A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

“There simply is no pill that can replace human connection. There is no pharmacy that can fill the need for compassionate interaction with others…the answer to human suffering is both within us and between us.” This premise from MISS Foundation founder and bereavement specialist, Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, speaks directly to why group therapy is a necessary component of any treatment,…

Athletes are well attuned to the conversations in sport surrounding weight and performance. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, healthcare professional, or fan, you don’t have to look far to observe the narrative in sport that says controlling weight will directly impact performance. Unfortunately, this belief holds many myths and misunderstandings. This narrative is amplified by the pressures of diet culture…

The holiday season is around the corner and it can be a difficult time to navigate when you have an eating disorder. Whether you have family obligations, you feel the crunch because it can be an expensive time of year, or you feel that this round of holidays will be very different and likely more difficult than years past—all can…

A person’s body image is defined by feelings and judgments they have about their own body and appearance; perceptions around how others experience, compare, or judge their body; and the relationship or quality of the connection they have with their own body. Body image, sometimes referred to as body image dissatisfaction, and related topics around self-esteem and unrealistic beauty standards…

Many see Thanksgiving as a way of connecting with family by coming together and enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal. However, when struggling with an eating disorder, Thanksgiving can also mean feeling overwhelmed and anxious because the holiday focuses on food for celebration. Here are some tips to help you through the holiday: 1. Treat It Like Any Other Meal The…

Oh, the holidays – a time that means so much to so many. Twinkling lights, bustling bodies, gift-wrapping galore, and food. Lots and lots of food. Needless to say, the holidays are loaded with potential for a slew of different feelings. And for those struggling with their relationship with food it can be a particularly challenging time. Compound the feelings…

Apparently it’s November again (Mentally: Still in March 2020), and we are approaching another holiday season. The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. Add in recovering from an eating disorder and living through a pandemic, and well… I’ll be under my weighted blanket if anyone needs me. These past two years have not been easy and it’s okay…

The first clinical reporting of a man with an eating disorder occurred in 1689, yet men have often been left out or sidelined in eating disorder research, prevention, and treatment. There is a pervasive stereotype that eating disorders predominately impact women, particularly white, cisgender, heterosexual, and economically advantaged women. While eating disorders certainly impact this population, they can also impact…

In the United States, turning “21” represents growing up, coming of age, and taking ownership of your identity as you embark on the next chapter of your life. We could not think of a more symbolic time than today, The Alliance’s 21st anniversary, to re-introduce ourselves to our community under our new name: National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Embracing our…

Growth in the fire “This will make you better.” Every time I asked why-- Why me? Why did I develop an eating disorder? Why did I relapse? -- these were the words I heard. But these were never the words I wanted to hear. When life seemed too hard to make it another moment, I didn’t want to be a…