A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

As someone who grew up in the ballet community and became a behavioral health professional and dance educator, I know the damage this insidious disease inflicts on entire communities. I firmly believe Not One More person should be made to believe their value is in shrinking or lessening their emotions, personality, experience, or body. My hope is that one day…

“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” I think of this quote often since I officially stepped into the professional world of eating disorders five months ago, a field my dietetics curriculum has covered little of. I am continuously amazed by the power of healing through sharing stories and building…

While eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities, some groups are particularly susceptible to the disease.  According to the Trevor Project National Survey, LGBTQIA2s+ folxs are 50% more likely to develop an eating disorder or die by suicide. These heartbreaking statistics speak to the magnitude of treatment for mental health needs in the queer community. Sadly, when it comes to…

Do you consider climate change a risk to your mental health? For me, a Broadcast Meteorologist and Climate Journalist, the answer became clear after covering the rebuild and recovery in North Carolina after Hurricane Florence devastated parts of the state in 2018. Extreme weather disasters and a crumbling infrastructure contribute to an expanding socioeconomic divide, which can put more stress,…

Recovering from an eating disorder requires an immense amount of courage, strength, and bravery. It is not something that happens overnight. Recovery can take years. It can feel extremely overwhelming and painful at times. So, why do we choose to heal? Wouldn’t it be easier to just stay in the eating disorder? Two and a half years ago, I was…

“There simply is no pill that can replace human connection. There is no pharmacy that can fill the need for compassionate interaction with others…the answer to human suffering is both within us and between us.” This premise from MISS Foundation founder and bereavement specialist, Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, speaks directly to why group therapy is a necessary component of any treatment,…

Athletes are well attuned to the conversations in sport surrounding weight and performance. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, healthcare professional, or fan, you don’t have to look far to observe the narrative in sport that says controlling weight will directly impact performance. Unfortunately, this belief holds many myths and misunderstandings. This narrative is amplified by the pressures of diet culture…

The holiday season is around the corner and it can be a difficult time to navigate when you have an eating disorder. Whether you have family obligations, you feel the crunch because it can be an expensive time of year, or you feel that this round of holidays will be very different and likely more difficult than years past—all can…

A person’s body image is defined by feelings and judgments they have about their own body and appearance; perceptions around how others experience, compare, or judge their body; and the relationship or quality of the connection they have with their own body. Body image, sometimes referred to as body image dissatisfaction, and related topics around self-esteem and unrealistic beauty standards…

Many see Thanksgiving as a way of connecting with family by coming together and enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal. However, when struggling with an eating disorder, Thanksgiving can also mean feeling overwhelmed and anxious because the holiday focuses on food for celebration. Here are some tips to help you through the holiday: 1. Treat It Like Any Other Meal The…