It’s official! Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is now an actual eating disorder diagnosis in the DSM-5 which was released by the American Psychiatric Association in May 2013. DSM stands for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Recovery from an eating disorder can be like learning to ride a bicycle – at first, it is wobbly, dangerous, and difficult. Taking both feet off the ground and pushing on the pedals in a bid to move forward is plain scary. Time and repeated efforts are necessary to develop a sense of trust and balance. Only when we achieve this do we start to feel safe and secure; slowly we feel confident enough to start looking around, engaging in life, and accelerate our progress.
This post by Carolyn Jennings, Journal to the Self® Certified Instructor and author of HUNGER SPEAKS a memoir told in poetry, is part of a series on the benefits of writing for recovery. Through this series, she explores the myths and challenges of journaling and offers hope and insight into her personal experiences with healing from her eating disorder.
This post by Carolyn Jennings, Journal to the Self® Certified Instructor and author of HUNGER SPEAKS a memoir told in poetry, is the first in a series on the benefits of writing for recovery. Through this series, she explores the myths and challenges of journaling and offers hope and insight into her personal experiences with healing from her eating disorder.
At times it may seem as if the pins are stacked against us but together we strike them down. Thank you to everyone who attended the Striking Out Eating Disorders event. It was a great success and as a result of all the support shown at the event, NEDA can continue its fight against eating disorders; providing the necessary help, support, information and policy change that is needed to strike out this disease.
Without the help of Lindsay Belfatto, event chair, and our entire Junior Board this success could not have been possible!
[This post first appeared on Proud2Bme.org]
When I began my petition against Abercrombie & Fitch just over two weeks ago, I had no idea what it would become. I had no idea that it would inspire a movement.
UPDATED POST: In an effort towards reaching solutions and opening a dialogue, Abercrombie & Fitch executives have agreed to meet next week with Lynn Grefe, President and CEO of NEDA, eating disorder experts Dr. Michael Levine and Dr. Sarah Murnen, Darryl Roberts, Director of America the Beautiful, and teen activists, Benjamin O'Keefe and Cali Linstron, who have recently voiced their concerns.
Your body is amazing, fascinating and pure genius. As I began to heal and work on my body image, I finally opened my eyes again and couldn’t believe what I had missed.
The same can be true for you, too.
Inspiring teen, Benjamin O'Keefe, on Proud2BmeUS tells Abercrombie and Fitch to stop making teens feel worthless. Read on and sign his petition if you agree.