Forget Everything You Know About Eating Disorders
There really is only one prerequisite required for the development of a clinical eating disorder or disordered eating: ONE MUST BE HUMAN.
Forget everything that you have heard about eating disorders affecting only cis/het white affluent females.
You’re missing the majority of eating disorders if you stop there.
Over the last almost twelve years, I have treated clients while they have been homeless. I have treated clients with food insecurity. I have treated people across the gender spectrum. I have treated people from a range of racial and ethnic backgrounds. I have treated young clients. I have treated clients who are well into their retirement years. I have treated clients who have required weight restoration. I have treated clients who have been subject to extraordinary weight discrimination. I have treated clients in able bodies. And I have treated clients in differently able bodies.
I have treated clients who have wanted to get better in the moment. I have treated clients who have felt apathetic about recovery in the moment. I have treated clients who have recovered. And I have treated clients who were unable to win the battle against their disease.
For many, eating disorders are invisible illnesses. (This does not mean that an illness is invalid.) It is easy to focus on all of the incredible attributes of the humans who walk into my office. They are some of the bravest, wisest, funniest, and more sincere people I have ever met.
No one chooses to develop an eating disorder. No one. This is not a selfish disease. This is the utilization of resources. I am ever humbled by just how well eating disorders work. And I am more humbled by being able to be a part of the process as a client chooses to move through the world in a different way.
Forget everything you think you know about eating disorders. The only prerequisite for the development of one is the state of being human.
#nedawareness #nedawarenessweek2020 #neda #eatingdisorderrecovery #comeasyouare #recovery #edrecovery #effyourbeautystandards #effyourbodystandards #haes #healthateverysize #eatingdisorderawarenessweek2020
