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An eating disorder is a serious psychological condition. The sufferer is obsessed with food, diet and often body image to the point where their quality of life suffers, and their health is at extreme risk from their long-term poor or inadequate diet. Most victims of an eating disorder do not recognize that they have a problem and they will refuse treatment and attempt to hide their abnormal behavior from others. Treatment of eating disorders can take decades, so early identification may be the difference between life and death for the patient.

For those who have already been diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating or another eating disorder and are in treatment, we want to help you learn as much as you can about the eating disorder and to offer you support in your recovery. We want to give you up-to-date information about what an eating disorder is (and what it isn't). There are some common myths about eating disorders that aren't correct.

We believe that the more you understand about anorexia, bulimia and the other eating disorders and issues like therapy, the more likely you are to get the full benefit of treatment.

Finally, if you feel like you have an eating disorder but haven't been diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating, read the information here anyway. It may help you to decide to see a doctor or mental health therapist for evaluation and/or treatment.

New Here, Help With Long-Term Recovery
savingember wrote:

Hello! I struggled very hard with anorexia starting at around age 11. After a year, it developed into bulimia, and continuously fought it until about age 18. There is so much help for immediate recovery, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice for when you've dealt with it long ago, but the feelings still creep up every now and again. Continue reading my story, and if you can help, write to me here.

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Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body

"These beautifully written, sensitive, and empathetic stories tell the heart-wrenching truth about the critical, harmful way women and girls regard themselves -- with normalized self-hate. Martin gives voice to so many who are suffering, many whose self-hatred has insidiously become part of everyday conversation. She offers the reader deep insight based on extensive research and authentic interviews, and demands that we stop settling for self-hate. Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters will undoubtedly change lives."

Buy the book more books on Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders and Their Impact on Relationships

Eating disorders are consuming. They consume the individual in obsessive, negative thinking and behaviors and they consume the individual's relationships with family members, loved ones, and life. This is partially due to the effects of starvation. When people are not adequately nourished, they think about food constantly, sometimes even dreaming about it. They also become depressed, isolated, and tired.

Continue reading when you click here.