The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders Online Conference Transcript - Suffering from Anorexia

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Natalie: From guests we interview during our monthly chats, it's not uncommon to hear "don't give up hope. There's reason for hope." When it comes to having anorexia or bulimia, why should anyone believe that?

Aimee Liu: The best evidence comes from neuroscience, and it's not remotely trite. The brain has an almost miraculous ability to change, and researchers are finding that we hold the keys to that change within our minds. I have met many, many gifted therapists who have helped people who have been sick for decades. Therapies such as dialectic behavior training (DBT), equine therapy, the Maudsley Method, and mindful awareness practices are showing tremendously promising results.

But the brain cannot rewire itself over night or, in most cases, without a good therapist. And no one can "cure" someone who is unwilling to change. An eating disorder masquerades as an identity and it offers a compelling illusion of escape and comfort. You have to be willing to give up that illusion and take the risk of developing a healthy identity - as long as that takes. One of the obstacles to eating disorder recovery I hear over and over is the notion that there is a moment when one is "recovered." Recovery is not a grade, or a state, or a status to be attained - it is an ongoing process that begins from the turning point when you decide you have simply had enough.

A young woman who wrote to me recently described this process best: "We have trained ourselves to empower our minds/bodies to restrict the foods, now we have to use that same power to re-feed ourselves. In other words, the reason we develop these disorders in most cases is to have power, and what we need to do instead of complaining or saying we can't, is just training the power to be used in a different way." That way leads to life instead of loss, love instead of isolation, self-direction instead of self-denial, and hope instead of shame. It's all part of the process not just of recovery but of being fully human.

Natalie: Our time is up tonight. Thank you, Aimee, for being our guest, for sharing your personal experiences with anorexia and recovery and for answering audience questions. We appreciate you being here and for donating the books for our book contest. Here are the links to purchase Aimee Liu's books: GAINING: The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders and Solitaire. You can visit Aimee's website here http://www.aimeeliu.net.

Aimee Liu: Thanks so much Natalie -- and all of you.

Natalie: Thank you everybody for coming and participating.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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