A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

As we celebrate the holidays, we are reunited with many family members and loved ones. We know from experience as we gather together, it doesn’t take long for negative food and body image talk to begin; sometimes it can even start at “hello.” Often our loved ones mean well, but these comments can hurt and can be a trigger for…

I’m sure we’ve all heard the song, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. No matter what holiday(s) you celebrate in the coming weeks, the holiday season isn’t always as wonderful as all the songs and Hallmark movies make it out to be.  Living with an eating disorder is hard.  Navigating the holidays with an eating disorder.  Even harder.…

“I’m so disgusting. There’s no way I am going to this party tonight. All people are going to think about is how fat I’ve gotten and how boring I am.” Negative self-talk, stemming from beliefs about your self and your body, go hand-in-hand with eating disorder behaviors. Feelings such as shame, disgust, and anger often fuel these thoughts. In turn,…

Today, Southern Smash turns seven! I often get asked, “How did you start Southern Smash? How did you make it what it is today?" The answer is simple: I have no idea. Well, I have *some* idea. It all started with a silent promise I made eight years ago. March 2, 2011 I was a hot mess of tears and…

The beginning of fall is often associated with the start of a new school year and for many the transition to their first year of college. While this transition is usually an exciting time, it can also bring about increased levels of stress, anxiety, and overall unfamiliar territory. “Historically, September and October have been my busiest times as an eating…

Let’s keep it real, everyone wants to look good in whatever they’re wearing. Growing up, for others, affording a pair of jeans you liked meant devising a plan and coming correct to your parents for the coins. But for me, living in a larger body meant that I didn’t ask my mother for the money because the stores didn’t sell…

Not surprisingly, a major focus of therapy for people who have eating disorders is helping them to develop healthier ways of coping with and releasing negative emotions that do not “hurt” their bodies. Learning to give up these self-harming behaviors and live in ways that are consistent with their most cherished values is not easy, but it is doable, with…

I often ask my clients to think of their meal plan like the blueprints for building a house. Some parts will be more tedious than others (like sorting out wood for framing) and there will be lots of repetition (just think how much hammering goes into building a house). Some parts will be scary and require support (there’s a reason…

Experiencing a significant loss such as losing a loved one, a pet, a relationship, or a job can bring on feelings of grief that can be extremely overwhelming. Typical feelings associated with grief include sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, and confusion. In addition to these emotions, individuals who are grieving may have changes in their appetite, weight, and/or have difficulties with…

It is likely you have been on either or both sides of this conversation. Most of us have found ourselves either receiving care from a loved one during a season of mental illness, or providing care for someone we love who is struggling through their own hard season. Both positions are important ones. Working up the courage to be vulnerable…