May 2009 Archive
New Research and Treatment for Eating Disorders
05.29.09
I really enjoyed this article from the American Psychological Association http://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/04/treatments.html
Not only is it a wealth of information- great advances regarding genetic and biological factors contributing to eating disorders- it is also incredibly empowering and enightening to read the progress being made toward understanding and ultimately beating eating disorders.
Read on and share your thoughts!
Support the Academy for Eating Disorders!
05.28.09
Visit www.freedomtosupport.com and order a vintage T, hoodie or scarf. 10% of the proceeds from your purchase will go to the Academy for Eating Disorders. I just ordered a great brown T that says “Grow” It is fashion and inspiration!
Or, visit www.gurze.com and receive 10% off any eating disorder/body image related book. 10% of your proceeds will also benefit the AED.
The AED suffered many financial blows following the cancellation of the 2009 conference in Cancun due to the swine flu outbreak. Supporting the AED supports research, practice, and prevention efforts for eating disorders around the globe.
Stories of Recovery
05.26.09
I am looking for new stories of recovery to post in the Recovery Spotlight. Please submit to ktippen@mindfullness.com. Your story can be a source of inspiration and encouragement to many. Let us learn from each other. As I await your voices, I will share an experience of one living with anorexia-from someone now fully recovered!
The Early Battle
Candles from last year’s Thanksgiving centerpiece had scarred the oak of the kitchen table. Rubbing this spot, I remained fascinated by the one dark flaw amongst the pristine mauve and taupe kitchen. I wondered how long it would be until my mother replaced the table. My gaze drifted to the four eyes staring down at me, and I realized war had begun.
The kitchen of my youth had become the jail cell of my young adulthood. I crossed my arms across my chest and ignored the cold bowl of oatmeal before me. I stared at them blankly.
I was walking a tightrope between life and death each day. The eyes staring down at me had been watching me closely the past two months. The lumpy bowl of Cream of Wheat between us had become the battlefield representing their unspoken fears and my newfound identity. Our eyes were daring one another to win.
My dad spoke first.
“You are going to finish that before you go to bed tonight.”
My mom shot him a look and tentatively offered the ever present idea of compromise. “How about just a couple bites?”
I rewarded both demands with a sullen look and left the table without a word. Taking a deep breath I descended the plush taupe stairs, ignoring the effort it took to do so.
Entering the immaculate bedroom, my attention immediately riveted to the full length glistening obsession before me. Disgusted by the emaciated reflection before me, I whispered my silent, regular affirmation to eat less the next day.
I crawled into bed, as the Devil Anorexia lulled my buzzing head and screaming body into an uneasy sleep.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
05.26.09
What a fabulous project! I am purchasing some mirrors for my patients today.
What can you see about yourself that is beyond your reflection?
I think this is a great way to identify a positive affirmation about yourself as well as an active way to challenge and re-train those ED thoughts. I challenge you to do the same. Write back and let Mindfullness know what your mirror says about you!
I will share my mirror with you in an upcoming post too!