Minorities and Men

Eating disorders over 30

2008-08-24T21:04:00-07:00

Recently in the news were articles again about women presenting to treatment centers for care who were over the age of 30. The headlines labeled these young people "Older women." Treatment programs themselves stated that they had in place or were developing programs for the 30 year old and older group.

I was reading the articles intensely when I suddenly recognized, and with a shudder no less. Suddenly 30 year old women are old being lumped by the media into the category of "Older women!" What lunacy!

The phenomenon of a more diverse population presenting to treatment centers should be praised and women should be supported for coming forth to get the help they need.

In fact, accordingly to the article, they are likely three distinct groups that present for treatment: 1. Those who are having a relapse of a previous eating disorder due to stress (job related, wedding, child). 2. Those that have had an eating disorder since their teens. 3. Lastly,those who developed an eating disorder late in life. This last category is believed to comprise only 20% of patients presenting for care.

No longer a teenager's disease, the papers claims. And all along I thought it was long established that eating disorders are equal opportunity threats. They do not discriminate. Stop calling it a teenager's disease.

"But there's always 10 lbs somewhere, right?"

2008-08-17T18:49:00-07:00

Umm, no. Not in the context that you mean.

That unfortunately was a direct quote from a prominent politician's wife. When I read it, I was incensed. This woman had somehow went from a Harvard law educated dynamo who sat on boards to changing the perception of her life to "fit the mold." In a magazine interview, she tells how long she exercises and gives the details of her parenting style. In one stroke of a paintbrush, she is reinvented. Cue the Tammy Wynette...(Stand by Your Man, come on, I'm not that old).

What surprised me most is that is quote is from Michelle Obama, in a People Magazine interview (No, I do not read it regularly or buy it). When placed under the spotlight, political spouses are subject to terrible scrutiny. Now, we have a spouse who is African American. Suddenly, the dress she wore on a television show is a smash success. Every word she utters must be parsed carefully. She resigned from her co-op board as it was found to have a link to Wal-Mart. How much is subject to change? Careful, please do not lose yourself.

There is a disturbing trend of women "standing by their men." Women who may have been or were accomplished in their own right. Interesting though, many of the history's famous women were single and achieved their fame through professions or inventions that solved concern's of humanity.

Thinking now of Hillary Clinton who changed her image to suit voters, Elizabeth Edwards who is quite formidable lawyer in her own right, Barbara Bush who was on the receiving end of many terrible jokes about age and appearance, and Maria Shriver who ended a career in journalism to follow her husband's desire to be a Republican Governor.

If anything, the time in the spotlight could be used to further an agenda of health, positive self esteem and body acceptance for all people.

Treatment resources for men

2008-08-09T18:59:00-07:00

In response to questions for a listing of resources for men, I have compiled a list of books and treatment facilities and links (with the caveat that I am not endorsing any program or book).

Books

The Invisible Man: A Self-help Guide for Men With Eating Disorders, Compulsive Exercise and Bigorexia (John F. Morgan)

Good Eater: The True Story of One Man's Struggle With Binge Eating Disorder (Ron Saxen)

The Adonis Complex: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Body Obsession in Men and Boys (Harrison G. Pope, Katharine A. Phillips, and Roberto Olivardia)

Making Weight: Healing Men's Conflicts with Food, Weight, and Shape (Arnold Andersen, Leigh Cohen, Tom Holbrook)

Treatment Facilities

The majority of the list are residential facilities, but I invite you to click here for other programs that may be day treatment programs or hospital based.

1. Rogers Memorial Hospital 1-800-767-4411 http://www.rogershospital.org (Has a separate treatment track for males)

2. Austin Sendero (866) 549-5031 http://www.austinsendero.com/

3. Alexian Brothers 1-800-432-5005 http://www.abbhh.org

4. The Bella Vita 877-91-BELLA www.thebellavita.com

5. Casa Palmera 1-888-481-4481 http://www.casapalmera.com/

6. Canopy Cove 1-800-236-7524 http://www.canopycove.com/

7. Center for Counseling (A Place for Hope) 1-888-771-5166 http://www.aplaceofhope.com/

8. Center for Discovery 800-760-3934 http://www.centerfordiscovery.com/

9. Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt 410-938-5252 http://www.eatingdisorder.org/

10. CRC Health Group (866)549-5034 http://www.crchealth.com/

11. Del Amo 800-533-5266 www.delamotreatment.com

12. Denver Health 877-228-8348 http://www.denverhealth.org

13. Eating Disorder Center of Denver 1-303-771-0861 http://www.edcdenver.com/

14. Eating Disorder Institute, Fargo 800-437-4010 x 4111 or 701-234-4111 http://www.meritcare.com/specialties/mental/eating/

15. Eating Recovery Center 1-877-825-8584 http://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/

16. Fairwinds 1-800-226-0301 http://fairwindstreatment.com/

17. Friends Hospital (215) 831-4600 or 1-800-889-0548 http://www.friendshospitalonline.org/

18. Loma Linda 1-800-752-5999 http://lomalindahealth.org/behavioral-medicine-center/eating-disorders.html

19. McCallum Place 314-968-1900 or 800-828-8158 http://www.mccallumplace.com/

21. Menninger 1-800-351-9058 http://menningerclinic.com/

22. Methodist Hospital ED Institute (952) 993-6200 http://www.parknicollet.com/edi/

23. New Life Center (888) 281-3353 email : admissions@newlifecenters.org www.newlifecenters.org

24. Presbyterian Hosp of Dallas 1-800-411-7081 http://www.texashealth.org/body.cfm?id=1888

25. Univ. Medical Center at Princeton 1-877-932-8935 http://www.princetonhcs.org/default.aspx?p=4773

26. Univ. of Iowa Hosps and Clinics 319-356-1616 http://uihealthcare.org

27. Puente de Vida 1-877-995-4337 http://www.puentedevida.com/

28. Rader Programs 1-800-841-1515 http://www.raderprograms.com/

29. The Ranch 1-800-849-5969 http://www.recoveryranch.com/

30. Rebecca's House 800-711-2062 Email: info@rebeccashouse.org http://www.rebeccashouse.org/

31. River Centre 1-419-885-8800 http://www.river-centre.org/

32. River Oaks 1-800-366-1740 http://www.riveroakshospital.com

33. Sante' Center for Healing 1-800-258-4250 http://www.santecenter.com/

34. Sierra Tucson 1-800-842-4487 www.sierratucson.com

35. Shades of Hope 1-800-588-HOPE http://www.shadesofhope.com/

36. Shoreline Center for ED Treatment 562-434-6007 http://www.shoreline-eatingdisorders.com/

37. Somerset Medical Center 1-800-914-9444 http://www.somersetmedicalcenter.com/edu

38. Torrance Memorial Medical Center 310-325-4353 http://www.torrancememorial.org/

39. UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute 877-624-4100 http://wpic.upmc.com/

40. Westwind ED Recovery Centre 1-204-728-2499 http://westwind.mb.ca/

Imagine...

2008-07-30T16:29:00-07:00

1. If you were fearless, what would be the first thing that you would do?

2. If you didn’t have an eating disorder, would anything hold you back in life?

3. If you didn’t think about food, weight and calories all day what you create, and how would you spend your free time?

4. If you learned to forgive yourself and love yourself the same way you are able to forgive and love others.

5. If you were able to ask for what you needed from people and your loved ones around you.

6. If everyone learned you weren’t perfect, and you learned that no body’s perfect.

7. If you asked for help and learned you weren’t the only person struggling with body image issues.

8. If your mood was no longer dependent on your weight.

9. If your children learned healthy eating habits from you.

10. If you were able to love and accept yourself as a beautiful person.

Blacks and body image (part one)

2008-07-21T21:39:07-07:00

I'll let you in on a little secret...

Despite the strong held belief by many that Black Americans are immune from body image woes they aren't.

Looking back over societal trends lets us see the changes that society has encouraged this population to adopt.

1. Barbie ---Dare I say it? Our famous friend is made in multiple flesh tones but until recently she didn't represent features of different cultures. One has to be very careful about admitting that there are differences in the shapes of body parts among the cultures. What it does set up however in the minds of girls is the thought that one will grow up to have long straight hair, a thin waist, an ample bosom, and long legs and feet ready for the latest high heels. This just doesn't happen for anyone.

Moreover, for a black child, most likely their hair is not naturally straight, and will probably not grow to be as long as Barbie's hair and the nose is likely to be wider and flatter. I (as an adult) can appreciate Barbie for being a toy, but children don't understand what they are going to look like when they become adults, and it is sad that Barbie is their role model. There are few opportunities to see what grown women actually look like in the flesh, so assumptions are often made.

2. What you don't have, you can buy---The image and desire for long hair and light colored eyes is so widespread (For "light" reading check out Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye). Now one can regularly buy wigs, extensions, colored contacts and straighten their hair to fit the "ideal." Rhinoplasty and acne treatments are available to those who make make use of those services. Also available are bleaching creams to lighten one's skin.

Interestingly, any woman who chooses not straighten their hair, grow dreadlocks or wear what resembles an afro is seen by others to be militant, or perhaps looked upon with suspicion. Not fitting the mainstream can have its costs in terms of jobs and trust of others.

3. The new standard for black female celebrities--- The same standards that have been placed on celebrities of other cultures are now being applied to Black Americans. Now celebrities are revered for having traits that are removed from the Black roots. Preferred are people who are usually tall, have long hair (or a good stylist), thin, and have an "universal" appeal. These people would include Beyonce, Vanessa Williams, Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett, Thandie Newton, and Sanaa Lathan. There are women of distinction such as Oprah Winfrey, Alfre Woodward, Regina King, Angela Bassett and Whoopie Goldberg who are also beautiful, but are not singularly known for beauty. Does this make them less important?

4. Not the average girl from your "Video"---Ode to India Arie. The actual name of the song is Video, for those who don't know it, and need a self affirmating song, I suggest you look it up. At some point in time, music videos decided to put women on top of cars and in compromising clothing and bathing suits. This set a new standard for how women "should" look, and made sex objects out of women.

I'll stop for now, but there are more examples, and I am certain that people of other cultures can tell me examples (and I would love to here them!) Moreover, what are we going to do about this problem? Acceptance is not a choice.

The many faces of eating disorders

2008-07-13T22:17:00-07:00

Very recently, a young woman shared the story of her eating disorder. She told of years of body shame (now ended) and her initial quest to obtain treatment. Like many, her quest for perfection lead her down a destructive and dangerous path. She mustered the courage to ask for help in the face of significant and ongoing symptoms but could not access care. The reason? Not what you might initially think. Keep reading...

The National Eating Disorders Association adopted the theme "Eating Disorders Come in All Shapes and Sizes" for their 2007 National Conference. Far too often we have heard someone say, "You don't look like you have an eating disorder." Old stereotypes of a certain "look" should be reassessed.

When I introduced my blog, it was my hope to discuss eating disorders and topics that often have not received mainstream attention. I hope to have discussions on Binge eating disorder and eating disorders/disordered eating in Hispanic, African American, other ethnic minority populations.

Discussions of eating disorders/disordered eating and ethnicity are also in the works as issues of acculturation have been studied as precipitating factors for eating disorders. Discussion about the effect of gender and other Men's Issues will also be a key component of this blog.

Now back to today's topic...why did this young woman still have difficulty obtaining care?

Despite a significant weight loss, this young woman did not meet criteria for a "Major Eating Disorder". Whether this was due to constraints of the DSM, insurance guidelines, need for provider education, she was not provided the level of care necessary.

After a period of time, she was able to find a provider who did recognize her symptoms as an eating disorder. She had also lost more weight in an attempt to "prove" she was in need of treatment. I am happy to report that this young woman is thriving and enjoying life, but is weary of the mental health system.

Eating disorders do not discriminate. In our weight obsessed society, it is automatically assumed to be a wonderful achievement when an overweight person loses weight or starts a strict exercise regimen. How often is it asked "How are you losing the weight?" More often than not, people hear compliments, or "Tell me your secret..." which would serve to reinforce possible disordered behavior.

On the flip side, do you, or do you have a relative that you make excuses for when it comes to large food intakes? If you or someone you know eats until they are uncomfortably full in response to emotion(stress, sadness or happiness), an evaluation for binge eating disorder should be considered. While use of the term eating disorder/disordered eating is may be difficult to use, it may be appropriate. In many families, there is someone who regularly eats seconds, and thirds and desserts; or someone else who is a "picky" eater.

It should also be said that not all overweight people have eating disorders. Dr. Deb Burgard works hard to spread this message and fight fat stigma. We should encourage healthy lifestyles regardless of size. Just have fun! http://bodypositive.com/

Hope this helps.

Is what you're reading affecting your thinking?

2008-06-28T15:21:42-07:00

A little while ago, I made a trip to my local newsstand looking for inspiration for the blog, and stopped cold at the magazine rack. When I saw the covers I was a bit disappointed.

I saw teen magazines recommending exercise and food plans, and went on to find magazines geared toward, men, women, African Americans, Latinas, and Muslims that all promoted the underlying message that one needed to improved oneself, and that the current state of affairs is not good enough.

In some way, this should not be surprising, as man has always been looking for that "fountain of youth," and seeking something more...what that thing is, I am not certain that they know.

Because of the pictures of desserts next to headings for exercise and diet plans, I was reminded when I looked at some of these covers of the phrase "You can't have your cake and eat it too." The late George Carlin responded to this in one of his G-rated moments:

George Carlin: "When people say, 'Oh you just want to have your cake and eat it too.' What good is a cake you can't eat? What should I eat, someone else's cake instead?"

In truth, eating disorders often give people a false since that they are having things both ways, when in truth, they are not.

Why is this important? Because exposure to magazine articles about dieting and weight loss has been shown to be associated with increased participation unhealthy dieting and weight loss practices.

It becomes concerning when there is evidence that many (let alone any) populations are now being told to lose weight from the pages of magazines, and not from the health care providers. Few magazines spoke of consulting physicians, and gave exercise regimens for the "average" person (which was often advanced for many starting an exercise regimen).

I would encourage us all to take caution to what we allow ourselves to be exposed, and to make an attempt to rid our surroundings of potentially concerning material.

Do I Look Fat? (the documentary) part two

2008-06-10T06:52:00-07:00

Never before have I seen a documentary on eating disorders that presented such a raw, gritty, no holds barred, look at the world of eating disorders. I have seen countless movies on eating disorders and read many books on the subject but watching the documentary was like being in the room with the sufferers themselves, and at times more than just being in the room with them, Mr Mathews actually takes us into their "head" and into the thought process of someone who is suffering from an eating disorder.

http://doilookfatthemovie.com

Unlike previous documentaries, their is little sanitation or censoring of thoughts. More than anything, one comes to understand, male or female, gay or straight, eating disorders are often developmental disorders and chiefly coping mechanisms.

The elephant in the room that society so often ignores is finally talked about...we have an obsession with weight, and it affects the way we think about ourselves and judge others. As much as people don't wish to admit it, it often affects their thinking. Sufferers are often filled with so much self-hatred that society's nonacceptance of their suffering often serves to compound their illness and in many minds confirm the most negative thoughts they have about themselves.

What I found particularly striking, was the similarities of issues between women and men. Often there was divorce, or absent parents, nonacceptance from parents, extreme societal pressure, teasing, a feeling that one did not meet the social ideal and would not find a mate, issues of control, fear of being unattractive, uncertainties about the future, or disenchantment about one's body type.

There were many maddening parts of the documentary such as the depiction of the store keeper who was happy to stock his shelves with meal replacements, or a recovered group leader who was very adamant about never being fat, admitting to once seeing fat people as repugnant, and fat as a way to cover up emotion. Maddening not because of their views necessarily, after all, they represent a slice of the population who also believe this, but that this just makes things harder to change societal views and stereotypes, and can be damaging to people who are overweight. (The film did present someone who was overweight and suffering from an eating disorder. I wondered how this man who fare in a group with a leader who was secretly fat-phobic? Moreover, is this happening across America?)

Overall, I found this documentary enlightening, gripping and have already recommended it to friends. I did watch it several times just to take it all in, because it is jam packed full of issues, and I didn't feel that I could get an appreciation unless I did so.

I commend Mr. Mathews for what must have been a difficult film to make and I thank him for this wonderful contribution.

Do I Look Fat? (the documentary) part one

2008-05-21T21:41:00-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the director of the documentary film, "Do I Look Fat?--Gay Men, Body Image and Eating Disorders," by Mr. Travis Mathews. Mr. Mathews is currently active as a video journalist in the Bay area.

http://www.doilookfatthemovie.com/

The documentary was made in 2004, has been screened at NEDA and the American Psychiatric Association Conferences, which are no small feats.

Mr. Mathews deserves kudos and praises for doing what all hope for...he states that he has gone on to build a life outside, beyond, and after an eating disorder. One's greatest hope is to move on from the experience wiser and stronger.

Mr. Mathews was able to share his feelings on what I had also noticed on a number of topics. He felt that there are still incredible self esteem issues for young teens such as bullying, teasing and lack of role models of in popular culture for gay young people. Media stereotypes are still quite biased in their approach to gays and lesbians. Rupert Everett has discussed in interviews how he believed his openness regarding his sexuality has affected his career. He also feels that there are multiple messages both implicit or explicit that suggest to gay youth that they aren't okay in their own skin.

We also discussed that an eating disorders diagnosis still carries with it a lot of shame, and it can be difficult to garner support. It doesn't make one feel very masculine to go to his buddies and talk about not liking his shape and having trouble eating. Women may have a more ready support network in the form of friends than men. On the flip side may be exposed to negative behaviors and body talk when around other women.

I asked if it was uncomfortable to talk about these issues with a woman, further stating that some men feel that women are to "blame" for their eating disorder, adding that women have said similar things about men. Mr. Mathews stated that he actually found there to more women therapists then male and that they were supportive. He would like to see more males in therapist and activist roles, but that he found the to be women extremely helpful and understanding. Eating disorders are multi-factorial in nature and cannot be blamed entirely on a gender.

In regards to the documentary...I have never been one to read the Cliff notes (except once, I confess), so I have ordered the documentary, and will report on it at a later date.

Am I sick enough to get treatment?

2008-05-16T20:42:00-07:00

I received this question recently and have had it posed to me in the past. It always saddens me to hear someone ask it.

I am have been told reasons why people do not feel deserving of treatment, or worse, horror stories when attempting to access treatment.

But it boils down to one question...How bad do things have to get in order for YOU to be tired of this mean disease?

For some, this point may not be apparent and they will require intervention from family and friends, but for others it may be about allowing themselves to make that first step into treatment.

There are varied reasons why people are uncertain if they should seek treatment.

People have stated that they feel that they cannot quit their disorder because they don't look "eating disordered" and no one will believe them, or they just want to lose more weight first.

People have also stated that because they are _____ (fill in the blank--African American, Male, Hispanic, overweight, obese, Native American, Asian American, not rich, etc) that professionals will not take them seriously. Truth is, some professionals in the past have seen these illnesses in a stereotypical fashion as they were originally described in young Caucasian women. Any competent professional today will be caring and compassionate. Remember you do have a choice in who you choose to see.

People have also stated that they are not certain if they have a "true eating disorder," but describe engaging disordered eating practices in order to cope with stressful events. I can't think of a problem that is solved by engaging in eating disordered behavior.

Lastly, I have heard that "My doctor didn't notice, or didn't ask me about eating disorder symptoms." If this happens, bring it up, or find a professional with whom you can be honest.

There is more to life than feigning happiness while actually experiencing internal turmoil. Life can be full of rich, happy memories. The sooner the eating disorder is over, the sooner your life truly begin.

For referrals: http://nationaleatingdisorders.org ; http://something-fishy.org ; http://anad.org ;

Call NEDA Helpline: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, pacific time: 1-800-931-2237