NEDA Week: Where I Stand

This is a new resource to me.  I found it..... I don't even know how I found it, but I wanted to share it with you, as their Purple Project is a powerful piece of Eating Disorder Awareness Month.  They have easy to follow, simple to read resources outlining the different types of eating disorders, as well as links to many, many resources (some of which I've already shared.)

I think my favorite part of this resource, though, is their "I wear purple" campaign.  It's quite inspiring, if you ask me!

NEDA Week: I had NO Idea

This year's campaign is "I had no idea" which is something so many people say when faced with a loved one revealing an eating disorder.  I had no idea......  Well, here are a few facts that you will probably think "I had no idea!" about.  Please read them.  Share them.  And if someone you care about is concerning you with their eating and body image situation, please talk to them.  Cause you DO have an idea now.......

Helpful Links:

• National Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders Anonymous
• Eating Disorders Resource Center
• ANAD
• Jenni Schaefer
• Actively Arielle

2nd Annual National Psychotherapy Day!

Exactly one year ago, Ryan Howes, Ph.D., launched the first ever National Psychotherapy Day.  In the past 365 days, the support for NPD has ballooned, and includes therapy greats like Irvin Yalom, among others.

Once again, I am strongly promoting and supporting NPD, because I believe, as do many others I know, that therapy has saved my life on so many levels.

The media has been all a buzz lately, attempting to tackle the "mental health crisis" that has sprung up across the nation.  Thing is, it hasn't really sprung up.  It's finally getting some attention.  Some much deserved attention, that sadly has sprung up as a result of numerous crises, often exacerbated by the media.

Mental health is equally as important as physical health.  There is no shame in going to the doctor when you are having physical challenges, why is it so shame-filled and embarrassing to go to the psychotherapist when you're having some emotional challenges?

Let me debunk one myth that I know is common, at least among my peers.

Therapy is not for the weak.  It's not for the broken.  It's not for the sissies, the wimps, the losers, the damaged, the lost......

It's for those who are strong.  It's for those who want to make changes in their lives.  It's for those who are looking to repair the broken parts of life, to move past the bullies, the naysayers, the ones lying in the gutter looking at the stars.  It's for the believers, the dreamers, the wishers, the hopers, the doers, the ones who think differently, who believe there is more in life than what they currently have.

Therapy is for everyone. 

Except the close minded.

So today, on this second annual National Psychotherapy Day, maybe you're ready to step up and be strong.  Maybe you're ready to accept some much needed help to get you to that place in your dreams.  Maybe you're already there, working with a therapist that supports you, and you're ready to step out of the proverbial therapy closet and invite others to give it a try.....

19 years ago

This week is Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

19 years ago, I planned my own death.

Had the plans worked out, it would have actually been 19 years ago today that I took my own life.

Alas, my carefully constructed, well-laid plans were foiled.


When I saw this postcard on PostSecret's site this week, I had to share it.  Because it is so very, very true, not only for me, but for many others, as made clear by the response it's gotten.

Remember a while ago when everyone was all about the "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" and such?  Did you know that suicide intimately impacts six people, which, when you think about it, means everyone is six people away from knowing someone who has lost their life to suicide.....

Scary.  Sad.  And preventable.

Among many organizations supporting and promoting prevention awareness, DoSomething has compiled a list of eye-opening facts about suicide.

Always remember, you are who you are, no one can replace you, and the world needs you, no matter what the darkness in your mind tells you.

World Suicide Prevention Day

Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day.  This whole week, actually, is suicide awareness week and there are tons of blogs and sites doing all sorts of things to raise awareness of and funds to prevent suicide.

One such blog is Post Secret, which is a favorite of mine.  They are working with IMAlive to raise money to provide 24/7 crisis support to anyone in need.

Last year, I posted some statistics and resources about suicide.  The stats are still mind boggling. 

<--- This one, in particular, crushes me to think about.  There is still so much of a stigma around mental health, that people are willing to risk everything to keep their mental issues invisible, which often ends in abysmal results.

Speak up.  Be heard.  You do matter.  You can make a difference.

It may be over 30 years, but I still feel the effects of the death of my uncle, whom I never met, as even all these years later, his suicide still haunts my mother and family......  The suicide of one person ripples well into the world....

Day 26: Good Read

So for this challenge I, once again, had quite a few options to choose from, and it was a bit tricky to narrow it down.  For once, though, I managed, and picked one of my long-time favorite and inspirational reads.

"Mom, I'm Fat"
I don't remember how I found this article.  I think it was floating around Facebook for a while.  The first time I read it, I cried.  I probably teared up the first few times I re-read it, too.  It's just that good.  At least, for me, it is such a wonderful example of how small moments can really shape a child. 

To be honest, I don't know if, at this point in my life, I'd have the guts to do what the author did.  I have so much frickin' baggage when it comes to body image that I don't know if I'd be able to shove that aside to help my daughter.  I really hope that I would be able to put my own issues aside to potentially prevent my daughter from experiencing some of the same torturous issues that I've faced.

I am so inspired by the way she handles things.  That despite her expertise in the area of girl empowerment, her own child baffles her.  As much as she inwardly struggles, she outwardly does what I think will never be forgotten by her daughter, and hopefully help her daughter move through and avoid any further body image issues.

Great read.  Truly.  Worth saving for your future children....... at least I think so.


Day 26 Prompt: Something you read online. Leave a link and discuss, if you'd like.

Day 19: Five Faves

Had I known this prompt was coming (and technically, I did, I just wasn't paying close enough attention!) I might have been able to select only one blog for the Day 5 prompt!  So in addition to my bloggy buddies I introduced you to in Day 5, here are five more blogs worth checking out (at least in my opinion!)

Blog 1 - Now. Here. Life -- This relatively new blog is quickly becoming a favorite, as I can relate very much to what the author shares.  That, and she's incredibly inspiring with her words, and her photography!  One of my favorite lines on her whole blog is on her About Me page - "I'm a recovering control-freak."  She's not had an easy path in life, which makes her words all the more motivating to read.

Blog 2 - Charming Simplicity -- I only recently met Judi, through July's NaBloPoMo, and charming is definitely a good descriptor of her blog, and of her!  She writes about this and that, smiles, some challenges, beautiful flowers, and life.  And she offers quite a refreshing look at things in the process!

Blog 3 - Tales of a Boundary Ninja -- If you're looking for some psychological wisdom, you're going to want to check out Attachment Girl's blog.  She has so much intellectual and scientific knowledge of this process called therapy that you're bound to learn more than you expect.  That, and she's an awesome writer, and person! 

Blog 4 - I'm Just That Way and That's Just Me -- Not one of my typical blogs, but one of my favorites.  Dani is a "sassy, crafty, mama bird from Los Angeles raising a very sweet little girl with Autism in the Midwest....and stuff" which pretty much says it all.  I'm inspired, motivated, and sometimes a little saddened by all that she has faced with her little bird, yet, I always feel good after reading her blog.

Blog 5 - I am intentionally not listing a five.... cause there are about fifty more I could list, so instead I'll steer you over to my blog roll, where you might find some repeats, or not, but it's an ever-growing list so it will make for a very long-lasting number five!

Day 19 Prompt: Five of your favorite blogs and what you love about them.

30 Day Recovery Challenge: Day 13

13.  What are some things - blogs, quotes, books, mantras, etc - that inspire you and keep you motivated?

Have you looked through this blog? 

You see all those quotes sprinkled generously through the posts? 

Yep. 

Those.

I wouldn't have posted them if they weren't inspiring to me.

And I don't mind posting a few of my favorites again.

(You can also check out this 

page full of em!)

As far as books go.... the one I still carry around with me is Life Without Ed (thanks to my Kindle app) as it was and still is a source of inspiration and a great reminder that recovery IS possible, and this work IS worth it.  I know I've spoken of Arielle's blog before, as it is another great resource - not only the videos, but also the links and other recovery (and life!) minded tidbits she writes about.

A third source of inspiration comes from music.  There is something about music that compliments my moods - both uplifting moods and more gloomy moods - that makes me feel settled.  Music speaks to me in so many ways..... there is something both comforting and inspiring about sinking into a favorite song....  Check out some of my favorites on the music page!

Act 26

I tried my best to coordinate the completion of my 26Acts with the end of National Eating Disorder Awareness week.  Which officially ended yesterday.

That's ok.  You can consider this post the "wish candle" if you'd like.  Because this act, while equally as powerful as the other 25, is the perfect way to cap a week of awareness.

I have an eating disorder.  I have been battling it privately and in denial for more than half my life.  It's the last two years that I sought help, and have embraced recovery.

One of the first resources my dietitian suggested was this book.  Impatient that I am, I ordered it for my Kindle so I'd have it instantly, and then ordered it so I'd also have the hard copy.  And reading it really, really, really helped me understand how deep I really was.  And how hard it would be for me to end my relationship with Ed.

Which I have, nearly severing the ties completely.

My hope is that the person who finds this book at the book store is able to find the comfort and support in it that I did.  I tabbed my favorite post, the one that broke through the resistance I worked so hard to build.

School psychologist, Mary Sherlach, was a huge support in the lives of many.  She took pride in helping students overcome problems and succeed.  At 56, she was a year away from retiring from 20 years as the school psychologist.  This was not the first time she put herself in the path of danger, as she headed toward where the shots were fired.  Mary also helped neighbors during the havoc Hurricane Sandy threw into the community.  When she wasn't helping others, she enjoyed theater, gardening, and spending time with her husband and two grown daughters.

I'm closing this chapter, these 26 Acts, with Mary's own words: "I.... am always ready to assist in problem solving, intervention and prevention."  The world is a better place because of Mary.  And my world is a better place because of these 26 Acts.

30 Day Recovery Challenge: Day 8

8. Do you have a role model in recovery, or someone who inspires you? Talk about that person.

For better or worse.... I really don't have a role model in recovery.  There are two people that do inspire me, though I've never met them, as they are fully recovered.  Especially at the start of my recovery journey, I relied on both Jenni Schaefer and Arielle Lee Bair to help me through the pain of the day-to-day experiences in working toward recovery.  I've written about them before.  Jenni's books have been with me since the first week of recovery, thanks to the Kindle app for my phone.  Arielle's videos have helped me through many hard days and nights, as I listened to her words of wisdom.

As far is inspiring me?  For the most part, that comes from my team.  Part inspiration, part motivation, without them..... I shudder to think!

Reflecting on NEDA Week

Anatomy of an Eating Disorder

This is going to sound SO cliche, but this week has been quite an eye-opener for me.  Life pitched one too many curve balls my way, and it took a huge effort not to strike out.  I've learned a lot, read a lot, shared a lot, and I'm a week further into recovery than I was when the week began.

Please remember something very important.  While this week has been designated National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, eating disorders strike at any time, any person, any place.... eating disorders are treatable mental illnesses, but they MUST be brought to light before any change can occur.

Please don't wait until this week next year.... continue shining light on eating disorders, and all mental illnesses.  In eliminating the secrecy, we eliminate some of the power of the illness.

And never forget, one person can make a difference.  Even if it feels like your words are falling upon deaf ears.

I had a hard time choosing the final blog to feature for the week.  So I'm going to include a few for your perusal.  Arm yourself, you never know when the knowledge will come in handy!

The Begin Within blog has some great resources and not just for eating disorders.  My favorite post on the blog is Carrot, Egg, or Coffee Bean.  A very insightful read.

Psych Central has a ton of resources, and I get easily overwhelmed on the site.  Somehow though, I landed on Margarita Tartakovsky Weightless Blog, and I'm happy I did.  She tackles body image in general, and we all know how much help I need in that department!

We Are the Real Deal is a blog that my dietitian introduced me to.  It's a great all-around resource for eating disorders, body image, recovery, and life in general.

She'll Be Free is a blog that I bookmarked ages ago, and since has moved to a new host.  Don't let the lack of posts on the site fool you, the archives go way back!

Anyway, I know there's been a lot of posts on the blog this week, between wrapping up 26Acts, kicking off the 30 Day Recovery Challenge, and NEDA week..... Thanks for sticking around and joining the ride!

Act 22

I saw this quote somewhere and it made me smile.  It was a sad sort of smile, though, because sometimes I forget that I am someone's reason to smile and it takes me a little while to remember the smiles that greet me every morning at school.

Anyway, I picked this quote and this book very purposefully.  My therapist introduced me to another book, The Dance of Anger by this author and I found it quite helpful.  That book wasn't in stock at the store, but knowing how much it helped me, and how anxious I was when I first opened it, I thought that reading this quote as someone delves into this topic might give them a little reassurance....

Reassurance was something Lauren Rousseau was good at.  She dreamed of being a teacher from the time she was a child, playing school with her toys as students.  When 30 year old Lauren accepted a full time teaching position at Sandy Hook, she was ready to reassure the students that she encountered.  Lauren worked a second job at Starbucks, and in her free time she enjoyed spending time with her friends, her boyfriend, and her cat.  Her family has found comfort in knowing that Lauren was happiest during this past year, as she finally was fulfilling her dream of teaching.

NEDA Week: Reality

I have an old postcard from the Body Shop that says something like "There are 3 billion women who don't look like super models and there are only 8 that do."  (I'll try to dig up the postcard later on.)  It's all over the media, all over the recovery/health industry - models today are depicting such a tiny margin of the general population.... 98% to be exact.... why?  Why can't we have real people as models?  Maybe it's time to rethink things.... we shouldn't have to change our body to fit the minority that society has deemed desirable.... but that's a whole different post!

Today's featured blogger is Carrie Arnold of Ed Bites.  Carrie's blog recently underwent a huge makeover, and has been packed with even more information, guidance, and unique to her blog, lots of scientific nuggets that get under the skin of eating disorders.  Carrie often combs the interwebs and pulls together recent and relevant articles about eating disorders and co-occurring conditions.  Definitely worth a peak!

Act 20

I've been taking some risks this week in my 26 Acts, but I think it's worth the risk if it helps even one person.  Continuing with the connection of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I created a poster/flyer talking about NEDA week.  At the bottom of the flyer, I created those little pull tabs, so people can tear one off as needed.  Each tab provides the NEDA website and phone number.  The hope is that someone will call upon their courage, take a tab, and make contact with someone who can really help make a difference.  It was definitely another heart pounder as I slipped into the posting area of the library nearby.  But it was a risk work taking.  And I took the risk in memory of Allison Wyatt.

Six year old Allie was a quiet, shy, and very loving little girl.  She was sweet and caring, and loved everything.  Allie had a goofy sense of humor and loved making those close to her, including her sister Lauren, laugh. A budding artist, Allie's drawings and paintings were all over her families house.  Another life cut short, yet those that knew Allie will always have her in their hearts.

Act 18

I found a new resource this week, one that actually shared some pretty scary statistics.  This sign that I hung up in the parenting section of a local book store says "There's a 0.003% chance she'll be a lawyer.  There's a 42% chance she'll wish she was thinner by the time she gets to 3rd grade."  Fit vs. Fiction has a few of these posters floating around to bring awareness to the pressures kids face.  As one who has taught 3rd grade, and who is recovering from an eating disorder, this one really hit me hard.  I can't imagine one of my students wanting to be thinner.  I mean, eight year olds should not be worrying about their weight!  They should be out playing, running, enjoying life....

Especially considering Caroline Previdi lost her life at six years old.  A loyal Yankee fan to the core, Caroline was a caring, compassionate child.  She loved pink, and danced instead of walked much of the time.  This smiley child, nicknamed "Silly Caroline" also had a very caring side.  She broke her piggy bank open to donate to her church collection to buy toys for needy children.  She sat with her neighbor, a kindergartener, on the bus each day so he wasn't scared.  A beautiful child who will always be remembered...

NEDA Week: Some Statistics

This statistic sickened me.  I've taught third grade.  I know what they are like.  I hate knowing that the chance of wishing his or her body was different by age eight.... so sad.

Eating disorders are sly, cunning, and baffling and they strike when you least expect.  If you know someone who might have some unusual eating tendencies, or anything that gives you a red flag... even a casual conversation could be more helpful than you realize.

Today's featured blog is Weighing the Facts, a blog that has a lot to celebrate - including recently turning 5 in the blogosphere.  This blog is full of resources - from quotes, to poems, to blog posts, to facts and stats.  I found a lot of comfort in the inspiration on this page.

NEDA Week - Body Love

I found this image ages ago, but was saving it specifically for NEDA week because the message is so simple, yet so powerful.  It reminds me that we don't try to change our height - you rarely hear someone say "I wish I was taller," but we always hear people say "I wish I were thinner...."

Today's featured blog is actually a compilation of blogs in Gurze Book's Eating Disorders Blog.  ED Bloggers, including Jenni Schaefer, Karen Koenig, and Johanna Marie McShane, as well as a dozen other amazing ED activists post insightful articles and blog posts that cover  a plethora of topics.  You can also sign up for inbox delivery of your favorite bloggers, which I love!

NEDA: Infographics

Click images to zoom

Today's recommended blog
is Actively Arielle, who was
the first blogger that gave me
hope that there was a
chance that I could recover.
I spent hours listening to and
watching her videos.  Arielle
is an ED activist whose voice
helped me find comfort in
knowing I wasn't alone.
Check out her list
videos, (and peek at the 
recovery cats, too!)

Kicking Off NEDA Week 2013

Today kicks of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2013.  

Last year I was deep in the depths of my ED, and NEDA week 2012 helped me push through some sticky spots.  This year I'm in a very different spot recovery-wise, better in some ways, the same in others.

Eating Disorders are serious.  They are not something people choose to have.  In fact, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.  But there is help.  And there is hope.  Recovery IS possible.  And the first step is telling your secret.  After struggling for more than half my life, I told my secret.  And you can too.

Considering this blog started as a recovery project, I am kicking off NEDA week 2013 with a 30 day recovery challenge.  Danielle over at Recovery is Worth The Fight led me to this challenge, and after speaking it over with my dietitian, today seems to be the perfect day to kick off the challenge.

There's a pretty good chance that you know someone who has an eating disorder.  You might not know who, but with the prevalence of EDs...... Visit NEDAs website for tools that will help you, or someone you care about, overcome an eating disorder.  It is possible!

Each day of NEDA week I will feature a recovery blog that I've found helpful.  This first blog, Surviving ED by Jessica Hudgens, is an eye opening look at eating disorders from inside and out.  She's a great writer, and I find her posts easy to read, and helpful in realizing that I'm not alone.

Arm Yourself

No, I'm not talking weapons.  

I'm talking knowledge.

You know what they say - the more you know, the more you know.

And it's time to be in the know.

Considering there is a movement to change the way we see mental health in general... well, this fits right in!  By "this" I mean learning about PTSD.  Yes, I have had that term tossed my way in the past, but it didn't stick.  And until recently, my knowledge of this condition was very limited and not very accurate.

For example....

Did you know that around 10% of women, and 5% of men are diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their life?*  I was kind of surprised to find that out, as I thought the percentages would be higher considering the amount of people in the military!  My therapist has often said that kids can grow up with the same parents, in the same house, and each have a completely different experience.  Most of the kids do well, get on well with their parents and all that.  Then there's me.  Off in the corner.  The odd one.  I'm working to see myself as more unique and less odd. 

I also found it interesting that while there are thousands of soldiers in the military that have seen horrific acts of all sorts, not all soldiers end up with PTSD.  Experts say that anywhere from 10% - 30% of military veterans have PTSD.**  Learning this (sort of) helped me understand how my childhood could differ that vastly from the childhood of my siblings, even though we all grew up with the same parents in the same house.

Lots to chew on...... lots to think about...... and as always, lots to learn!

 *Information from NAMI

**According to the Department of Veterans Affairs