What up Bruh! If you are a man with an eating disorder and you are reading this, you are not alone. No really, 10 million of us actually. Most likely at some point I was over exercising next to you at the gym, or I was in line behind you at the grocery store buying my binge foods. I may have even compared my body to yours due to my poor body image. You probably walked past me when I was morbidly obese. Perhaps what I’m saying is making someone feel uncomfortable. Sorry….”Trigger Warning. These issues may cause discomfort. Please read at your own discretion. This is my experience and written for those who need it.”
The NEDA website states, “NEDA envisions a world without eating disorders”.
I concur with this vision. However, the recovery community must take responsibility, backed by action at a deeper level. In the world according to Matt, I envision a world where anyone with an eating disorder has EQUAL opportunity to get help.” As of right now, if you fall within a socio-economic bracket consisting of Caucasian, middle class under weight and female, you are more likely to be presented with an opportunity to get help for an eating disorder.
I remember sitting in my doctor’s office morbidly obese. It was never suggested that I might have an eating disorder. A diet was suggested instead. Cut to 10 years later, BED (Binge Eating Disorder) is finally in the DSM-IV, and we are just now at the beginning phases of discussing the effects of this eating disorder including obesity.
Ironically, in my own life I can’t imagine a world where I did not suffer from an eating disorder. I say this because my eating disorder recovery has been the most significant experience in my life. It got me through a lot of difficult things in my younger years. It provides me opportunity to see my fortitude, my strength, my character as a man in the world. It does not define my manhood, but it has refined it. It has revealed the aspects of myself I can improve upon. My eating disorder recovery is the catalyst and barometer that guides my heart to live with authenticity.
These struggles are what allow us to see our humanness, fragility, and complexity. Grant it, I am saying this after 9 years of recovery, significant weight loss, and a lot of therapy, support, and life experience. As I write this, I am amazed I am alive. I’m amazed I have hope, and I’m amazed that I’m willing to put myself out there. If I can do it, so can you.
I’m throwing a lot out there in this article, but I think that’s ok. My point IS to throw a lot out there. I must hold myself responsible for my recovery. If you are a man with an eating disorder, start talking. Talk to someone. Write an article. Have an opinion. ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED! For example, I ask the recovery community to be conscious in their decisions. Please be conscious of the message and how it is conveyed. Is it still female centered? Can more than one demographic relate to the presentation? If not, please take it back to the drawing board. If men are going to seek help, the consciousness of the message must allow us to envision that we are suppose to be there. Getting better. Surviving, as a part of the community. The recovery community’s message IS media as well and has an influence. I can’t envision a world without eating disorders until equal representation begins to take precedent in the recovery process. So here I am Bruhs and gals! I am a man, with an eating disorder, and I am participating in my recovery.
About the Author:
What up Bruh! Matt Shepherd is an actor, filmmaker, Youtuber, & advocate. He resides in Los Angeles posting regular content for his Youtube Channel and developing other projects. He speaks regularly about issues concerning men with eating disorders and Binge Eating Disorder. Connect with him on Social Media!
