'Share You'

So.  Some of you have noticed the 'Share You' tab at the top of my blog.  This is what I'd like to speak to today.  Something I have discovered since beginning this blog, is that within my world, I am so not alone.  Yes, a few have or have had eating disorders.  No, not all.  But all are learning, and many have had struggles that might make them able to say "Yes, my eating has been disordered."  One doesn't have to be starving, emaciated, binging, or purging, to have a disordered view of themselves, their body, and food. 

What does this mean? (My definitions with plenty of support from others with these struggles)

#1: It doesn't diminish real eating disorders.  I have to say, one thing I am rather tired of hearing when I discuss the struggles of living with an eating disorder is "Oh I understand, I have struggles too."  To which I must respond as follows:  "It is not the same."  Yes, we all struggle.  And legitimate body/eating issues must be acknowledged.  But not all are eating disorders.  That struggle is a terror only those who have been through it can truly know.

#2: Disordered eating is different from eating disorders.  It is something one can experience at any point, or a tendency, or something someone who has had an eating disorder may struggle with post-recovery.  It is any obsession with food, either with eating it or not eating it, its effect on the body, or any fear of food or the body.

#3: Everyone with these struggles needs support:  Whatever one might say, eating disorders are mental health issues.  Those who struggle with disordered eating or a disordered view of their body than food are fragile, tender beings.  I believe that with proper support and counseling, these people can avoid a full-fledged eating disorder, and recover from their struggles.  But we must learn to be vulnerable.

So what can I do?  Well.  I'm no counselor.  But I believe, with this little world, we might support one another.  The best thing for me in this process of recovery has been knowing I'm not alone.

What can you do?  You can head over to the 'Share You' page and comment, either with your name or anonymously, and let all who struggle know:

• That you have been there too. 
• That you have body or food fears too. 
• That you have never been there, but you are behind us all in support and love, and that you truly want to understand. 
• That you have different struggles.
• That you are praying.
• That you are trying
• That you need someone to email you at your new anonymous email and to tell them they can do this. 

And I'm no counselor, and I'm not recovered, but if you want to, email me:
christsinstrument [at] gmail [dot] com