From tomorrow till March 1st is Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) 2014. The aim of such week is to increase ED awareness. In my opinion, few people know the realities of living with such disorders.
Having an eating disorder is an isolating experience. It is a disease which can be easily hidden from the rest of the sufferer’s family and friends. An ED destroys people’s life and train of thoughts. It takes years for the sufferer and those around him/her to rebuild what has been destroyed.
Some affected people are afraid to speak out. They are afraid of being laughed at, misjudged or rejected. The lack of awareness makes it very difficult for oneself to seek help and support. I was lucky. My family realised that there was something wrong with my behaviour and supported me when I rejected therapy. Unfortunately, some sufferers feel too lonely and depressed and when they try to seek help it may be too late.
Having an eating disorder is an isolating experience. It is a disease which can be easily hidden from the rest of the sufferer’s family and friends. An ED destroys people’s life and train of thoughts. It takes years for the sufferer and those around him/her to rebuild what has been destroyed.
Some affected people are afraid to speak out. They are afraid of being laughed at, misjudged or rejected. The lack of awareness makes it very difficult for oneself to seek help and support. I was lucky. My family realised that there was something wrong with my behaviour and supported me when I rejected therapy. Unfortunately, some sufferers feel too lonely and depressed and when they try to seek help it may be too late.
What mostly makes me angry is the way society views people with eating disorders and mental health issues. One day during my psychology lesson, we were discussing psychiatry. Our class teacher wanted to know whether if we are aware of the duties of a psychiatrist. One guy put up his hand and shouted that people who are mad,foolish and sick seek psychiatric help. I was taken aback by his answer, stood up and told him that people who lack knowledge and respect own a one way ticket to hell. Maybe, I was arrogant but I felt releived after standing up and voicing my anger.
Yes, people with eating disorders are mentally ill, yet they are amongst the strongest people on Earth. It takes a lot of mental endurance and strength to weaken your health. They are also stubborn, perfectionists and moody. But, they are not heartless individuals. On the contrary, they are highly sensitive people. They empathise with those around them and tend to take emotions a bit too far. Their illness can only be cured by psychotherapy, a lot of support, love and care and also – in most circumstances – through medication.
As someone who is recovering from anorexia and bulimia, I seek to give back some of the help and support which I have received (and am still receiving) during my recovery journey. I seek to SPEAK in the name of those who passed away because of this disease and also to VOICE the current sufferers, survivors and the ones who are discovering recovery. I wish to let ED sufferers know how beautiful life is away from ED habits. I wish to let them know that the recovery journey is very,very tough yet it is not impossible. I wish to let them know that they are worth it, beautiful and most of all that they are ENOUGH.
Yes, people with eating disorders are mentally ill, yet they are amongst the strongest people on Earth. It takes a lot of mental endurance and strength to weaken your health. They are also stubborn, perfectionists and moody. But, they are not heartless individuals. On the contrary, they are highly sensitive people. They empathise with those around them and tend to take emotions a bit too far. Their illness can only be cured by psychotherapy, a lot of support, love and care and also – in most circumstances – through medication.
As someone who is recovering from anorexia and bulimia, I seek to give back some of the help and support which I have received (and am still receiving) during my recovery journey. I seek to SPEAK in the name of those who passed away because of this disease and also to VOICE the current sufferers, survivors and the ones who are discovering recovery. I wish to let ED sufferers know how beautiful life is away from ED habits. I wish to let them know that the recovery journey is very,very tough yet it is not impossible. I wish to let them know that they are worth it, beautiful and most of all that they are ENOUGH.
Happy EDAW 2014! :D
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