tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4699361536242687629.post816832360411532681..comments2023-10-28T04:45:48.353-04:00Comments on Between Living and Existing: AdvocacyTiptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17388368645986593755noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4699361536242687629.post-10344347745898349652010-03-01T20:13:19.823-05:002010-03-01T20:13:19.823-05:00Kim, good point about awareness and the variety th...Kim, good point about awareness and the variety that is out there. Too many people think it is only one definition when there are so many sizes and shapes who do suffer from EDs.<br /><br />Sarah, I say go for it with writing the book! You're such a good story teller, and many people resonate with what you write. For some reason, I think you'd have a blast being on the road, signing books, talking to people about your struggle and recovery. Plus, you did Maudsley at a little older age than the normal adolescent period.<br /><br />now.is.now, I agree, it is hard to explain to people your own struggle. Some people will get it and understand, while others won't at all, and it just frustrates you more. However, I think the SF NEDA walk would be a great goal for next year if that is what you want. People may ask, but there are always ways of putting it where it doesn't necessarily have to be too personal--something like "it's near and dear to my heart," that type of thing. <br /><br />Speaking on this topic, I do admit, one of my questions I ask just about every therapist who specializes in EDs is what made them choose this field. The answers are always interesting. And I leave it at that.Tiptoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17388368645986593755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4699361536242687629.post-33315473368688890832010-02-26T00:02:50.719-05:002010-02-26T00:02:50.719-05:00I feel a little awkward during NEDAW because I wan...I feel a little awkward during NEDAW because I want to participate in events, but, I feel like if I do, people will wonder why, and then this part of me that is not so public (the eating disorder) will suddenly become public. EVent his fall, I wanted to walk in the San Francisco NEDA walk, but I didn't only because I didn't know how to tell anyone that I was walking in it.... Advocating publicly for ED treatment/recovery makes people wonder "how'd you get interested in that?" And then I'd have to explain a part of me that i'm only just recently beginning to explain to people...now.is.nowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05102652111745735039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4699361536242687629.post-32315061440228241602010-02-25T22:24:39.827-05:002010-02-25T22:24:39.827-05:00I'm also shy about being an advocate outside o...I'm also shy about being an advocate outside of the community of people with EDs. It seems too personal to share "my" story. However, I do make efforts to share knowledge about EDs within my behavioral health classes, in the workplace, and with parents of kids in our youth program. I just don't put the personal spin on it.<br /><br />That being said, I'd LOVE to write a book on EDs someday and travel and speak on the topic. It's probably my "balls to the walls" approach to, well, everything--if I'm going to admit I have struggled with an ED in a public arena, I'm going to make it THE MOST PUBLIC ARENA ever and make it count.<br /><br />I am a little strange :)Sarah at Journeying With Himhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00823110479188213370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4699361536242687629.post-12832333259013920322010-02-25T20:14:24.016-05:002010-02-25T20:14:24.016-05:00I'm a little shy about being an advocate too. ...I'm a little shy about being an advocate too. Partly, it's because I feel like eating disorders are so complex and I get a little overwhelmed when trying to explain them to myself, let alone someone else. But, it doesn't have to be that huge. Just awareness that they are illnesses is great. Also, the image of the ad made me think of something. I also think it's important to emphasize that not all eating disorders look like the "I only eat vegetables" stereotype. There are a variety, and I think this is important for people to understand. I was very sick when I looked to be eating somewhat "normally." Sometimes I think I should do more to talk about eating disorders, and maybe blogging is a good place to start. Doing it in the real world is a little intimidating! I'm shy about any kind of public appearance or outspoken stance; it's not just about the "shame" of anorexia.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12524913753671188764noreply@blogger.com