I am still amazed by how many emails I get in regard to my short story "Inner Sustenence," which appeared in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul III. Many of the emails I receive are from those who want more information on treatment for eating disorders.
Do you have a friend with an eating disorder? Is an eating disorder destroying your own life? Are you feeling helpless because a family member has this problem?
For treatment options or to speak to an eating disorder counselor, I suggest you contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA):
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or call 1-800-931-2237
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) can provide you with information on your state and city's local chapters. NEDA can email you free information on helping yourself, a family member or friend through eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa and compulsive overeating. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those with eating disorders and body dissatisfaction through prevention efforts, meetings and support services.
Eating Disorders are life threatening. If you have an eating disorder or know someone with an eating disorder please pursue counseling or medical treatment. There are many support groups which are FREE to all those who attend!
If you live in the Space Coast Florida area, there is F.E.E.D., Friends Experiencing Eating Disorders, which meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7:00pm-8:00pm at Presbyterian Church of Good Shepard, 810 W. Florida Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901. For further information contact Ginny 321-725-3268.
Once a year F.E.E.D. also holds a candlelight vigil for those who have lost their lives to eating disorders. I attended this year's service and it was a heart-felt experience I will never forget.
Don't forget to wear a purple ribbon. Eating Disorders ribbons are purple, similar to breast cancer's pink ribbons. Women & men who support those with eating disorders should wear a purple ribbon which is a great way to spread the word that more needs to be done about eating disorder prevention in the USA.
Many of those with eating disorders eat or don't eat due to depression, anxiety or chemical dependence with sugar or other foods. Eating disorders can change form. For somethey developed an eating disorder due to stress, or a past of sexual, emotional and physical abuse which turned to a life long of emotional eating.
No matter what your situation is or what caused this illness, there is help! Don't ever give up on helping yourself, a family member or friend. You could be saving their life or your own.
The F.E.E.D. Prayer (Friends Experiencing Eating Disorders) I am a human person. And of course I make mistakes. I am learning that I am not perfect. Acceptance is what it takes. This disease controls my life. I have made a choice to let go and heal. Now step-by-step, I challenge myself and find a new path. It is often slow. Recovery is a process. I have nothing to fear. Please, God, grant me strength and courage. Keep my support near. Amen.
For those with eating disorders, you remain forever in my prayers. God bless, Michele W. Campanelli
Other helpful websites
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders www.anad.org
Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention www.edap.org
