Eating Disorders: Inspirational Recovery Quotes #4

It is never too late to be what you might have been.
-George Eliot-

He who has hope has everything.
-Arabian Proverb-

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
-Thomas Edison-

Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget about everything except what you're going to do now - and do it.
-William Durant-

You don't have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.
-Dan Millman-

Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.
-Og Mandino-

Determination, patience and courage are the only things needed to improve any situation.
-Peter Sinclair-

Just go out there and do what you've got to do.
-Martina Navratilova-

Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.
-Dale Carnegie-

What we actually learn, from any given set of circumstances, determines whether we become increasingly powerless or more powerful.
-Blaine Lee-

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.
-Unknown-

The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul.
-David O. McKay-

Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult - once we truly understand and accept it - then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.
-M Scott Peck-

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.
-Booker T. Washington-

Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us.
-Earl Nightingale-

Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission.
-Zig Ziglar-

Picture in your mind a sense of personal destiny.
-Wayne Oates-

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.
-Dale Carnegie-

Many of us spend our whole lives running from feeling with the mistaken belief that you cannot bear the pain. But you have already borne the pain. What you have not done is feel all you are beyond that pain.
-Kahlil Gibran-

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.
-Napoleon Hill-

What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him.
-Louis L. Mann-

Suffering is but another name for the teaching of experience, which is the parent of instruction and the schoolmaster of life.
-Horace-

The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.
-Ben Okri-

All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming.
-Helen Keller-

Faith in one's self... is the best and safest course.
-Michelangelo-

To be a champ, you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will.
-Sugar Ray Robinson-

Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.
-Joanne Kathleen Rowling-

I need to put things in perspective because I have a disease of perception.
-Unknown-

Resentment is like you taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.
-Unknown-

It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life that no man can sincerely try to help another, without helping himself.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

This one step - choosing a goal and sticking to it - changes everything.
-Scott Reed-

A habit cannot be tossed out the window; it must be coaxed down the stairs a step at a time.
-Mark Twain-

I am always doing things I can't do, that's how I get to do them.
-Pablo Picasso-

I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite well that just to be alive is a grand thing.
-Agatha Christie-

When you dance with a gorilla it is the gorilla who decides when to stop.
-Unknown-

• Please see "Inspirational Recovery Quotes" in sidebar for links to more recovery quotes.

• See also Using Affirmations

Sources:
http://www.realmentalhealth.com/inspiration/inspirational_quotes_recovery.asp
http://thinkexist.com/quotes/with/keyword/recovery/
http://www.recovery-man.com/rec_quotes.htm
http://fishyvb.something-fishy.org/
picture source: MrsMenopausal

Diet Myths and Eating Disorders

Dieting, a 50 billion dollar industry, is risky business. Statistics show that those who diet are five times more likely to develop an eating disorder than those who don't. The act of restricting food intake, and viewing certain foods as "bad,"make food the enemy. More often than not the weight lost from dieting is often gained back, bringing with it several additional pounds. The sense of failure from this has also been known to lead to eating disorders. Cycling weight loss and weight gain compromises health, too; blood pressure increase, decreased stores of necessary good fats, and increased risk of developing several diseases and health issues.

The renowned Eating Disorder treatment center, Remuda Ranch, has recently released this list of popular myths about dieting:

• #1 -- Dieting will result in weight loss and thus improve health. Ninety-five percent of diets fail. A continued focus on weight loss as a means to health will in all likelihood only result in poorer health. A shift to wellness by caring for the body as a whole-mind, body and spirit-is more effective in achieving metabolic fitness. This means getting and staying active without turning into a compulsive exerciser and eating intuitively with balance, variety and moderation.

• #2 -- If I don’t have rules around eating, I will be out of control. Part of normal eating involves trusting the body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you are hungry or have a craving. Choose foods that you believe will satisfy you. Stay connected to your body and eat with awareness and enjoyment. Stop eating when you’re full or satisfied.

• #3 -- Anyone can weigh what he or she wants as long as they diet and exercise hard enough. Contrary to popular belief, one of the strongest determinates of healthy body weight is our genetic code that was configured in the womb. We can only alter this natural set point a small amount with diet and exercise. Fat doesn’t always mean unhealthy and thin doesn’t always mean fit.

• #4 – Dieting means I have strong will power and I’m morally good. Labeling food as “good” or “bad” has dire consequences. What happens when an individual eats a food that is perceived as “bad” for them? They may feel guilty and want to get rid of or purge those calories by exercise or fasting for the next day or two. If there are limits about never eating “bad” food, when an individual feels emotionally vulnerable, what might be the first food that he or she seeks? The “bad” food, and usually not in moderate portions. Keeping food neutral is key. When food is kept in its proper place in life, with no inherent moral value, intuitive eating is a natural result.

• #5 – Everyone diets, it’s just the way it is. Just because many people are stuck in the cycle of dangerous dieting, doesn’t mean it’s the best way or that you have to follow. The best thing one can do for overall peace of mind and wellness is to cease the cycle. Individuals on diets are often irritable, fatigued and have difficulty concentrating or engaging in enjoyable social settings that involve food.

“Because there are so many diet myths out there, the best resource for truth is a registered dietitian or medical doctor,” says Juliet Zuercher, registered dietitian and director of nutritional services at Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders. “Unfortunately, eating disorders often develop after dabbling with diets. Beware of the underlying dangers in this cultural phenomenon.”

See archives for related article:The Dieting/Eating Disorder Connection

See sidebar for Self Assessment Tests

Put Down That Cookie, Pick Up an Eating Disorder?

sources: http://www.remudaranch.com/index.php
picture source: MrsMenopausal

Males with Eating Disorders: Information, Help, and Resources

The numbers are changing when it comes to males with eating disorders. What used to be one male to every 10-15 women has shown a dramatic increase, according to researchers. It is now suggested that there is one male to every four females with anorexia and for every 8-11 females with bulimia. Binge eating disorder is even less gender specific with an almost equal number of both sexes afflicted, though males show less guilt over a binge than women.

Males tend to begin an eating disorder at an older age than females. According to new data by researchers at Harvard University Medical School it is suggested that up to 25 percent of adults with eating disorders are male. "Whether that figure indicates that more men are becoming eating disordered, or that men previously escaped attention and diagnosis, or that diagnostic tools have improved and are now catching people who would have escaped detection before has yet to be determined. Preliminary information suggests that men are more concerned about appearance and body image than they were in the past. The new study was based on information obtained from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a mental health survey of nearly 9,000 adults across the U.S," according to ANRED.com.

Risk factors for males may differ from women but several are the same. They may include, but are not limited to, the following:

*Overweight as a child
*Dieting (one of the biggest ED triggers for both sexes)
*Participation in sports that demand thinness (wrestling, track, etc)
*Job that requires thinness (jockey, actor, model, etc)

Some Symptoms of Anorexia in Males:

• Food rituals
• Compulsive exercise and/or preoccupation with body mass, muscles, etc.
• Preoccupation with food
• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age, height, body type, and activity level
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight
• Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced
• Undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of current low body weight
• Lying about eating or difficulty eating around others
• Depression, isolation, loneliness
• Unrealistic and perfectionistic standards
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Low self-esteem
• Need for control
• Possible sexual orientation and gender identity issues
• Decreased interest in sex, anxiety surrounding sexual activity
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure and body temperature
• Thinning hair or hair loss, lanugo
• Heart arrhythmia and electrolyte disturbances (edreferral.com)

Some Symptoms of Bulimia in Males:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating
• A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
• Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise
• Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight
• Preoccupation with food
• Hoarding, hiding, stealing food
• Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
• Depression, isolation and loneliness
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Possible sexual orientation and gender identity issues
• Low self-esteem
• "People-pleasers"
• Perfectionistic standards
• Fatigue
• Weight Fluctuations
• Edema
• Dental problems
• Electrolyte imbalances (edreferral.com)

Some Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder/Compulsive Overeating in Males:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating
• Hoarding, hiding, stealing food
• Eating rapidly and/or eating until uncomfortably full
• Consuming large amount of food when not hungry
• Body weight fluctuations
• Depression, anxiety, and loneliness
• Low self-esteem
• "People-pleasers"
• Perfectionistic standards
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Negative attention received about their body while growing up
• Feelings of guilt and shame during and/or after a binge episode
• Binge eating used to numb feelings, relieve tension, deal with anger, depression and other emotional states
• Problems with heart and blood pressure and/or blood sugar problems
• Fatigue
• Joint problems (edreferral.com)

Treatment for both males and females is extremely important. Unfortunately, most treatment centers, support groups, and other recovery options are geared towards women which leaves many men feeling embarrassed and reluctant to seek help.

Helpful links for males with eating disorders:

See sidebar for Eating Disorder Help: Hotlines, Organizations, Websites

N.A.M.E.D. (National Association for Males with Eating Disorders)
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association)EDRefferal.com

sources:
ANRED.com
http://www.edreferral.com/males_eating_disorders.htm
N.A.M.E.D
picture source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/torpore/4152193645/

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: America's Obsession With Beauty

The brain child of director Darryl Roberts, the documentary "America The Beautiful" is about the value of physical beauty placed on people in the US. Spurred by an article Roberts read online about a man who killed a model who refused to date him; "She was really attractive,' Roberts said. 'And he wanted to date her, but she wouldn't date him. So he said, if he couldn't have her, nobody could and so he killed her,"Roberts researched the subject, logging over 500 hours of film in the process. Armed with a set of questions, Darryl Roberts first interviewed 200 women. One of the questions he asked was "Do you feel attractive? Do you feel beautiful?" Sadly, only 2 women answered yes.

Traveling the country he set out to uncover why so many feel so bad about themselves. Speaking with those in the fashion industry, experts, plastic surgeons, and ordinary people Roberts collected the honest and sometimes confused views of those he interviewed. He calls the amount of women and girls with eating disorders and "epidemic." One model in the film, six feet tall and 130 pounds who was told she needed to lose weight said, "Health doesn't become an option in this business. If you want to worry about your health, go to college."

In an interview by Euan Kerr of Minnesota public radio, Roberts said, "You have all these multi-national corporations that are making billions and billions of dollars off of people feeling bad about themselves. We are just entering a further and further state of moral decay."

When asked what his goal was Roberts answered, "basically my purpose in doing the film was to put forth the message that we're all beautiful the way that we are ... so that we can recollect our self-esteem and just kind of take it back from the advertisers ..."

"...One of the most important documentary films of this decade.
Absolutely critical viewing." Samantha Urban

"America the Beautiful is funny, shocking, and enlightening and is important enough to merit as many people seeing it as possible." Samantha Urban

"...the shock will keep your eyes glued to the screen for the rest of the film."
Anton S

Viewers said:

"Powerful. Thank you Darryl..."

"Amazing, amazing film."

"Very insightful."

"So poignant. So right on point with his perspective."

"...amazing."

America the Beautiful will be released in theaters this fall.

sources:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/06/19/americathebeautiful/
http://www.americathebeautifuldoc.com/
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0GXTooMa4go : interview by thebigfanboy.com

EATING DISORDERS and BODY IMAGE: Poll Results

*This post will be updated and polls added to the beginning as they are completed. 

Anxiety and Eating Disorders

I have anxiety & ED	120 (80%)
Self -diagnosed	58 (38%)
Medical diagnosis	76 (50%)
Unmedicated	52 (34%)
Medicated	55 (36%)
Supplements help	14 (9%)
Meditating helps	26 (17%)
Music helps	74 (49%)
Journaling helps	56 (37%)
Therapy helps	62 (41%)
Self-talk helps	37 (24%)
Nothing helps	39 (26%)
Coping on my own	43 (28%)
Not coping well	79 (52%)
Ready to seek help	19 (12%)
also ADD/ADHD	23 (15%)
also PTSD	24 (16%)
also BPD	17 (11%)
also OCD	43 (28%)
also Other	32 (21%)
Not in Recovery/ED	51 (34%)
In Recovery/ED	52 (34%)
Do not want to Recover/ED	47 (31%)
Want to Recover/ED	71 (47%)

Votes: 150

 The New Year Makes Me Feel... (choose all that apply)

Hopeful	75 (61%)
Anxious	65 (53%)
Determined	55 (45%)
Fearful	43 (35%)
Confident	17 (14%)
Brand New	18 (14%)
Excited	30 (24%)
Depressed	34 (28%)
Happy	26 (21%)
Scared	63 (52%)
Strong	24 (19%)
Defeated	17 (14%)
Eager	28 (23%)
Renewed	17 (14%)
Nothing Different	27 (22%)

Votes so far: 121
Poll closed

The Road To Recovery: The Positive Results Of My Recovery... (choose all that apply and feel free to add more to the comments of the post for this poll)

Support from family	16(45%)
Support from friends	15 (42%)
Support from (other)	15 (42%)
Courage	21 (60%)
Self-Esteem Improved	18 (51%)
Peace	14 (40%)
New sense of self	17 (48%)
Sense of purpose	17 (48%)
Sense of security	9 (25%)
Clearer mind	18 (51%)
Joy	13 (37%)
Happiness	21 (60%)
Zest for life	15 (42%)
Helping others	13 (37%)
Excitement	16 (45%)
Hope	24 (68%)
Appreciation	15 (42%)
Creativity	9 (25%)
Calmness	15 (42%)
Determination	16 (45%)
Spirituality	13 (37%)
Energy	17 (48%)
Trust in myself	16 (45%)
Trust in others	9 (25%)
Stronger relationship(s)	19 (54%)
Renewed	10 (28%)
Unstoppable	7 (20%)
Capable	14 (40%)
Inspiration	15 (42%)
Found myself again	12 (34%)

Votes: 35

Should The Door Be Closed To Pro-Ana Sites? Do they provide needed support to those struggling with an eating disorder or are they harmful to health and well-being? Do you/did you visit pro-ana sites? Did they hurt/help your ED? (choose all that apply)

Definitely close them	33 (30%)
They should be illegal	19 (17%)
They're harmful	57 (52%)
They're harmless	7 (6%)
They're all bad	19 (17%)
They're not all bad	38 (34%)
Keep them open	28 (25%)
They're needed	15 (13%)
Undecided	12 (11%)
Made me aware/dangers	22 (20%)
Encouraged my ED	45 (41%)
Sparked my restricting	24 (22%)
Turned me off to Anorexia	5 (4%)
Hurt my recovery	31 (28%)
Helped my recovery	9 (8%)
I visit them regularly	24 (22%)
I refuse to go to them	11 (10%)
I used to go/stopped	44 (40%)
Never visited one	7 (6%)
I have.. anorexia	41 (37%)
Bulimia	28 (25%)
EDNOS	37 (33%)
Binge/COE	8 (7%)
Orthorexia	5 (4%)
Other	6 (5%)
None	6 (5%)
Am recover-ing/ed	58 (53%)
Not in recovery	17 (15%)
Do not want recovery	16 (14%)
Want recovery	30 (27%)
I am under 16 yrs old	12 (11%)
16-21 yrs old	56 (51%)
22-35 yrs old	31 (28%)
36-45 yrs old	5 (4%)
I am older than 45	2 (1%)
Parent of child with ED	0 (0%)
Medical Professional	3 (2%)
ED Advocate	7 (6%)
Personal Experience	49 (44%)

Votes 109




-------------------------------------------------

THIS IS A 3 PART POLL (see below)

Part 1:

Dieting History Part 1: How old were you when you went on your first diet, how often do you diet? (choose all that apply)

Before the age of 5	5 (2%)
Btwn 5-9 yrs old	25 (12%)
Btwn 10-14 yrs old	89 (44%)
Btwn 15-18 yrs old	67 (33%)
In College	18 (8%)
Btwn 22-28 yrs old	9 (4%)
Btwn 29-35 yrs old	3 (1%)
36 yrs old and over	1 (0%)
I diet: 1-3 times/year	11 (5%)
4-6 times a year	9 (4%)
more than 7 times a yr	17 (8%)
I'm always dieting	83 (41%)
I've never dieted	19 (9%)
I will not diet again	16 (7%)

Votes so far: 20

part 2:

Dieting History Part 2: Who/what first prompted you to diet? (choose all that apply)

Mother	44 (31%)
Father	18 (12%)
Sibling	14 (10%)
Other Family Member	25 (17%)
Friend(s)	36 (25%)
Adult Authority Figure	16 (11%)
No one	46 (33%)
Wanted to be like: model	47 (33%)
women in magazines	49 (35%)
women in movies	33 (23%)
Was: bullied	32 (23%)
teased	44 (31%)
made fun of	50 (35%)

Votes : 139

Part 3:

Dieting History Part 3: Dieting led to: (choose all that apply)

obsession with numbers	85 (62%)
fear of calories	86 (63%)
fear of fat	95 (70%)
disordered eating	94 (69%)
restriction	87 (64%)
anorexia	72 (53%)
bulimia	65 (48%)
BED	12 (8%)
COE	7 (5%)
EDNOS	32 (23%)
Other	6 (4%)
poor body image	108 (80%)
hating my body	99 (73%)
nothing negative	7 (5%)
quick weight loss	65 (48%)
weight loss regained	43 (31%)
gained back +more	29 (21%)

Votes : 135

------------------------------------------------

My ED and mymarriage/romantic relationship(s): My partner.....
(choose all that apply)

is unaware	22 (18%)
suspects	24 (20%)
is fully aware	57 (47%)
is supportive	48 (40%)
doesn't understand	60 (50%)
is abusive	1 (0%)
is compassionate	50 (42%)
monitors my eating	32 (26%)
doesn't care either way	10 (8%)
worries about me	67 (56%)
causes me anxiety	32 (26%)
is pro ED	2 (1%)
also has an ED	2 (1%)
is recovered from ED	3 (2%)
left because of my ED	2 (1%)
knew before hand	28 (23%)
found out after together	25 (21%)
is afraid for me	38 (31%)
is angry with me	23 (19%)
I am in recovery	52 (43%)
I am not in recovery	43 (36%)

Votes: 119

Part 3:




------------------------------------------------

When it comes to my ED, I ...

(choose all that apply)

speak openly	29 (19%)
am afraid to tell anyone	46 (31%)
want to tell but haven't	30 (20%)
am ready to speak up	23 (15%)
have told friends	77 (52%)
have told family	62 (41%)
have told therapist	62 (41%)
only tell other pro ED	14 (9%)
have told no one	10 (6%)
want recovery	60 (40%)
do not want recovery	44 (29%)
am in recovery	54 (36%)

Votes: 148

---------------------------------------------------------
Eating Disorders and Thanksgiving Day Feelings

Anxious	71 (63%)
Fearful	53 (47%)
Grateful	18 (16%)
Afraid I'll Relapse	22 (19%)
Afraid ED will B discovered	25 (22%)
Happy 2 B with loved 1s	22 (19%)
Indifferent	12 (10%)
Afraid I'll binge	63 (56%)
Afraid I'll purge	39 (35%)
Not attending TG dinner	12 (10%)
Preparing TG dinner	15 (13%)
Attending TG dinner	44 (39%)
In recovery	40 (36%)
Not in recovery	24 (21%)

Votes: 111

--------------------------------------------------------------

What is your experience with socialized medicine and the treatment of your ED/mental illness? US citizen: do you feel a federal based health care system would help or hurt getting the care you need for your ED/mental illness? (choose all that apply)

it's been a great asset	2 (11%)
received all I need	0 (0%)
difficult to get treatment	4 (22%)
had to wait (long)	1 (5%)
had to wait (short)	0 (0%)
refused treatment	3 (16%)
seen in a timely fashion	1 (5%)
US: feel would not be asset	6 (33%)
US: feel would be asset	6 (33%)

Votes: 18

-----------------------------------------------------------

What are your favorite recovery tools?

(choose all that apply)

Journaling	24 (72%)
Art/ Creative Activities	16 (48%)
Inspirational Quotes	18 (54%)
Affirmations	7 (21%)
Group Meetings	10 (30%)
Therapy/Counseling	19 (57%)
Positive Self-Talk	8 (24%)
Supportive Friends	19 (57%)
Supportive Family	9 (27%)
Helping Others	9 (27%)
Websites	12 (36%)
Books	11 (33%)
Music (listening)	18 (54%)
Music (performing)	5 (15%)
Recovery Videos	7 (21%)
Meditation	9 (27%)
Physical Activity (non-obsessive)	11 (33%)
Blogging	12 (36%)
Religion/Faith	10 (30%)
Other	3 (9%)

Votes so far: 33


----------------------------------------------
I was exposed to disordered eating behaviors and/or body image issues by... (choose all that apply. BI-body image)
votes 104

	Mother	55 (52%)
	Father	26 (25%)
	Grandmother	17 (16%)
	Grandfather	5 (4%)
	Sister	25 (24%)
	Brother	11 (10%)
	Aunt	15 (14%)
	Uncle	6 (5%)
	Close Adult	13 (12%)
	Friend	53 (50%)
	Other	19 (18%)
	None	13 (12%)
	Exposed as a Child	54 (51%)
	Exposed as a Teen	71 (68%)
	Exposed as an Adult	32 (30%)
	Continuing Exposure	51 (49%)
	To ED behaviors	60 (57%)
	To BI Issues	56 (53%)
	I have an ED	72 (69%)
	I don't have an ED	14 (13%)
	I have BI Issues	66 (63%)
	I don't have BI issues	5 (4%)
	In Recovery	46 (44%)
	Not In Recovery	26 (25%)
	I am Male	4 (3%)
	I am Female	96 (92%)

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Do The Seasons Affect Your Eating Disorder? How has the arrival of spring made you feel? (choose all that apply) * please see additional related poll below
votes: 47

Yes, somewhat	12 (25%)
Yes, very much so	18 (38%)
Not that I've noticed	3 (6%)
Not at all	3 (6%)
Sometimes	10 (21%)
For the better	9 (19%)
For the worse	14 (29%)
I feel empowered	3 (6%)
I feel optimistic	9 (19%)
I feel anxious	16 (34%)
I feel renewed	7 (14%)
I feel depressed	15 (31%)
I feel hopeful	12 (25%)
I feel desperate	11 (23%)
I feel stronger	6 (12%)
I feel weaker	11 (23%)
I am bulimic	14 (29%)
anorexic	15 (31%)
compulsive overeater	8 (17%)
EDNOS	13 (27%)
Combination of EDs	14 (29%)

-------------------------------------------------------------

Which Season Makes You Feel Better/Worse? (choose all that apply)
votes: 43

Best in SPRING	17 (39%)
Best in SUMMER	9 (20%)
Best in FALL	12 (27%)
Best in WINTER	9 (20%)
Worse in SPRING	4 (9%)
Worse in SUMMER	20 (46%)
Worse in FALL	6 (13%)
Worse in Winter	15 (34%)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Have You Used Art Therapy To Aid Your Recovery?
(choose all that apply)
Votes: 57

Yes, in therapy	20 (35%)
Yes, on my own	20 (35%)
It's helped me	26 (45%)
I didn't like it	7 (12%)
I do it regularly	8 (14%)
No, never	10 (17%)
Don't want to try it	4 (7%)
Know someone it helps	6 (10%)
Others' art helps me	9 (15%)
Love it	14 (24%)
I doodle in my journal	22 (38%)
Thinking about trying it	3 (5%)
I find it triggering	6 (10%)
Uninterested	2 (3%)
Yes, recently	14 (24%)
Yes, a long time ago	10 (17%)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you doing anything for National Eating Disorders Week, and if so, what are you doing?
(choose all that apply)
votes: 46

Yes 23 (50%)

No 6 (13%)

Undecided 2 (4%)

Uninterested 1 (2%)

Journaling 10 (21%)

Blogging 9 (19%)

Spreading the word 20 (43%)

Educating others 17 (36%)

Educating myself 23 (50%)

A scheduled event 10 (21%)

Helping others 8 (17%)

Working on my recovery 23 (50%)

Taking first step/recovery 2 (4%)

Reaching out for myself 15 (32%)

Reaching out to others 16 (34%)

Sharing my story 15 (32%)

I don't know what to do 10 (21%)

Nothing 2 (4%)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Has writing/journaling helped you in your struggles with your Eating Disorder, or in your recovery?

votes 26

Yes, when I'm struggling	12 (46%)
No, not when I'm struggling	0 (0%)
Sometimes, when I'm struggling	6 (23%)
Yes, with my recovery	7 (26%)
No, not with my recovery	3 (11%)
Sometimes, with my recovery	3 (11%)
I don't write/journal	1 (3%)
Others' writings help me	5 (19%)
I'm interested in reading others writings	7 (26%)

----------------
How does the Arrival of a New Year make you feel about recovery and/or your eating disorder? (choose all that apply):
votes:77

Hopeful 32 (41%)

Renewed 16 (20%)

Fearful 25 (32%)

Anxious 29 (37%)

Excited 11 (14%)

Angry 8 (10%)

Depressed 22 (28%)

Strengthened 12 (15%)

Ready to try again 22 (28%)

Stressed 21 (27%)

Encouraged 6 (7%)

Pressured 24 (31%)

Inspired 13 (16%)

Despondent 2 (2%)

Proud of my recovery 10 (12%)

Hopeless 14 (18%)

Thrilled 5 (6%)

Nervous 30 (38%)

It has no meaning to me 6 (7%)

I'm not in recovery 11 (14%)

I'm in recovery 17 (22%)

I want to recover 31 (40%)

I don't want to recover 21 (27%)


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What Was The Inspiration That Caused You To Seek Recovery From Your ED? (choose all that apply)votes: 36

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My Recovery, One Word At A Time (choose as many words as you feel relate to your ED recovery).
Votes: 26

					Joy 8 (30%) Freedom 11(42%)
					Security 3 (11%)
					Identity 12 (46%)
					Elusive 4 (15%)
					Community 4 (15%)
					Fear 17 (65%)
					Difficult 20 (76%)
					Fleeting 3 (11%)
					Enduring 3 (11%)
					Happy 6 (23%)
					Anxiety 14 (53%)
					Support 10 (38%)
					Affirming 6 (23%)
					Effortless 0 (0%)
					Failing 12 (46%)
					Attempting 12 (46%)
					Succeeding 6 (23%)
					Desired 15 (57%)
					Unwanted 5 (19%)
					Renewed 5 (19%)
					Unnecessary 2 (7%)
					Assisted 4 (15%)
					Monitored 5 (19%)
					Depressing 10 (38%)
					Inspired 7 (26%)
					Considering 3 (11%)
					Unassisted 2 (7%)
					Panic 10 (38%)
					Apprehensive 9 (34%)
					Scary 15 (57%)
					Amazing 12 (46%)

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My Eating Disorder, One Word At A Time (choose as many words as you feel fit your views, feelings, and experience, with your ED, excluding recovery).

Votes: 65

Desperation	43 (66%)
Hopelessness	47 (72%)
Fear	39 (60%)
Anger	42 (64%)
Shame	52 (80%)
Embarrassment	42 (64%)
Worthlessness	44 (67%)
Perfection	25 (38%)
Hunger	33 (50%)
Loneliness	47 (72%)
Rage	19 (29%)
Dishonesty	40 (61%)
Superiority	24 (36%)
Belonging	15 (23%)
Community	10 (15%)
Beauty	22 (33%)
Bones	31 (47%)
Achievement	38 (58%)
Thinspiration	21 (32%)
Control	42 (64%)
Love	15 (23%)
Doom	15 (23%)
Temporary	9 (13%)
Dieting	23 (35%)
Controlled	22 (33%)
Defeated	29 (44%)
Bloated	29 (44%)
Disgusted	50 (76%)
Powerless	41 (63%)

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My (a) child has witnessed me ___. (choose all that apply)
Votes: 35

complain about my weight 31 (88%)

weigh myself several times a day 15 (42%)

eat very little 22 (62%)

vomit/purge 5 (14%)

upset about my appearance due to my weight 27 (77%)

belittle myself because of my weight 25 (71%)

binge/eat compulsively 15 (42%)

hide/horde food 10 (28%)

exercise compulsively 9 (25%)

depressed about my weight/appearance 25 (71%)

avoid activities/functions due to my weight 17 (48%)

obsess about weight loss 23 (65%)

make negative comments about another's weight 10 (28%)

dieting 28 (80%)

cut or injure myself 4 (11%)

lie about what I've eaten 13 (37%)

me struggle with an ED 11 (31%)

recover from an ED 2 (5%)




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I have ____ food. (fill in the blank with all that apply)
Votes: 71

hoarded 33 (46%)

hidden 47 (66%)

stolen (food or $ for food) 21 (29%)

secretly thrown away 49 (69%)

purged 41 (57%)

binged 49 (69%)

secretly eaten 50 (70%)

given away, to keep from eating 55 (77%)

severely restricted 53 (74%)

denied eating 47 (66%)

obsessed over 55 (77%)

denied not eating 49 (69%)

felt bad about myself because of 64 (90%)

kept track of other's intake of 46 (64%)

felt bad about someone else because of 29 (40%)

gone days without eating any 29 (40%)

gone days eating very little 58 (81%)

an unhealthy relationship with 55 (77%)

decided the enemy is 36 (50%)

defined myself by my relationship with 46 (64%)

hidden from others my problems with 54 (76%)

a tremendous fear of 42 (59%)

no problems with 2 (2%)

been discriminated against-
because of my relationship with 11 (15%)

isolated because of my relationship with 34 (47%)

felt ashamed because of my relationship with 52 (73%)

I have felt hopeless because of my relationship with 55 (77%)

a healthy relationship with 2 (2%)

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Has the portrayal of beauty in the media had an affect on you or a loved one? (Please choose all that apply) *please note that "child" = your child or any child that you know who has let their feelings be known to you.
Votes: 35


I feel unattractive 33 (94%)

I feel fat 33 (94%)

I feel worthless 20 (57%)

I feel angry 20 (57%)

I feel hopeless 21 (60%)

exacerbates my ED 16 (45%)

child feels unattractive 4 (11%)

child feels fat 5 (14%)

child feels worthless 2 (5%)

child feels angry 1 (2%)

child feels hopeless 1 (2%)

exacerbates child's ED 2 (5%)

I strive to look like them 18 (51%)

child strives to look like them 3 (8%)

It's positive incentive 3 (8%)

what's the big deal? 2 (5%)

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Know Someone With An ED?
Votes: 37

Self 20 (54%)

Spouse 0 (0%)

Adult Family Member 3 (8%)

Teen Family Member 4 (10%)

Child Family Member 1 (2%)

Adult Friend 8 (21%)

Teen Friend 4 (10%)

Child Friend 1 (2%)

I'm not sure 4 (10%)

No 4 (10%)

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Body Image Poll: choose as many as apply
votes: 50

I am happy and content with my body 8 (16%)

My body makes me feel unattractive 23 (46%)

I absolutely LOVE my body no matter what 1 (2%)

I cannot imagine myself ever feeling happy with my body 14 (28%)

How I look determines my sense of worth 9 (18%)

I hate my body 11 (22%)

Trying to look perfect has resulted in an ED or other self-destructive behavior 3 (26%)

I'm learning to love myself for who I am, not what I look like 20 (40%)

I am unhappy with my body but I don't let that determine my self-worth 17 (34%)

It's important that I'm thin and beautiful 9 (18%)

I am beautiful just as I am 8 (16%)

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What Has Helped Me Recover From My ED:
select all that apply
votes: 27

Journaling / Writing 13 (48%)

Therapy/ Counseling 8 (29%)

Family / Friends 11 (40%)

In-Patient Treatment Center 3 (11%)

Out-Patient Treatment 5 (18%)

Online Recovery Forum(s) 13 (48%)

Other 3 (11%)

I'm Not In Recovery From My ED 7 (25%)

I Don't Want To Recover 6 (22%)



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How old were you when you first remember having negative feelings about your body? How do you feel about your body now?
Votes: 79

Younger than 7 11 (13%)

8 to 12 years old 38 (48%)

13 to 16 years old 18 (22%)

17 to 21 years old 6 (7%)

22 to 28 years old 2 (2%)

29 to 35 years old 2 (2%)

36 to 42 years old 3 (3%)

43 to 50 years old 1 (1%)

51 to 60 years old 0 (0%)

over 60 years old 0 (0%)

I am content with my body now 4 (5%)

I'm becoming more comfortable with body as I age 16 (20%)

I still do not like my body 44 (55%)


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I've Had Or Currently Have:
Votes: 29

Anorexia 6 (20%)

Bulimia 7 (24%)

Bulimarexia 5 (17%)

Orthorexia 3 (10%)

Compulsive Overeating 10 (34%)

Binge Eating Disorder 10 (34%)

Drunkarexia 1 (3%)

ED-NOS 2 (6%)

Other not listed 0 (0%)

I suspect I have an ED 7 (24%)

My ED is still active 6 (20%)

I am recovering 3 (10%)

I have fully recovered 1 (3%)

I'm afraid to seek help 7 (24%)

I do not want to recover 3 (10%)

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In addition to my ED (please choose ED(s) from list), I also suffer from:
(please choose all that apply)
Votes: 25


Anorexia 12 (48%)

Bulimia 6 (24%)

Bulimarexia 4 (16%)

Orthorexia 2 (8%)

Compulsive Overeating 9 (36%)

Binge Eating Disorder 7 (28%)

Drunkarexia 0 (0%)

EDNOS 4 (16%)

Other ED not listed 0 (0%)

Depression 11 (44%)

Bipolar 2 (8%)

OCD 5 (20%)

ADD/ADHD 2 (8%)

Anxiety Disorder 9 (36%)

Borderline Personality Disorder 1 (4%)

Histrionic Personality Disorder 1 (4%)

Self Injury (cutting, branding, etc) 7 (28%)

Panic Attacks/Disorder 6 (24%)

Alcohol Abuse/Addiction 2 (8%)

Drug Abuse/Addiction 1 (4%)

BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) 6 (24%)

Schizophrenia 0 (0%)

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) 5 (20%)

Impulse Control Disorder 2 (8%)

Sleep Disorder 6 (24%)

Other not listed 4 (16%)

Nothing in addition to my ED 2 (8%)





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I have an eating disorder:
(select all that apply)
Votes: 50

but no one knows 14 (28%)

friends suspect / I deny 11 (22%)

family suspects/ I deny 14 (28%)

coworkers suspect/I deny 2 (4%)

I've told a family member(s) 17 (34%)

I've told a friend(s) 22 (44%)

I've told my therapist 17 (34%)

only others with an ED know 5 (10%)

those close to me know 15 (30%)

I'll never tell anyone 8 (16%)

I'm afraid to tell anyone 8 (16%)

I've told anyone that needs to know 9 (18%)

I'm trying to find a way to tell 5 (10%)

I've only admitted to it online 11 (22%)