Let's give them something to talk about...

"The finest thing in the world is knowing how to belong to oneself." -Michel de Montaigne

Throughout my research and observation of eating disorders, I've discovered something more social than scientific. It appears to me that years ago, eating disorders were very hush-hush. They were rarely discussed or analyzed, and more so swept under the rug. I believe keeping this condition, which is the number one killer of all psychiatric conditions, under the radar will escalate the prevalence of the illness. It's my belief that spreading eating disorder awareness directly contributes to the recovery of thousands.

I've been talking a lot lately with women and girls who are suffering from or have previously lived with eating disorders. The number one thing I hear over and over is, "I just want to get better," or in the case of those who have long been on the road to recovery, "I just never want to get back to that place in my life." And the major contributor to accomplishing these desires I've noticed is talking about it. By discussing the feelings and triggers related to an eating disorder, you are able to identify the root cause of the obsessive thoughts and actions surrounding food and weight. Once the initial trigger is realized, you are more able to cope with and understand the condition. And that's why seeking treatment is so important. So if you are unsure whether you have an eating disorder, or if you feel like you may be at risk for one, or if you know you are currently suffering with one, please don't hesitate to reach out and tell someone. Because talking about it is the first step toward fighting it, and you are not alone.

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Between women's magazines with headlines like, "HOT BODY FAST," or news stories about mothers giving their young daughters injections of botox, we are up against a serious army of body image sabotagers! And that's why we're here...to join together in an unstoppable force to remind people everywhere that it's not a magazine or plastic surgery that makes us beautiful...it's the respect and love we have for ourselves which radiates from within.

That's why I am so proud of the body image revolution we are pioneering along with some incredible recovery warriors such as Voice In Recovery, Marci Anderson, Rebecca Scritchfield, RD, Nourishing the Soul and We are the Real Deal among many others. In addition to these inspirational body image activists, here are a few resources for those who would like to learn more about treating an eating disorder:

National Eating Disorder Association
Psych Central
Academy for Eating Disorders
A Chance to Heal Foundation
Voices Not Bodies
Eating Disorders Coalition
National Alliance of Mental Illness
Anna Westin Foundation

Please share your favorite foundations, organizations and/or blogs that you believe are inspirational and helpful on the road to recovery!

Thanks for reading. You are beautiful!