A recovery story by Diana Beaudet The tipping point for the onset or relapse of an eating disorder is not always evident. Sometimes, the experience of personal loss can be the trigger. Whether it is the loss of family or friend, the loss of or disconnection from self at pivotal stages in life (adolescence, marriage, parenthood, […]
Dear Diary
Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa – should we ever give up?
by June Alexander ‘Should we ever give up on someone who has severe and enduring anorexia nervosa?’ Treatment teams vex over this life and death question, but I believe we must never give up. We must do better. Much better. We must provide better care for people who have SEAN, and we must improve early […]
Treating the trifecta – trauma, eating disorders and substance use disorder
By Terry Fassihi WARNING: This post is about three things none of us really like to think about _ the trifecta of trauma, eating disorders and substance use disorder. Why refer to this as a trifecta? Because they so commonly occur together. Trauma, addiction and eating disorders are interrelated and can’t be compartmentalized as separate […]
Love knows no boundaries in recovery
by June Alexander and Holly Curtis Love in all its forms is a vital element in healing. When illness and trauma enter our lives, negative emotions and behaviors can overtake and immobilize us, but love can help us find a way through. Reconnecting with people, places, pets, things and activities, and remembering anyone and anything […]
It’s my party and I’ll be who I want to
Since early childhood, an eating disorder had prevented Karyn from having fun on her birthday. But, with her 60th approaching, fear gave way to freedom. Read on. By Karyn Braveheart This is my party. This is my day. This is my chance to say what l want to say in person to people who have […]
Bringing the voice of eating disorder experience to the clinicians’ table
By June Alexander, Shannon Calvert, and Dr. Anthea Fursland “I took a deep breath and hit ‘send.’ I had promised myself that in recovery I would choose courage every day of my life, for my life.” – Shannon Calvert In the past, Shannon felt ready to die from her eating disorder. Today, she serves as […]
Family conflict in eating disorders and recovery
By Diana Beaudet and Heather Thompson-Brenner, Ph.D., FAED For some of us, an eating disorder emerges after family conflict, while for others it can be the cause of conflict – either way resolution can be challenging yet healing. But for many, reaching a place of resolution with their family or family member may be impossible […]
Silencing the voice of an eating disorder: Listening to my true self
From the age of 11, the demands of “ED,” the eating disorder “voice” dominated my diary pages. Until I asked for help, my true self was trapped, a prisoner of the illness.* – June Alexander I am thrilled that today therapists are recognizing the importance of listening to their patients, to help unravel the power […]
To The Bone – What are you really looking for?
My guess is that whatever you are looking for in the Netflix movie about eating disorders, To The Bone, you will find. If you are looking for eating disorder triggers in this story about a young woman who has anorexia nervosa, you will find them; if you are looking for hope, you will find this, […]
Do you feel ready to share your eating disorder story with others?
Sometimes, sharing a secret with others we have never met, online, can seem easier to do than in a room with someone we have known all of our life. Stories can be shared in many ways: face-to-face, by letter or email, in mainstream media or on the Internet. Some online options allow anonymity while sharing […]