Reflection Regarding Pro-eating Disorder Websites

Posted by Jeannie Delahunt May 16, 2009

First, that pro-eating disorder websites are allowed on the web is a severe, egregious, ethical violation to me. Eating disorders can be fatal. Anyone enticed to enter into one of these sites runs the risk of not seeking help, remaining with the condition and putting themselves at grave risk for great physical and mental harm.

It reminds me of a group of alcoholics or drug addicts hanging out. Without some intervening force, what motivation would provide the impetus to break free? The addictive voices have free rein. And that's how I see these pro-eating disorder websites. The voice of the eating disorder is allowed to run free. Thus, the delusional thinking is allowed to run free and rampant, only chaining the eating disordered sufferer more firmly to the condition.

I am especially, deeply disturbed, that teenagers, given their own vulnerabilities, are the ones most tempted to enter these sites. To further my angst, knowing that such web communities as Facebook and MySpace allow these communities to exist, in my opinion, violates a code of honor - violates trust.

Please know, that I do understand that the isolation and loneliness surrounding the eating disordered sufferer is a profound and debilitating aspect of the condition. Thus, these non-recovery sites provide an enticing, welcomed hook. No more isolation! At last someone understands me!

It reminds me of catching fish. The hook is disguised by a worm or some other enticing bit of bait. Once the fish latches onto it the hook ensnares the fish. Quite frankly, that's all I can think of.

These communities say they have the freedom to choose their anorexic or bulimic lifestyle. This, is delusional thinking. It may appear they have the choice, but, like alcoholism and drug addiction, after a while the mind and body crosses a line where there is no choice, except the choice to pursue a path of recovery. That path of recovery means investigating the underlying issues that brought on the disordered eating patterns to begin with, for starters. Recovery means understanding what the eating disorder voice is saying that is not healthy. It means understanding that perfection is an illusion, it cannot be obtained. Recovery means changing the thinking patterns and finding support in recovery with recovering eating disordered sufferers, not support to stay in the disorder.

If anyone reading this is seeking help, seek help with trained professionals. Seek help and support in recovering communities, not communities that actively endorse remaining in the condition. Afterall, who, in their right mind would say, "Alcoholism is great! Stay an alcoholic! Drug addiction is great! Stay an addict!"

The same holds true for eating disorders.

And, if you are a teenager reading this, please know, that the recovering community understands what you are suffering with. Go to the recovering community for help and support. Eating disorders can be fatal! Don't let it claim your life or the life of someone you love!

God Bless!