"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." -Romans 5:3-5
“Hey, you’re that Miss Georgia with an Eating Disorder,
right?” “You look so familiar. Are you that girl who was on TV/in the newspaper
about having an eating disorder?” Yes, that’s me. My story is out there for all
to see. Google my name or Google "Miss Georgia 2012 eating disorder," and you can read article
upon article about Miss Georgia being in treatment. You
can read fact based information about my story; you can read dramatized
information about my story; you can read my story as much or as little as you
would like. Have you noticed the common denominator in all those statements?
“My story.”
Yes, I know very well in order to reach people and relate to
people, one must be open about their own struggles. From day one when I decided
to speak openly about currently being in treatment for bulimia, I have been
very upfront and honest. There are only about two-three common questions in
which I refuse to answer (“how much do you weigh?” being one of them), but
other than that, I have remained true to my open and honest personality.
However, I want to take some time to share the “stuff” that
always seems to get edited out. Lack of space, lack of drama, or lack of interest,
I don’t know, but one reason or the other, it never fails to get cut out. So allow me to clarify: I did not open up
about my journey in order that people may read my story over and over again. I
opened up for the chance to raise more awareness about eating disorders and to help decrease the negative stigma that comes along with the name, to be
living proof eating disorders affect anyone, to break the shame I so heavily felt and the shame/guilt many still carry around, and to remind those struggling in
silence they are not alone. Many have referred to my story as a “source of hope.”
So allow me to share what I believe to be more helpful than just reading my
story.
To the parents: Don't
blame yourselves. This isn't any one person's fault. Don't spend so much time
wondering "what did I do wrong?" or "how did I let this
happen?" and instead focus on "how can I be there for my child?"
Your job in recovery, as parents, is not
to save your child's life. It is to stand by them while they save their own
life.
To parents in general: Be careful. Be very cautious of your own comments and actions toward your body image, diet, and exercise. Also be aware of comments you say pertaining to other people’s bodies (even if they’re positive comments). It is the innocent comments spoken every day that place far too much emphasis on body image while taking focus away from meaningful human attributes. I am sure you don't mean for this to be the outcome, but your child is internalizing it all and using your comments to set an unrealistic standard on how they should look.
To parents in general: Be careful. Be very cautious of your own comments and actions toward your body image, diet, and exercise. Also be aware of comments you say pertaining to other people’s bodies (even if they’re positive comments). It is the innocent comments spoken every day that place far too much emphasis on body image while taking focus away from meaningful human attributes. I am sure you don't mean for this to be the outcome, but your child is internalizing it all and using your comments to set an unrealistic standard on how they should look.
To those who know
someone with an ED or are on their "support team:" Educate
yourselves. There are things to say and things that are better not to say.
Education is key in being a helpful source of support!
To those considering
treatment: Go! Even if you only go to a consultation, at least you have
gained a little bit of power over the eating disorder and taken responsibility
for your future. If that seems too big of a step, research EDA meetings in your
area or other eating disorder support groups. (More info on this below)
To those currently in
treatment: Hang in there and hold on with every ounce of your being, and
when you cannot hang on any longer, trust those around you to hold you up. I
know full well recovery seems impossible when you are just starting treatment,
or are in the middle of it (and sometimes even at the end), but it is worth the
hard work many around you won’t understand. Be patient. Recovery doesn’t happen
overnight. It is a slow process, sometimes painful and infuriating, and
sometimes overly rewarding and life giving. Which would you rather lose: a year
or so while spending time in treatment to gain your whole life, or continue
losing years from your life while remaining in the depths of your eating
disorder?
Nutrifit Sport
Therapy (Page Love, MS, RD, CSSD):
FREE ANAD (eating disorder support) group every Saturday
10-11am
For more information, contact: Page Love, RD at
770-395-7331.
St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church Room 145
1978 Mt. Vernon Rd Atlanta, GA 30338 770-393-1424
FREE breakfast club meetings once a month
Changes monthly alternating Thursdays and
Saturdays. The one for September is
Saturday Sept 14th at Flying Biscuit on Roswell Road at 8:30
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7
Most recent Atlanta Journal Constitution article (leaked onto this site, so it doesn't include pictures). http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=180371869&hash=99b5cd4c2e72e22d5107428d2830d1f6
-Love in Christ,
Leighton
www.missga2012.blogspot.com
