As I sit looking out my window at a robin energetically looking for worms in the melting snow, I remember the days when my children and I would celebrate the first-robin sighting with an impromptu picnic. Favorite foods would hastily be carried outside as we celebrated yet another wonderful part of nature.
I love snow, and am probably one of the few people who has enjoyed every storm this winter. I am sorry to see the snow melt, but I enjoy the changes, and hidden treasures, like worms for a hungry robin, that the melting brings.
I love snow, and am probably one of the few people who has enjoyed every storm this winter. I am sorry to see the snow melt, but I enjoy the changes, and hidden treasures, like worms for a hungry robin, that the melting brings.
And so, as our landscape changes, and children grow up, we are constantly called to live in the ebb and flow of life.
Unfortunately, when some people find themselves overwhelmed by life's changes, eating disorders begin to flourish. It seems apropos then, that today, February 24, marks the start of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Perhaps this week will heighten awareness. Perhaps you too, will be surprised to learn that here in the U.S., some 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life.
Eating disorders are more prevalent than we'd like to believe. Eating disorders are destroying and taking away so many young lives.
For girls between 15 and 24 who suffer from anorexia, the mortality rate associated with the illness is twelve times higher than the death rate of all other causes of death.
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about what you can do to prevent and identify these disorders.
For those who are interested to read more about this subject, there are a plethora of books to choose from. Rather than send you off into the morass of literary options, I've created a brief literature review of some of the books treating these disorders that I've recently read, in the hope that you may find one or several of them useful.
Unfortunately, when some people find themselves overwhelmed by life's changes, eating disorders begin to flourish. It seems apropos then, that today, February 24, marks the start of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Perhaps this week will heighten awareness. Perhaps you too, will be surprised to learn that here in the U.S., some 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life.
Eating disorders are more prevalent than we'd like to believe. Eating disorders are destroying and taking away so many young lives.
For girls between 15 and 24 who suffer from anorexia, the mortality rate associated with the illness is twelve times higher than the death rate of all other causes of death.
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about what you can do to prevent and identify these disorders.
For those who are interested to read more about this subject, there are a plethora of books to choose from. Rather than send you off into the morass of literary options, I've created a brief literature review of some of the books treating these disorders that I've recently read, in the hope that you may find one or several of them useful.
 |
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
This novel is one that is difficult to put down, and tells the story of two girl's life and death struggles with eating disorders. A must read for anyone interested in this topic, but be forewarned that is graphic and may be difficult for some to process. I strongly recommend reading this before suggesting it to your son or daughter. There is a lot to talk about in this book.
The List by Siobhan Vivian
Another riveting novel that gives a glimpse into the life of modern-day high school life. While not specifically about an eating disorder, this excellent book illuminates the issues and complexities that create so much stress in teenagers' lives these days.
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen & Perfect by Natasha Friend
Why do so many fall victim to the media and our society's call to be perfect? These two thoughtful novels explore this question with candor and depth.
Brave Girl Eating A Family's Struggle with Anorexia by Harriet Brown
One mother's memoirs of her family's struggle with anorexia. Brown is frank, insightful and informative.
Talking to Eating Disorders by Jeanne Albronda Heaton, PhD., and Claudia J. Strauss
As the title suggests, this wisdom-filled book helps one navigate through the often awkward world of not knowing what to say to someone who is struggling with an eating disorder.
Surviving and Eating Disorder by Michele Siegel, Ph.D, Judith Brisman, Ph.D., Margot Weinshel, M.S.W.
Although first published 26 years ago, this informative has been book revised, updated and is in its third edition, and is filled with valuable insights and suggestions.
Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher, Ph.D.
This timeless classic explores the universal issues of growing up female in today's world.
Gaining The Truth About Life after Eating Disorders by Aimee Liu
Excellent resource for those who are in recovery. "The vividly told stories of over forty interview subjects shatter commonly held beliefs."
By spending time reading and reflecting on each of these, I have learned these book are excellent tools that can foster a greater understanding of eating disorders.
Whether you know a father who could benefit from an online forums especially for Dads, are looking for a local event at which you can volunteer, or want to show a movie at your school, place of worship or community center, we can all do our part to raise awareness and become better informed about eating disorders throughout the remainder of this week.
The theme for this year's NEDAwareness Week is "I had no idea." If you have been empowered to know, take a moment to share resources and your knowledge with one who could potentially benefit from knowing more.
If you are concerned about someone you love, talk to a trusted doctor or mental health professional.
If you are concerned about someone you love, talk to a trusted doctor or mental health professional.
Domenica Rafferty, LPC, NCC is a psychotherapist in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
She offers one-on-one counseling through her private practice, Heartwood.
Learn more at www.heartwoodpa.com
She offers one-on-one counseling through her private practice, Heartwood.
Learn more at www.heartwoodpa.com
RSS Feed