This Is Me

This Is Me 💜
A social media campaign to challenge the stigma around eating disorders, and normalize seeking help!

We want to take the time to thank the individuals who have followed the   campaign. It has been an incredible journey le...
03/30/2020

We want to take the time to thank the individuals who have followed the campaign. It has been an incredible journey learning and growing with you. The most rewarding portion of this undertaking is the creation of an environment in which individuals feel comfortable sharing their personal struggle with eating disorders to complete strangers.

Our wish for this campaign above all else is to inspire and normalize the idea of seeking help, and reminding people that they are not alone. In many NEDIC resources there exists a common theme under the topic of treatment, and it is the idea that the only mistake you can make in life is NOT asking for help. All healing will take time, and asking for help is the first courageous step that must be taken to facilitate this process.

We encourage all those who live with eating disorders to lean on their closest confidants for love and support, as you navigate the process of recovery.

In addition, we call on all people to continue the process of eating disorder education. Learning is a lifelong pursuit, and if we are sensitive to those around us we may just be able to recognize the signs of a problem and offer a helping hand. Let us reflect and celebrate what we have accomplished thus far, and promise to continue challenging the stigma which surrounds eating disorders in the future.

Types of Treatment for Eating DisordersWhat type of help is available? There are currently four types of treatment commo...
03/23/2020

Types of Treatment for Eating Disorders

What type of help is available? There are currently four types of treatment commonly used to care for those with eating disorders; day treatment, inpatient care, outpatient treatment and residential treatment.

Day Treatment Programs involve having the patient spend a number of hours a day at the program (typically a hospital), where they will eat meals while continuing to live at home. These treatment programs are staffed with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners/nurses, psychologists, dieticians, social workers, counsellors, and educators. These programs typically involve the individual visiting the clinic five days a week from breakfast to dinner time. Day treatment programs have been shown to be exceptionally effective in improving patients psychological symptoms, body mass index, depression, and self esteem scores (Kong, 2005).

This study also brought up the crucial role nurse practitioners in these programs fulfill. Nurses can help establish an alliance between the patient and the care they are receiving. Care is most effective when the nurses maintain an empathetic relationship with the patient (Kong, 2005). These programs allow the individual to maintain some sense of normalcy in their life as they continue to live at home.

Inpatient Care is hospital-based care for individuals whose symptoms require intensive medical intervention and monitoring. It includes regular medical monitoring, refeeding and nutrition restoration. The goal of this treatment is to stabilize the individual’s physical health so that they may transition into other forms of treatment like day treatment programs or outpatient care. One issue with inpatient care is the difficulty patients often face with the transition back home from the hospital. These difficulties often lead to relapse and the need for further treatment (Vandereycken, 2003). Inpatient care is also often limited by funding and hospital bed availability, which results in individuals not receiving this type of care in the first place, or being released too early (Herpertz-Dahlmann, 2014).

Outpatient Treatment is used when the individual is medically stable, but would still benefit from regular check ins and therapy sessions. The individual may regularly see a therapist, dietician and go for regular medical check ups.

Residential Treatment is considered for individuals who are medically stable, but for who outpatient treatment and day treatment programs have been unsuccessful. With residential treatment, the individuals are given 24 hour care in a home-like setting. These treatment programs have been found to be very effective in reducing the severity of eating disorder symptoms, however the transition back to the individual's everyday life may be challenging, as they are no longer given constant support (Bean, 2013).

We will now sign off with this reminder; whoever you are, wherever you may be, please remember: you are loved and needed!

Thank you to the brothers of Delta Upsilon for making the Mardi Gras Waffle House a great success! Also, a big thank you...
03/10/2020

Thank you to the brothers of Delta Upsilon for making the Mardi Gras Waffle House a great success! Also, a big thank you to Trevor David who so graciously organized this event in conjuction with This Is Me to support eating disorder awareness. The funds raised will be donated to support the mission of the National Eating Disorder Information Centre who provides information, resources, referrals, and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders. Attached below are a few pictures taken of individuals who came out and had an awesome time!

03/04/2020

If you know someone who is struggling with an eating disorder, here are some easy tips you can follow to support them on their journey towards recovery!

Let’s talk about disordered eating! Disordered eating is a disturbed and unhealthy eating pattern. It includes a range o...
03/03/2020

Let’s talk about disordered eating! Disordered eating is a disturbed and unhealthy eating pattern. It includes a range of abnormal eating habits similar to those found in clinical eating disorders. Some examples of disordered eating behaviours are skipping meals, restricting calories, cutting out certain food groups, binge eating or using diet pills. Based on these examples, you might be wondering what differentiates disordered eating and eating disorders.

The primary difference between the two is the severity and the frequency of behaviours, where the behaviours associated with disordered eating are less severe and less frequent than the behaviours associated with an eating disorder.

It can be helpful to think about eating on a spectrum. On one end of the spectrum is healthy eating, in the middle is disordered eating, and on the other end are eating disorders. Due to the nature of the spectrum, disordered eating behaviours can often lead to an eating disorder if they are not properly handled. Disordered eating can also lead to other health concerns such as osteoporosis, fatigue, poor sleep quality, constipation and/or diarrhea, headaches, and muscle cramps (NEDC). If you suspect you or someone you love is struggling with disordered eating here are some do’s and don’ts.

Do seek help fast! Early intervention is the best way to prevent disordered eating from developing into an eating disorder.

Don’t ignore the problem! Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear, and will only further ingrain these behaviours into your daily life, taking longer to resolve.

Finally, please don’t give up! Don’t give up on those who may be suffering, including yourself. It is never too late to seek help.

Have you ever struggled with your body image? Have you ever felt unsatisfied with how you look and feel in your own body...
03/03/2020

Have you ever struggled with your body image? Have you ever felt unsatisfied with how you look and feel in your own body? Unfortunately, you are not alone. The prevalence of body dissatisfaction in our society today is incredibly high. One study reports that up to 72% of women and 61% of men are dissatisfied with their bodies. Some researchers are even starting to view body dissatisfaction as a public health problem, as body dissatisfaction has been linked to lower quality of life, mental health issues, and even chronic disease risk factors.

So, why is body dissatisfaction so prevalent? Body image issues have a lot to do with the media. Dr. Anne E. Becker, the director of research at the Harvard Eating Disorders Center of Harvard Medical School investigated shifts in body image and eating practices in Fiji over a three-year period. It was reported that before the introduction of television in Fiji in 1995, only 3% of girls had induced vomiting to control their weight. In 1998, this number rose to 15%, with 69% of girls saying they have been on a diet at some point. These findings are disheartening, but unsurprising considering the mass exposure to countless advertisements glorifying the “ideal” body. These advertisements lead us to believe that our lives would be much better if we possess this ideal body.

Companies try to sell us the idea that we can all achieve better looks and become more confident in our bodies if we follow their diet/fitness plan or use their cosmetic products. According to Susie Orbach (2010), the belief that we can change/improve our bodies has led to even more discomfort in our bodies. Instead of accepting our bodies, we are told that we need to continue to improve them, and that we have a personal responsibility to do so. No longer is our body the vehicle from which we experience the joys life has to offer, it is now a site of extreme discomfort and work.

Industries are capitalizing on our insecurities. The diet industry alone was worth $58.6 million in 2010! The idea that we should be constantly trying to improve our aesthetics is a major contributor to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. For this reason, we need to challenge what we see in the media. We must challenge companies that only promote the homogenized ideal body of a slim figure with large hips, breasts, and muscles. Promoting body diversity and altering the narrative will help people appreciate the body they have been given and not feel ashamed.

Do you feel confident that you would notice the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member? If not...
02/28/2020

Do you feel confident that you would notice the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member? If not...read on! The process of recovering from an eating disorder is better/faster the sooner an eating disorder is discovered and reduces suffering. While there is a list of warning signs, we must remember that not everyone struggling with an eating disorder will present every symptom in the exact same manner. This list is more of a general overview of some behaviours that may indicate a problem. We hope that by sharing these warning signs, you can recognize the presence of an eating disorder in yourself, or a loved one, which will bring you one step closer to seeking help! Ellen DeGeneres

Signs and Symptoms for Anorexia Nervosa
-Dramatic weight loss.
-Dresses in layers to hide weight loss or stay warm.
-Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat, and dieting. -Makes frequent comments about feeling “fat”.
-Resists or is unable to maintain a body weight that is appropriate for their age, height, and build.
-Maintains an excessive, rigid exercise regime - despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury.

Bulimia Nervosa’
-Evidence of purging behaviours, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics.
-Drinks excessive amounts of water or non caloric beverages, and/or uses excessive amounts of mouthwash, mints, or gum.
-Has calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self induced vomiting.
-Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, discoloration of teeth from vomiting, and tooth sensitivity.

Binge Eating Disorder
-Secret recurring episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a relatively short period of time in private).
-Feels out of control over ability to stop eating.
-Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating, and/or feelings of low self-esteem.
-Hoarding of food in strange places.
-Creates lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge sessions.

Orthorexia
-Cutting out an increasing number of food groups (all sugar, all carbs, all dairy, all meat, all animal products).
-An increase in concern about the health of ingredients; an inability to eat anything but a narrow group of foods that are deemed “healthy” or “pure”.
-Spending hours per day thinking about what food might be served at upcoming events.
-Body image concerns may or may not be present.

It's day two of NEDA Week 2020! It's one thing to encourage those with eating disorders to seek help, but we must consid...
02/26/2020

It's day two of NEDA Week 2020! It's one thing to encourage those with eating disorders to seek help, but we must consider the barriers that may prevent them from accessing treatment. So, why might people struggling with eating disorders decide to not speak up and ask for help? There are many reasons.

One reason is the negative stigma associated with having an eating disorder. A study conducted by Hackler & Vogel (2011) on the role of stigma in the likelihood of individuals seeking professional help shows men are less likely to reach out for professional help than women. This has much to do with societal pressure to follow the mantra around acting tough and being a "man."

Another interesting find within this study is that both men and women are more likely to seek professional help if they perceive the benefits to outweigh potential risks. This suggests an individual who believes in the efficacy of the counselling will reach out to medical professionals sooner and be more open about their struggle. There also exists a lack of public knowledge regarding the treatment of eating disorders. As such, individuals may not know what resources are available to aid them in their recovery, or where to look to begin this journey.

It is also common for many not to seek the help they need because they do not want to burden others. This trend was discovered by Papathomas (2010) in a study involving athletic experiences with eating disorders. In the fast paced world in which we live, it can be easy to feel like we are burdening others when we share our problems. This is why it is extremely important to make time for the people we love. We must let them know that they are never an inconvenience, and that we will always care for them regardless of the circumstance. If people know they have someone they can be vulnerable with, it will provide a space for them to discuss their troubles, especially when it involves eating disorders. We need to do a better job of giving people the opportunity to share their personal experiences. Together we can make a difference! Ellen DeGeneres

Today officially marks the beginning of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week! Monuments and buildings across the Uni...
02/25/2020

Today officially marks the beginning of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week! Monuments and buildings across the United States will be lit up in blue and green to mark this occasion. Please take the time to read up about eating disorders and learn what you can do to help those around you who may be struggling. Since NEDA was founded in 2001, they have been dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and is the leading American non-profit organization advocating for education, awareness and prevention, access to treatment, and expanded research for eating disorders. So, what can you do? Join the conversation and help raise awareness, bust myths, get people screened, and start journeys to healing! Ellen DeGeneres

In a study which compared the presence of eating disorders in female athletes and non-athletes, 20% of athletes and only...
02/21/2020

In a study which compared the presence of eating disorders in female athletes and non-athletes, 20% of athletes and only 9% of non-athletes were found to meet the criteria for an eating disorder. Athletes are exposed to environments that promote competition and comparison. The comparison of talent, performances, training regimens, diets and bodies leads many to scrutinize their body unfavourably. Body comparisons and the pressure to be thin are especially common in sports that emphasize aesthetics or leanness, such as gymnastics or running.

The story of , an NCAA runner who was mentally and physically abused while training with Nike, is an excellent example of how athletes, particularly female athletes, are heavily pressured by coaching staff and society to lose weight to optimize performance with little consideration given for their overall health and wellbeing.

The pressure to maintain a certain weight aside, athletes are idolized by the public for being figures of strength, perceived to be free of conditions like eating disorders. As such, many may have trouble discussing their struggle as they feel it would threaten their identity as an athlete. This constant battle between the disordered self and the athletic self can place a great burden on their sense of identity. If athletes, and indeed all individuals are to feel comfortable sharing their struggles, eating disorders must be de-stigmatized. Concealment is exhausting, but as more people stand and share their story, the sooner the negative stigma will be lessened and those with eating disorders will receive the proper help.

02/21/2020

Thank you Michelle Ferreri for taking the time to connect with us about this important issue! In this video Michelle and I discuss eating disorders, and the societal climate which helps precipitate them. Please like and share this video with all of your friends!

02/20/2020

The challenge is an extension of the campaign, whose purpose is to educate the world about the seriousness of eating disorders and normalize seeking help. To do so, we encourage all who see this video to film their own version of the video below, and post it to their social media! Don't forget to wear something purple and tag Ellen DeGeneres! Also, please take a moment to consider donating whatever amount you can to the NEDIC - National Eating Disorder Information Centre, who will use the funds to support their helpline services to deliver crucial, timely support to those in need across the country. The donation link is https://nedic.ca/donate/. We would like to kick off this challenge by nominating Michelle Ferreri, PtboCanada, Jon Smith, and Kirk Neff to take part in the challenge. You have 24 hours, good luck!

On average, women are more likely to receive treatment for their eating disorders than men. According to the NCS-R, a na...
02/19/2020

On average, women are more likely to receive treatment for their eating disorders than men. According to the NCS-R, a national field survey for mental health in the United States, more than half of those with anorexia nervosa, 95% of those with bulimia nervosa, and 78.9% of those with binge eating disorder also meet the criteria for other recognized mental disorders. All three of these eating disorders also have a high comorbidity with anxiety disorders. Due to the stigma surrounding eating disorders and the common comorbidity of anxiety, these individuals are not receiving the treatment they need for fear of being judged. Spreading awareness about eating disorders is critical in ensuring that no one feels ashamed for seeking help. By opening up conversations surrounding eating disorders, we hope that everyone will be able to get the help they need.

02/17/2020

Ashley McHan, an eating disorder specialist in Jacksonville Florida, addresses common questions individuals have when discussing eating disorders.

❗️Common Eating Disorder Myths❗️MYTH 1-“It’s just a phase”, or “It’s a choice”. FACT 1-An eating disorder is a mental il...
02/16/2020

❗️Common Eating Disorder Myths❗️
MYTH 1-“It’s just a phase”, or “It’s a choice”.

FACT 1-An eating disorder is a mental illness, it is not a choice. There is no one reason why some individuals develop eating disorders, rather, there is a complex list of biological, social, genetic, and psychological factors that can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. Eating disorders are also not vanity issues. In many cases, the eating disorder has nothing to do with weight or the desire to appear thin, but is instead used as a coping mechanism to deal with stressful life events. Individuals suffering with an eating disorder should seek professional help.

MYTH 2-“Everyone with an eating disorder is thin”.

FACT 2-Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder regardless of the shape of their body. Focusing on one external sign may lead to missing others that may denote the presence of an eating disorder, like a preoccupation with weight, skipping meals, or withdrawal from usual friends and activities.

MYTH 3-“Only women suffer from eating disorders”.

FACT 3-Eating disorders occur in men and women of all ages. In fact, males make up 1 in 4 cases of anorexia and bulimia, however almost all of the research on eating disorders is focused on women. This makes seeking help even harder for men because of the “unmasculine” stigma attached to eating disorders.

Are you familiar with the different types of Eating Disorders? Contrary to popular belief, there is not just one or even...
02/15/2020

Are you familiar with the different types of Eating Disorders? Contrary to popular belief, there is not just one or even two common eating disorders. Being educated in the different types of eating disorders can help us recognize the warning signs in ourselves and others, and is a conversation we should all be having with our loved ones.

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by behaviours that interfere with maintaining an adequate weight (ie. food restriction or the use of laxatives/diuretics). A powerful fear of gaining weight and a disturbance in how the person experiences their body usually accompany this condition. Unfortunately, the individual often does not appreciate the seriousness of their condition. Anorexia is linked with cardiac arrest, suicidality and other causes of death.

Bulimia Nervosa is distinguished by periods of food restriction followed by binge eating. Following a binge eating episode, the individual will engage in compensatory behaviours such as purging, restriction, or excessive exercise to avoid weight gain, and deal with feelings of guilt, or shame. The individual also negatively evaluates their weight and feels their weight is their most important personal quality.

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating. *Binge eating and overeating are not the same thing*. A binge-eating episode is characterized by the consumption of an unusually large amount of food during a relatively short period of time. The individual feels out of control about what and how much is eaten. It also includes three or more of the following: eating very quickly, eating regardless of hunger cues, eating until painfully full, eating alone due to embarassment, and feelings of self disgust and guilt.

Orthorexia is not currently recognized as a separate eating disorder, however, it is a serious condition that warrants discussion. It is characterized by having an obsessive focus on “healthy” eating, to an extent that disrupts daily life. Individuals may eliminate entire food groups for fear of them being “unhealthy”. Also, their self-worth and satisfaction comes from how well they comply with their self-imposed diet rules, and may experience emotional distress if they eat something they consider “unhealthy”.

Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) are eating disorders that share common features of other disorders, but the behaviour of which do not meet the full criteria of these conditions.

02/15/2020

A sneak peak to our interview with Michelle Ferreri that will air soon! Stay tuned as we tackle the topic of eating disorders and the barriers individuals may experience when seeking help! Thank you again Michelle for kindly agreeing to speak us about this crucial issue that affects both men and women!

Unfortunately, the story of Melody's battle with anorexia nervosa (as described by her loving sister April Sowchuk), is ...
02/12/2020

Unfortunately, the story of Melody's battle with anorexia nervosa (as described by her loving sister April Sowchuk), is far too common. Many studies conclude that the mortality rates in adult patients with anorexia nervosa is much higher than for other mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression! Thank you April for sharing Melody's story with the world. Let us now work together to make this saddening outcome a thing of the past.

"My sister Melody was a kind, generous, much-loved woman. Amazingly, she lived with anorexia for over 55 years.

The ED started in her teenage years. She would eat miniscule amounts of food and always chewed each bite 25 times. The bathroom became a refuge for laxatives and e***a equipment. Her weight plummeted to under 90 pounds. In her later years it was under 70 pounds. Melody was a teenager in the late 1960’s and my parents didn’t know anything about anorexia. Apparently, our doctor didn’t either.

Melody was considered frail and so began a lifetime of being treated as special. She married a dairy farmer and spent the first thirty years of marriage working hard in the barns, in the gardens, and in maintaining their old farmhouse. She pushed her body to the limit. Melody absolutely refused to recognize her anorexia. Health issues followed her every step of the way. She was diagnosed with scoliosis, osteoporosis, Reynaud’s disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, glaucoma, hiatus hernia, and of course, non-stop depression. She also suffered through two strokes. I wholeheartedly believe that her anorexia contributed to most of these illnesses.

One day Melody picked up an empty tea kettle - and broke her arm. This certainly wasn’t her first broken bone. She had been hospitalized many, many times before. However, this was the starting point of her life becoming forever altered.

Melody spent 6 months in respite and then came home to spend the next 12 years laying in a hospital bed in her dining room. Her eating habits and bathroom habits became worse. We learned to talk over top of all the noises her starving stomach would make. Eating seemed to be the one thing she could control. Melody had also developed problems breathing and would at times panic. Last year, using her walker, she got out of bed to use the bathroom. Both her legs broke. She punctured her diaphragm and may have broken some ribs. She was taken to Sunnybrook hospital by emergency helicopter, but the diagnosis was extremely sad. Nothing could be done about her legs – there was just nothing left to operate on. The issue with her diaphragm and ribs exacerbated the breathing problem and she was placed on a heavy-duty oxygen machine. She lived the next month in excruciating pain. During her last days there was nothing we could do for Melody but push her pain medication button every 15 minutes. In dying, her body had so few resources to call upon that in death she was unrecognizable.

I will always miss her."

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