INTRODUCTION-My battle with "ED"

The topic I chose was eating disorders and technology because this subject is near and dear to my heart.  I have recently suffered and recovered from an eating disorder.  My eating disorder or "ED," as many of us who have battled with this in the past do, consumed my life.  I first started struggling with this issue about three years ago, and it took me two years to figure out that I needed outside help.  Technology, as far as websites and online support groups were my first step in doing so.  I started researching my disease, trying to understand why I was doing what I was, and how I could begin to help myself.  I found that there are various reasons why people use disorders such as these to cope with life’s trials, and it made me feel relieved that I wasn’t in fact going crazy(though it was how I felt at the time).  There were very many websites that support eating disorder recovery, and post advice to those in need.  This was very helpful, because it made me feel like I wasn’t alone.  There were chat rooms, blog sites, as well as sites for family members to instruct them how to approach a child or loved one with an eating disorder.  What surprised me most though, were the websites that were actually PRO-EATING DISORDER!  These sites shockingly  supported those who wanted to begin or continue with their habits.  They posted tips on how to make things easier, and how to keep ED a secret from loved ones.  When I first found these sites, as I was very deep into my “addiction,” they almost sucked me in.  The websites made me rethink my decision on my road to recovery and believe that maybe there wasn’t something wrong with me.  Luckily, the support groups/blogs, outweighed these appalling websites.  After not making much progress on my own, I soon came upon a site that referred me to a residential eating disorder facility.  I spent about 2 months there getting my life back on track and getting healthy.  It was the best decision I ever made for myself, and without this technology I may have never found the place that I now call “my savior.” 

My goals for this semester is to learn even more about eating disorders.  Whether people are genetically predisposed, or if it is the “luck of the draw.”  Also, what type of people are more susceptible to this disease, as far as personality types, and ethnic groups.  I’d like to learn more about what families can do, and how it affects their lives as well.  I know my story, but there are million more out there, that I’m sure are very different from my own.  I’d like to learn about other people’s situations, and how they are getting through, and choosing recovery.  

--Jessicca G :)