Eating Disorders Awareness Week!

This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week!

Last night at the family and friends support group we were discussing the stigma around eating disorders. Why is it when a family member has cancer...we usually share it with our community. Yet, when a loved one has an eating disorder, it is kept a secret?

I am not one to talk either. When I was sick I made my parents PROMISE not to let anyone know where I was or what I was doing. I was in the hospital. I was ashamed. I was embarrassed that I couldn't "JUST EAT!" My family didn't know anyone who had struggled with an eating disorder so they kept it quiet too.

In hindsight, many many friends have told me how hurtful and difficult it was to not know where I was, to not know if I was ok, and that I wouldn't let them in. Some were so hurt that our friendship died and the hurt was never resolved. 

Fourteen years later...I have a new perspective. You cannot keep this a secret. You have to tell your closest friends, your family needs to reach out, and it doesn't need to be shameful! What I have found  is that when you share with others...many times they will say "I have a sister, a friend, a daughter who is struggling too!" We need to reach out. We need to walk in community! We need to stop making eating disorders a secretive disease!

So I encourage you this week as we raise awareness and prevention for eating disorders - to talk about it! Stop hiding! Addictions feed off of secret keeping! And if you are struggling...please reach out and get some help! There is hope. There are so many resources now than ever before! 

It is my hope and dream that one day the rate of eating disorders will begin dropping. It is my hope and dream that the stigma around this disease will no longer exist. It is my hope and dream that the rate of recovery from eating disorders will begin to RISE!

 It all starts with YOU! One person at a time gathering together in community to work like HELL to fight this disease! We can do it!

Lee

If you live in Minnesota we are having a special event on Friday night for family and friends...check it out here:ED AWARENESS WEEK

Also - less than three weeks away and the new Melrose Institute will open (where I work) Check out this beautiful new building here: Melrose Institute

Comments

[Ann]

I totally agree! Telling my secret has played a huge role in my recovery process. Thanks for sharing!!

[joe]

Lee, you have stayed true to yourself. I am so proud that you have used life experences, to help many other's. Yes we were at a total loss when you were in the hospital. We totally blew it. We kept your wish at that time. Now I know mistakes were made. Go forth, God speed, your work will save many.