Have you ever suffered from an eating disorder? What did you learn from it?

1. 89

   Victoria Lynnposted 12 years ago

   Have you ever suffered from an eating disorder? What did you learn from it?

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2. 0

   Phelckyposted 12 years ago

   Yes I have and I am still dealing with it. I will never be able to have a normal relationship with food. There are different things I've learned from my eating disorder. I've found out who my real friends are, some people can't understand the disease and think that you are selfish and shallow. ED has ruined some of my friendships. But It have also made some stronger. I have friends who will help me through the darkest times, that mean the world to me. I have learned a lot about nutrition. Even though I haven't always lived by it, I know how to eat healthy. I have also learned how my body works. Like how long it takes before a I get hungry after eating. How many calories I need to lose X amount of pounds. I have learned to ask for help when I need it, and open up to people. These things were hard for me in the past.

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3. 60

   Lori Cottenposted 12 years ago

   Unfortunately, I've suffered from an eating disorder for 34 years. Throughout the past I've learned many, many things about an eating disorder. I've learned what it physically does to your body, and also, what it does to your life in general. I can assure you there are absolutely no benefits to related to this disease. It is the most time consuming, energy steeling, relentless, self abusing disorder. I've learned to isolate myself from others. I've learned to have a most unhealthy relationship with food and I've learned to hate myself in the midst of all the distorted beliefs.
   
   I've also come to learn that  with the proper treatment and psychotherapy, there is hope at the end of the trail. I have only just begun to live at the ripe old age of 49.

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4. 78

   melfinaposted 11 years ago

   I have, and still do, suffer from an eating disorder.  I feel like it is a deep hole I will never escape from.  It has shown me that if you really want recovery, you have to be willing to work really hard, every day.  You need the support of your family.  Trying to go it alone will be a million times harder.
   
   Having an eating disorder has taught me the importance of nutrition - our bodies really do need good food.  I've learned a lot about the human body and how to keep it functioning at its peak performance.  Now, if only I could apply that information!

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5. 61

   laurensowterposted 11 years ago

   I have suffered badly in the past and will probably always continue to do so. It's an ongoing life long illness. I personally haven't learnt anything new, however things I knew previously have been cemented further.
   
   Without food your body starts to shut down, and during this time I was in a couple of near-serious car accidents because my brain began to stop functioning properly. All the things you know when you 'recover' from an ED are things you have known since a child - for me anyway, it's just I didn't really understand the consequences until I stopped eating.
   
   My eating disorder wasn't because of appearance or body dysmorphia, more to do with the control aspects that it gave me, so I guess i may have learned how to control other aspects of my life in a less harmful way.

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