Many parents experience guilt when their teen is diagnosed with an eating disorder. Nearly every parent can point to a time they themselves dieted, opted not to have a dessert they really wanted, expressed a preference toward thinness, or discouraged their child from keeping eating. You may have done things to try to keep …
A disclaimer: I have no vested interest in Weight Watchers’ new Kurbo app. This app will in fact create more work for me. But let me be clear: I do not want this kind of work! I know that you mean well and are merely concerned about your child’s health, but I can assure you …
by Carolyn Comas, LCSW, CEDS-S In November 2018, my boyfriend proposed to me. It was one of the most exciting days of my life thus far. With a proposal comes the next exciting chapter: wedding planning. For many brides-to-be, this entails finding that perfect gown. Sadly, although not surprising, once I got on bridal mailing …
In today’s digital age, photos of ourselves are everywhere. For many people with eating disorders and body image issues, they can be a source of distress. Do you avoid photos? Do you refuse to let people take or post photos of you? Do you hide in the back when asked to be in a group …
by Carolyn Comas, LCSW, CEDS-S In the spring of 2018 major league baseball player, Mike Marjama abruptly retired from the sport to focus on being an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association. He struggled with an eating disorder growing up and his move to working with NEDA was only to help save lives but …
I’ve recently returned from the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) Conference and I’m reflecting on all I’ve learned. I’ve wanted to share and further explore Substantia Jones’ keynote, “Fat Visibility Through Photography: the Who, the How, and the Hell Yeah.” Jones is a photographer, a “Fat Acceptance Photo-Activist,” and the proprietor of the …
I am skeptical of New Years’ Resolutions in general because I think they promote all-or-nothing thinking (I also don’t like to categorize entire years as being bad or good for this reason). I don’t feel that one needs to wait for the year to reset to make changes in one’s life. I am anti-diet and dread …