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)



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

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%)



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

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%)



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

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



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%)




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



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%)

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

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%)




---------------------------------------------------
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%)


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



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%)

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


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%)

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

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%)

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

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%)



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

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%)


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

I've Had Or Currently Have:
V
otes: 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%)

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

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%)





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

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%)


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