Let’s Get Real!
Julie LaJoe, MA, LPC
Behavioral Health Counselor
Desert Mission Community Health Center
This year, National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is starting conversations about eating disorders and vulnerability and the importance of showing your true self to others even when it’s hard. Their theme for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is “Let’s Get Real!”
There is hope in bringing struggles out into the open. Recovery from an eating disorder is not a straight path so it is helpful to understand the ups and downs and to make connections with others who are fighting the same fight.
See a story shared below where one woman talks about 5 things she wished someone would have told her in recovery.
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/what-did-anorexia-ever-do-for-you
Thankfully we are making strides as a culture to recognize the need to redefine mental health and to take away the stigma associated with eating disorders. Check out some positive stories about and by celebrities and athletes.
Ten years since pop star Britney Spears had a break down captured in the public’s eye, the climate around mental health is changing, and hopefully for the better.
https://verilymag.com/2018/01/britney-spears-mental-health-breakdown-2007-depression-demi-lovato-prince-harry
There was greater sensitivity shown in this Winter Olympics for using weights of athletes due to the realities of eating disorders.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/winter-olympics-2018/2018/02/17/norway-policy-athlete-weights/349028002/
Former Miss America 2008 speaks out about redefining identity and beauty in today’s world.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/deniserestauri/2013/10/23/after-passing-the-crown-miss-america-keeps-fighting-against-eating-disorders/#2db01bbc7e2e
NOAH is an integrated health care facility with primary medical care, pediatrics, internal medicine, dental, psychiatric, behavioral health, and nutrition services. NOAH providers can assess and help formulate a treatment plan that addresses holistic needs of individuals with eating disorders. If you have concerns that you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, please schedule an appointment with one of our providers and discuss your concerns.
