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An eating disorder is a serious psychological condition. The sufferer is obsessed with food, diet and often body image to the point where their quality of life suffers, and their health is at extreme risk from their long-term poor or inadequate diet. Most victims of an eating disorder do not recognize that they have a problem and they will refuse treatment and attempt to hide their abnormal behavior from others. Treatment of eating disorders can take decades, so early identification may be the difference between life and death for the patient.

For those who have already been diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating or another eating disorder and are in treatment, we want to help you learn as much as you can about the eating disorder and to offer you support in your recovery. We want to give you up-to-date information about what an eating disorder is (and what it isn't). There are some common myths about eating disorders that aren't correct.

We believe that the more you understand about anorexia, bulimia and the other eating disorders and issues like therapy, the more likely you are to get the full benefit of treatment.

Finally, if you feel like you have an eating disorder but haven't been diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating, read the information here anyway. It may help you to decide to see a doctor or mental health therapist for evaluation and/or treatment.

Nervous
finefrenzy wrote:

Hi there, My hands are shaking as I'm writing this....I suppose this is an easy way out for me but it still feels scary. I guess I just have never felt like I deserved any help because I'm not skinny...and that must mean I'm ok. I suppose that means that I'm not really sick and that I cant really be helped. I did try though...I first told a counselor in grade six and she didn't seem concerned then I told another last year (Im 20 now) and she didn't rally know how to help. Continue reading, and if you can help, write to me here.

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The Body Myth: Adult Women and the Pressure to be Perfect

Using poignant real-life stories, Dr. Maine explores the complex emotional, social, and cultural forces that perpetuate the Body Myth. A unique and invaluable source of information and inspiration, this breakthrough guide equips readers with the knowledge and tools to escape the clutches of the Body Myth and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Buy the book more books on Eating Disorders

Beat Bulimia: Loss and Bulimia

Loss is a part of life.

We all undergo many losses, real and imagined. My father died 32 years ago. I was 20 then. I am almost the same age he was when he had his fatal car accident. His death was the greatest "real" loss of my life. My eating disorder began a year later.

Visit Beat Bulimia to continue reading when you click here.