Eating Disorder Awareness Week

I'm not really sure how to begin this blog entry. I feel like saying "Happy Eating Disorder Awareness Week!" is wrong because, you know, there's nothing happy about eating disorders. But I think this week is important and I don't think something needs to be happy to be important.

So I want to begin with the most important part of this blog and this is that: Eating disorders are not a choice. They are not a trend. They are not cool. They are not beautiful. In fact, I made a YouTube video regarding this. If you'd like to check it out, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhDAxjhcMZQ

Eating disorders are any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Nobody wakes up one day and says "Wow, I think anorexia sounds like a great idea. Maybe I should try it!" No. That's not how it works. It works like this: We want to be thin. We think we're not good enough because of our weight. We feel like outcasts.

We all do it for perfection. Some of us to it to melt the mistakes off of us. The less I weigh, the less space I take up. Invisibility... that's what a lot of us aim for.

The thing about eating disorders is they usually start out by watching what you eat. Maybe going to the gym once or twice a week. You set a goal for yourself to lose a certain amount of weight. The thing is, if you hit that goal weight, you're going to set another goal. And it's going to be lower. And you will not be happy until you reach zero. And I can promise you this: You will die before you hit zero.

Anorexia is the fear of gaining weight. People who are anorexic often see a distorted image of his or herself in the mirror. We often find ourselves thinking far too much about calories and food and how much time will have to be spent in the gym to burn off the lunch we just ate. We lie about how much we eat to make sure others don't worry. A lot of us track our calories. We do this because we want control. We want power over ourselves.

Bulimia is a cycle of binging and purging. This means people who are bulimic try not to eat for as long as possible and/or have a strict menu. But that can't last forever. And when the urge to eat finally becomes too much, they binge- meaning, they eat too much. And then they throw as much of that food up as possible. Then, the cycle begins again.


Now, let's talk about some of the consequences of eating disorders.

Anorexia

• Hair loss
• Slow heart rate and blood pressure (risk of heart failure because of this aka death)
• Severe dehydration (risk of kidney failure)
• Dry hair and skin
• Bad memory
• Fainting
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Kidney stones
• Skin bruises easily
• Bloating
• Weak muscles

Bulimia

• Anemia
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart failure
• Dehydration
• Bloating
• For girls: Irregular or absent period
• Dry skin
• Cavities 
• Fatigue
• Gum disease
• Sore/Irritated throat
• Dizziness

With all these consequences of eating disorders, don't you dare tell me they're beautiful.

In America alone 30 million people suffer from eating disorders and, believe it or not, 10 million of these people are guys. Yes, boys suffer from these issues too. Don't write them off as not being affected.

This week, I'm asking you to try and learn more about eating disorders. Research the symptoms so that you'll be aware if someone you know starts to act funny around you. Be aware. Support those you know who have an eating disorder and do your best to understand what they're going through.

Another thing to always keep in mind is that eating disorders are something that sticks with the person suffering for a lifetime. Yes, we may have gone through recovery; however, the disease stays with us forever. We simply get stronger.

And if you're someone who is currently really struggling with an eating disorder, I need you to know that it will get better. I know you've heard that a lot and you think it's a lie but I promise it gets better. I promise. But you've got to want to get better. Believe that you are more than your eating disorder and that good things lie ahead of this.

You are more than the number on the scale. You are beautiful and strong and important. You matter. 

Stay strong. I love you. I hope you all go out and make a difference this week.

-Jordan xx

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