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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Take A Self Test!!!!!!!

                            "   An important part of recovery is self discovery! "

 Check out this site http://www.psyweb.com/  for excellent information regarding:

* DSM-IV DSM Disorders Diagnostic Criteria.
*Self tests (ex. personality, depression, anxiety, social anxiety and OCD)

Bulimia

Bulimia Nervosa is a disorder in which one has frequent episodes of binge eating followed by purging or ridding the body of food. Bulimics often vomit, use laxatives and diuretics, and/or compulsively exercise. Bulimics are not visibly underweight;yet like anorexics, they use food as a means of coping with psychological problems. Unlike anorexics, bulimics feel out of control and recognize their abnormal behaviors. two to five young girls out of 100 develop bulimia.

How Do I Identify Bulimia Nervosa?
*secretive eating
*disappearance of large amount of food in short periods of time
*frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
*excessive, rigid exercise regimen
*swelling of the glands in neck and face area
*calluses on the back of hand and knuckles from self-induced vomiting
*discoloration, staining of the teeth
*creation of complex lifestyle schedules/rituals to make time for binge and purge sessions
* withdrawal from usual friends and activities
*preoccupation with body weight
*depression
*mood swings
*heartburn
*bloating
*irregular periods
*constipation
*indigestion
*sore throat
*weakness, exhaustion
*blood shots eyes
*dehydration

Anorexia

Anorexia means loss of hunger. Anorexia Nervosa is a psychiatric illness characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Anorexics have an intense fear of weight gain, and their preoccupation with food and weight often masks other psychological problems. Anorexics have a distorted perception of their body size and shape, and refuse to maintain a healthy body weight. One out of every 100 adolescent girls will develop anorexia.

How Do I Identity Anorexia?
*dramatic weight loss
*preoccupation with weight and food
*refusal to eat certain foods
*comments about feeling "fat" or overweight despite weight loss
*denial of hunger
*loss of monthly periods
*development of food rituals (ex. breaking food into small pieces, eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on plate)
*consistant excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food
*excessive, rigid exercise regimen
*withdrawel from usual friends and activities
*weariness, lethargy
*mild depression, irratibility
*dry, thin, lackluster hair
*fine body hair (a.k.a. lanugo)
*cold hands and feet
* ashen or dry skin
*chipping, weak, brittle nails
*bleeding gums
*constipation
*fainting spells

What does APPETITE mean?

* A natural desire
*An inherent or habitual drive or propensity for gratification or satisfaction
* An object of desire

Questions:
How do you satisfy your appetite?

Are you using food/or lack of food to fuel your desires?

What kind of relationship do you have with food?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The average cost of care for an individual suffering from an eating disorder is...

*Treatment for an eating disorder in the US ranges from $500-$2000 per day
*The average cost for inpatient treatment for a month is approx. $30,000
*The cost of outpatient treatment including therapy and medical monitoring can exceed $100,000
*It is estimated individuals need 3-6 months of inpatient care

Monday, May 23, 2011

The History of Anorexia Nervosa & Other Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa is more common today than a century ago. People who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa do not have a lack of appetite; they are scared of putting on weight. Unfortunately it is not as simple to treat an individual by just recommending the importance of gaining weight and for some it can be a lifelong battle to overcome this obsession to be thin.

There are many reasons why anorexia is more common today than a decade, century or even a millennium ago. The most obvious factor involved in glamorizing eating disorders has been the media. The media reinforces the value of thin being the ideal. Dieting leads to fasting, fasting leads to binging and if you have the genetics and exposure to the notion of thin is better you might end up being one of the unlucky ones as you find yourself swallowed up by your obsession.

It's important to be aware of how long eating disorders have existed and where our nation currently stands facing this debilitating psychological illness which eventually ends up taking approximately 1/4 of individuals who struggle with this affliction.
____________________________________________________
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                          Historical Timeline

*Eating disorders have existed since at least the 1st century during the time of Caesar 700 B.C.,
Romans over indulged and purged at lavish banquets so they could return to the banquet and continue to eat

*Persian manuscripts and Chinese scrolls also described modern eating disorders

*African tribal lore fasted to feed their youth then continued even after famine was over

*Wealthy Roman ladies of post-pagan christian era acting under spiritual direction often starved themselves in order to show contempt for the body which was considered evil

*First recorded case of anorexia occurred in a wealthy upper class Roman woman who was a member of a spiritual group led by St. Jerome. Her behavior was driven by her Gnostic beliefs.

*European women of the renaissance period punished their bodies by fasting to reach a higher plane of spirituality and closeness of god. Women of this period were elevated to sainthood for their extreme fasting and devotion to the church.

*1200-1500 Women starved and lived on Eucharist was a central role in women piety, this practice was considered to be a religious idea of suffering along with Christ for the sake of others.

*Historical authors later referenced this starvation to be Anorexia Mirabilis (miraculous loss of appetite)

*Catherine of Siena, a catholic women; born in 1347 live on the Eucharist alone and stuck things down her throat to vomit, she died of starvation in 1380. She was just 33 years old upon her death.
*1680's The first formal description and diagnosis of anorexia was developed in England.

*Sir William Gull a physician to England's royal family was the first to describe anorexia as a disease different then the religious hysteria or biological eating problems. He believed that the disease arose from a mental state. His patients were treated by force feeding, moral teaching and change of scene. In October of 1873 he presented his idea of Anorexia Hysteria to his colleges in the clinical Society of London and named the disorder Anorexia Nervosa meaning...LOSS OF APPETITE.

*1930's the medical community understood anorexia to be a physical disease due to a medical condition

*1930-1933 Ellen West was a popular case studied on anorexia nervosa and Dr.s acknowledged the disorder to consist of not just physical but psychological and emotional

*1970's a study based on clinical research showed that anorexia nervosa is a disease related to the culture we live in. Anorexia is most common in the Western World

*1978, after almost three decades of clinical experiences of Anorexia Nervosa, the psychologist Hilde Burch published the book "The Golden Cage" her book was based on 70 real cases of mostly young women. Her research showed a direct connection to women struggling in American colleges and universities and gave reference to eating disorders were becoming a serious problem

*Karen Carpenter was a popular singer during the 1970's whom died of Anorexia Nervosa from heart failure

*1985 a movie was made, "The Best Little Girl In The World" giving a glimpse into the world of one living with Anorexia

*1990's binge eating disorder was recognized as a formal diagnosis

*1990's-current Eating disorders are becoming symptomatic of modern society

*2006 Eating disorders are the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents

****TO BE CONTINUED!!!!!!

Which road will you take?

James 1:22-25
There are three roads to travel in life, the way of self, the way of Satan, and the way of God.

The way of Satan and the way of self see us merely as a body or a face, and teach us that our value comes from appearance or ability to perform. God's way tells us that we were uniquely created by a loving god who continually offers loving forgiveness. He offers the life-changing power of grace.

JUST A THOUGHT...

When doubting yourself fill your soul with your faith!

If your mind is obsessed with thoughts of insecurity it is because of your negative thoughts dominating your thinking for extended period of time.

Think thoughts of FAITHand COURAGE not DEFEAT and INEFFECTIVENESS.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Thank you for all your support!

Dear Friends,
Thank you for visiting my blog! As mentioned via facebook, linkedin and e-mail I will be updating my blog weekly. To date I've had over 500 people visit my blog from the United states, Canada and Germany!
I appreciate your time and commitment to helping me help others overcome the pressure of society to be thin. Over the next few weeks I will be organizing pieces of my memoir to help provide a look into the mind of someone struggling with an eating disorder.

I would greatly appreciate comments and feedback directly on the site. Also, for those of you who would like updates sent to your e-mail address please sign up as a follower. Please forward the link to my blog to others in need.

***Remember ask for his will to provide you guidance and he will show you the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Things To Consider When Dancing With The Demon Anorexia Nervosa

Risk of Death:
Many studies of anorexic patients have reported death rates ranging from 4%-20%
Refuse to be a statistic! Get up and fight for your right live!

Long Term Outlook:
Depending on your circumstances recovery can take between 4-11 years. There are many factors that play into how soon one might overcome their struggle with food and body image issues. A few things that attribute to one's recovery are support of family, friends, access to health care, knowledge, wisdom and the will from above. It's extremely important to know the longer you struggle...well recovery will take time. It's a PROCESS!!!!!

Heart Disease:
The heart can develope dangerous rhythms, including slow rhythms known as bradycardia. Blood flow is reduced and blood pressure may drop. In addition, the heart muscles starve, losing size.

Reproductive and Hormonal Abnormalities:
Long-term irregular or absent menstruation. In severe anorexia, even after treatment, normal menstruation never returns. Women who become pregnant before regaining normal weight face a poor reproductive future with low birth weights and frequent miscarriages. Patients who are rehabilitated at a young age (15 years or younger) are more likely to achieve normal bone density.

Neurological Problems:
People with severe anorexia may suffer nerve damage and experience seizures, disordered thinking, loss of feeling, or other nerve problems in hands and feet.

Blood Problems:
A life-threatening condition called pancytopenia.

Gastrointestinal Problems:
Bloating and constipation are both very common problems in people with anorexia.

For more information on complications and mortality rates visit:
 www.state.sc.us/dmh/anorexia/statistics.htm

Positive Thoughts Only

If you are struggling with an eating disorder or life stresses in general, choose a phrase from the list below and repeat as often as necessary.

*People need people
*Just Do It!
*Positive thoughts only
*Truly believe things will get better
*I will always keep my heart open
*All i need is the strength of a mustard seed
*I can do all things through God which strengthens me
**In the evening pray and ask for answers/in the morning sit quietly and listen for the answers
**The Lord is with me and will show me the way

Christian One Liners:

*When you get to your wits end, you'll find out god lives there.

*Peace starts with a smile.

*We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

*Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

*God himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead. So, why should you?

*Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever!

*Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember Moses started out as a basket case.

*People are funny they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

*God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

*You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

*God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruit of the spirit...over religious nuts!"

*Don't put a question mark where god put a period!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Complications From Purging Are:

*Dehydration (caused by vomiting, laxative, and/or diuretic abuse)
*Low levels of potassium and sodium
*Tears in the esophagus from vomiting
*Gastric rupture(fatal in 80% of cases)
*Calluses on the back of the hand from self- induced vomiting
*Cathartic colon (an inability to have normal bowel movements due to dependency of laxatives)
*Pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas, which helps to regulate digestion)
*Edema (fluid retention)
*Kidney damage
*Seizures
*Erosion of tooth enamel from repeated vomiting
*Cardiac abnormalities

Complications Of Self Starvation Are:

* Low body temperature (blue fingers, toenails and lips)
*Fine, downy hair covering the body (especially face and trunk)
*Easy bruising
*Fainting
*Fatigue and/or insomnia
*Iron deficiency (anemia)
*Decreased ability to fight infections
*Muscle atrophy
*Dehydration
*Seizures

23 Things Anorexia Nervosa Will Strip You Of :

1. Your smile
2. Your honesty
3. From attaining your goals
4. Your friendships
5. Your family/marriage
6. Your education
7. Sticking to commitments
8. Your perception
9. Setting boundaries
10. Seeing the world through god's eyes
11. Moving past your passed
12. Time
13. Happy memories
14. Your ability to focus on anything other then yourself
15. Making rational decisions
16. Growing and evolving
17. Loving yourself and allowing others to love you
18. YOUR MIND!
19 YOUR BODY!
20. YOUR SOUL!
21. Bearing children
22. Your identity
23. SLEEP!
Its time to let go and start living.
Begin the process of recovery and change by acknowledging your losing control over the above things.
Keep your heart open to allowing others in to help.
But, remember you have the choice to move forward to healing or remain trapped in the viscous cycle of negative thinking and obsession of oneself.
Ask yourself...How do I want to be remembered?
Remind yourself its a PROCESS and recovery is different for each individual.
Believe in yourself and anything is possible!
Start by opening yourself up to treatment options.
LAY OUT A PLAN AND STICK TO IT.
IF YOU HAVE A TEMPORARY SET BACK PICK YOURSELF UP BRUSH YOURSELF OFF AND KNOW TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Questions:

What have you already lost to your eating disorder?

What are you willing to sacrifice?

Are you ready to let go of Anorexia Nervosa or other destructive eating behaviors ex. Bulimia, Night Time Eating Disorder, Exercise Bulimia, Obesity?

EAT...It's Not about the food. Directed by: Fred Seinfeld

Fairmount Center for the Art's Jeff Grover has joined together with the Cleveland Center For Eating Disorders to bring his artistic expression of eating disorders to our schools. Anyone interested in getting information regarding bringing the play EAT to their local school can contact the following individuals.

Jeff Grover (Fairmount center For Arts) (440)-338-3171

Sarah (Cleveland Center For Eating Disorders) Offering extensive outpatient services (216)-765-0500

Fred Sternfeld (Director of the play Eat) www.fredsternfeld.com/eat.htm

Please inform them where you heard about the play.
My blog is sherhudy.blogspot.com
Sherry Hudak-Weinhardt
sherhudyforeverfit@yahoo.com
Hudson, Ohio
Thank you for making a difference!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

SIGNS OF RELAPSE *** CONSIDER THESE OPTIONS

Increase in obsessive thinking about food and weight ***Find something that gives you joy and do it!!

Wanting to be in control all of the time ***Choose 2 things you can relinquish control over and remember baby steps

Perfectionistic attitudes ***Know your strengths and work on this weakness by telling yourself you don't have to be the best at everything. How would we grow and evolve if we lived in a perfect world? Learning to live is to see the beauty in ones weakness! Begin the process of change by changing the way you view yourself and the world.

Wanting to escape from stressful situations instead of tackling them head on***Stress will always be a part of living. Choose healthier ways of coping with your stress. KEEP TALKING!!!!! Sometimes knowing your not the only one who feels they carry the world on your shoulders is enough to shake one back to reality.

Feeling hopeless about work, relationships or life***Think of some things you are greatful for. It's never as bad as we make the situation out to be in our own mind. Sure life can temporarily feel like its on hold but...THIS TOO SHALL PASS! Reference my list of positive affirmations and choose one to remain focused on.

Believing you will be happy and successful when you are thin or lose more weight***Work on where the unhappiness is coming from and work on forgivness and moving forward. One recommend reading from my book favorites is Forgiving and Moving On.

Feeling of being "too fat", even though people say otherwise***Realize we all have good days and bad days. Ask god to bless you with his faith and wisdom to see yourself through his eyes and know this often takes some time.

Wanting to isolate***Sometimes a little time to reflect can be a great thing. But, if your isolating to remain in the viscious cycle of of obsessive thinking you are only wasting the precious life you've been blessed with. Reach out during these times. Find someone you trust and take a leap of faith!

Being unable to use your support systems***There is always support systems. You just need to look harder.

Being dishonest with those helping you about your symptoms***Why? Dishonesty is a tangeld web that leads to a place of selfish negative thinking and behavior. By being honest you gain a sense of freedom and control over your life again by letting go of your old behaviors

Looking in the mirror often***It takes a person 3500 cal over the amount one needs to survive on a daily basis to gain a lb. If you've had a day of binging...Tomorrow is a new day! You have the choice of what you want to do with it. Make the choice to change!

Daily weighing begins to increase***It might be a good time to get rid of the scale.

Avoiding certain foods because of the calorie content***Everything in moderation! Repeat it as often as necessary

Purchasing mostly diet foods***Take the word diet out of your vocabulary and work towards leading a "HEALTHY LIFESTYLE"!

Skipping meals***Do you really want to slow down your metabolism? You need a minimum of 500 cal for your brain to function. Skipping meals will only lead you to being unable to attain your goal of feeling strong and healthy. Remain focused!

Excessive exercising***20 minutes of cardio and some weight training is all that is required to maintain weight and increase bone density

Wearing only loose fitting clothes***All I have to say is dress however you feel comfortable. If your layering becasue you feel shame or disconnect from your body start with baby steps. Wear one shirt instead of two. Try wearing shorts instead of long pants.

Thoughts of Suicide***Share your thoughts with someone. If your thoughts of feeling helpless creep up on you...don't give up. Even when you feel this way know many people love and are depending on you. Get support immediately! Remember DO NOT ISOLATE! GET OUT OF YOUR NEGATIVE THINKING! YOUR NOT ALONE! I"VE BEEN THERE AND I TURNED OUT JUST FINE!!!!

Feeling disgusted with oneself after eating***Take a minute and do something for someone else. We always feel better when we take the focus off of ourselves. Find something you can make a difference in. If all else pray for god to relieve you of all your anxiety's.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Alarming Statistics

1. 30-40% of girls between 6-12 have been on a diet
2. 29% of high school girls suffer body image issues
3. 19% of college age women are bulimic
4. 20 % of anorexics will die if they go untreated
5. Obesity has tripled since 1991
6. 86% of people report onset of their eating disorder by the age of 20 (ANAD 10 year study)
7. more than 90% of eating disorders are women between the ages of 12-25
8. twice as many women are depressed then men
9. women suffering with bulimia has tripled in the last five years
10. 58 million Americans are overweight
11. 40 million Americans are obese
12 over 3 million Americans are morbidly obese
13. Since 1990 there has been a 78% increase in type II diabetes between 30-40 years old

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

How do individuals mentally prepare to seek treatment?

The stages of preparation towards treatment are as follows.

Precontemplative State:
This is identified by refusal/denial that a problem exists.
The sufferer will not cooperate.

***To Family and Friends: A loving nonjudgmental approach is best. Soft tones as well as informational materials are helpful. Arguments or force are counterproductive.

Contemplation:
The sufferer identifies a need for change.
This does not mean the sufferer accepts the issues at hand. But, it does mean the sufferer is beginning to look at possibilities.

***To Family and Friends: Again, confrontation by force is counterproductive. There are no time limits to any of these stages. There are many factors and all sufferers are different. Some individuals get back on course in a few months, others take years to fully recover.

Preparation:
The sufferer is actively evaluating the positives and negatives of change.
At this stage the sufferer is more accepting of information regarding the severity of the issues.
Treatment at this time is strongly recommended.

***To Family and Friends: Do your homework in advance for treatment options!!!!!!!!!!

Action:
The sufferer at this stage is taking a proactive stance.
The will to get well exists!
Treatment is an option for the sufferer at this point.
At this stage any and all available help and support is needed.

***To Family and Friends: This doesn't mean the eating disorder voice is no longer active, it is! But, the voice has been quieted.
The more invested in treatment and recovery the sufferer become less of a risk of experiencing relapse.

Maintenance:
The sufferer is actively practicing and learning healthy alternatives to the eating disorder.
Expanding recovery knowledge and practice is noticeable.

Termination:
The healthy changes learned in the last two stages become a successful lifestyle.
Active, mindful recovery must be ongoing to reduce relapse risks.

***Note: During the treatment stage, between 20-30% drop out early and relapse.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Five Stages of Lifelong Recovery

                                                    STAGE 1          
                                                  STARTERS

OFTEN CRISIS MOVES PEOPLE TO GET UP AND MAKE A CHANGE. WE HAVE A CHOICE WHEN CONTINUING ON OUR JOURNEY TO STAY ON THE SAME PATH OR TURN DOWN AN UNFAMILIAR ONE. BY STARTING TREATMENT ONE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REEVALUATE THEIR LIFE AND TAKE A CHANCE THAT A NEW DIRECTION MIGHT LEAD THEM TO LAUNCH HEALTHY HABITS AND ROUTINES.

TASKS FOR STARTERS INCLUDE:
1. CLARIFYING PRIORITIES AND MOTIVATION
2. PRACTICE CONSCIOUS EATING 3-5 MEALS A DAY
3. ACKNOWLEDGE BETWEEN EATING FOR NUTRITION V/S USING FOOD FOR BOREDOM AND STRESS
4. EXPERIENCE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS SAFE AND BENEFICIAL
5. DEVELOP A LIFESTYLE THAT INCLUDES TIME FOR RELAXATION

                                                 STAGE 2
                                              SUSTAINER

INDIVIDUAL IS COMMITTED TO EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO PROTECT RECOVERY; ANTICIPATING, PLANNING AND MONITORING

                                                STAGE 3
                                               RENEWER

RENEWERS UTILIZE GROUPS, EXPERTS,FRIENDS, AND FAMILY TO ESTABLISH A SUPPORTIVE FOUNDATION FOR THEIR RECOVERY

                                                 STAGE 4
                                          PROGRESSIONAL

INDIVIDUAL WILL PERSONALIZE AND INTERNALIZE THE TREATMENT EXPERIENCE
INDIVIDUALS BEHAVIOR BECOMES STABLE AND AUTOMATIC AND THEY DEVOTE ENERGY TO PERSONAL GROWTH AND NEW CHALLENGES

PROGRESSIONALS NURTURE THEMSELVES THROUGH MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES THAT ENABLE THEM TO LET GO OF DESTRUCTIVE FOOD PATTERNS.
  
                                               STAGE 5
                                          RE-ENGAGERS 

WHEN RE-ENGAGERS START AGAIN, THEY DO SO AT A DEEPER LEVEL AND USE RELAPSE AS A VEHICLE FOR LEARNING HOW THEY REMAIN CAUGHT UP WITH FOOD

RECOVERY MEANS A LOT MORE THAN EATING.

RECOVERY AT MINIMUM MEANS:

-FOR WOMEN MENSTRUAL PERIOD RETURNS TO NORMAL
-NORMAL TO NEAR NORMAL WEIGHT IS MAINTAINED
-A BALANCED DIET OF A NORMAL VARIETY OF FOODS AND NOT JUST THOSE WHICH ARE LOW IN FAT, SUGAR OR LOW CALORIE
-APPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS
-A MAJOR REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF FOOD FEARS WHICH ARE IRRATIONAL
-NATURAL INTERESTS IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
-MUTUALLY SATISFYING RELATIONSHIPS WHICH ARE HEALTHY AND WITH NORMAL PEOPLE
-APPRECIATING THE PROCESS OF MAKING CHOICES AND HAVING CONSEQUENCES
-INDIVIDUAL NO LONGER DRIVES ONESELF WITH CRITICISM AND DEMANDS FOR ANY UNREALISTIC PERFORMANCE
GAINS STRONG ABILITY FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

FOUR STAGES OF COMMITMENT IN THE RECOVERY PROCESS OF ANOREXIA

1. OBTAIN TREATMENT

2. REMAIN IN TREATMENT

3. MAKE CERTAIN CHANGES TO ONE'S LIFESTYLE

4. TREAT THE UNDERLYING EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES THAT LED TO THE  EATING DISORDER IN THE FIRST PLACE

What are triggers?

Anything as an act or event, that serves as a stimulus and initiates or precipitates a reaction or series of reactions.

To initiate or precipitate...a chain of events, specific reaction, psychological process

Trigger #1- EMOTIONS

Trigger #2- STRESS

Trigger #3- SELF TALK

Trigger #4- SOCIAL PRESSURE-PEOPLE

Trigger #5- ENVIRONMENTAL CUES

My Favorite Books Used During Treatment

99% of the books I've used in the healing process can be found on amazon.com

1.Starving For salvation
2.I'm Beautiful Why Cant I see It?
3.Stick Figure
4.Forgiving and Moving On
5.Believing In Myself
6.The Power of Positive Thinking
7.Meditations for Christians Who Try To Be Perfect
8.The Richest Man Who Ever Lived
9.A Grace Disguised
10.Gaining
11.It's Not About The Weight
12.Regaining Yourself
13.Road To The Rainbow CCB Publishing
14.Appetites-Women Who Want
15.Seat of the Soul

Gurze Books

Gurze books has over 300 books and other publications that address eating disorders, body image and related topics

http://www.gurze.com/

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)

The National Eating Disorder Association has a web page with useful tool kits for coaches, educators and patients seeking treatment.

NEDA site offers information on referrals, treatment options and support groups in your area.
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

NEDA
603 Stewart Street, Suite 803
Seattle, WA 98101-1264
Phone: 206-382-3587
Toll Free: 800-931-931-2237

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Positive Affirmations

1. I have the world in the palm of my hand and the choice of which direction I will follow.
2. If you believe it you can achieve it!
3.  God grades on the cross not the curve.
4. The will of god will never take you where the grace of god will not protect you.
5. I grow by doing what is hard to do.
6. I will accept today's challenges to grow.
7. I cannot control or change others, but I can change myself.
8. I will seek progress not progression.

Prayers

Prayer of Surrender

Lord, help me to remember that together you and I can handle anything that comes my way today.
Instead of giving in to old patterns of coping with overwhelming emotions, I choose to give you the control over my life.
I ask you to be in charge.
I am not willing for my life to stay the same.
Today I take the steps to give you control that I may walk through my day in mental, physical, and emotional peace.
Until I have developed this choice to the point where it becomes natural to me, please walk with me through every moment of the day. I will make the choice-YOU WILL BE MY STRENGTH. In Jesus' name, Amen!


Prayer For The Journey

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But, I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this YOU WILL LEAD ME by the right road though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I WILL TRUST YOU ALWAYS though I may seem to be lost in the shadow of death.
I WILL NOT FEAR, FOR YOU ARE EVER WITH ME, AND YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE ME TO FACE MY PERILS ALONE.

Thomas Merton
Thoughts In Solitude

Monday, May 2, 2011

Facts and Statistics

1. Women with anorexia and bulimia have 60% higher rate of abortion than the general population
Does anyone know why that is?
2. Studies in 80-90's show anatomical changes in the brain of individuals suffering from anorexia who have previously been abused
Hmmm...
3. 2004 NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) found a rare gene mutation with anorexia
So...What % of anorexia nervosa can be attributed to biological, psychological or social factors?
4.

An Integrative Approach to Anorexia Nervosa

Integrative medicine is a therapeutic approach to healing. This is based on biochemical individuality and understanding the body, mind and spirit are all interconnected.

I believe both traditional and complementary therapies can be incorporated into an integrative approach.

Rather than attempting to eliminate signs and symptoms of the disorder, the focus of integrative medicine is to restore balance in the body by adjusting the factors, both internal and external, that nurture or repair the individual as a whole being.

Someone like myself suffering from an eating disorder, with the desire to get help, heal and move past our past can find ourselves in a deep, dark place of obsession and isolation without the help and understanding of a team.
That's right! I will never be able to take the credit for picking up the remaining pieces of my life. But, I know first hand what the endless cycle of addiction feels like.
SO... Where do we start?
To whom do you trust to open yourself up to feeling vulnerable?
I can tell you from my experience if you want to get well and believe in yourself you will!!!!
Start talking! Keep talking! Know in your heart this too will pass. It's a process and takes time.

Believe all things are possible.