Fear. Guilt. Shame. The emotions are often driven by our deep rooted anxieties and self doubt. We must challenge ourselves to mentally "turn down the volume" and re-regulate the role that they play in our lives.
For individuals with eating disorders, and for the population at large, much of our behavior is governed by these emotions. It is only when we get out of balance that problems occur (yes, the everything in moderation talk).
In speaking with individuals who don't "fit the mold" of the "typical" eating disordered patient, there still exists the fear of exposure to family, friends, and loved ones. This fear, bolstered by shame for having the illness and/or guilt for having a " white woman's illness" is allowed to persist and strengthen.
By not speaking out, it becomes more difficult to obtain treatment and end the cycle. It also delays the necessary research to gain further knowledge about eating disorders. Most importantly, we cannot accurately assess the prevalence, incidence, at risk populations, and devise new treatment for these disorders.
