I still have the thoughts I have had for the last 7 years, and will probably always have BDD, I am finally able to rationalize that the most important thing now is to be as healthy as I can be.

I’d also like to add that I received no help from my therapist or doctor for this.
the “we acknowledge that you are sick, but you just aren’t sick -enough-” mindset is -why- we lose so many beautiful young people to eating disorders.
You will never hear a doctor say “well, you have cancer, but we’re going to wait until you have MORE cancer before we do anything.”

I suffer from EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified – meaning it doesn’t fit nicely into the anorexia or bulimia diagnosis) but unfortunately haven’t been able to get any help as there are no support services in my local area. However, I found that going vegan (several years ago now) really helped as it gave me the control over the food that I needed, without starving myself.

February 24 starts national Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

Most of us know someone who has suffered from an eating disorder or we have suffered from one. I have been strugging for the past five years. February 22, 2012 was my initial hospitalization date for bulimia.

This year, I’d like to get more people involved and aware of this massive, growing issue. So many people suffer in silence, so make yourself a safe enviornment for people! It’s wonderful to have supportive, caring people in your life that won’t try to change you for your mental disorder.

If you or a loved one have suffered from an eating disorder, please share your story.

And remember you’re not alone!

• This topic was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by  Julia.