On the Web

Saying that I have done some research on eating disorders would be an absolute understatement.  Over the past four years I have searched the web for the most reliable sources, and have come across many.  Probably my favorite website is “The Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders.” http://www.something-fishy.org/  I was referred to this site by a therapist prior to my entry to the residential treatment center that I went to.  The thing that I love about this site is that it has something for everyone.  It has an in depth look at eating disorders for those who are questioning if their unusual eating patterns would or would not be categorized as an E.D.  An “in memory” link for those who suffered this disorder but did not beat it.  A recovery, and reaching out link which I took full advantage of when I did not have anywhere else to turn.  This site also offers information for family members on how to help their loved ones, which I disclosed to my parents, as they were going about trying to “help” me in all the wrong ways.  A treatment finder for therapists, in-patient, out-patient, and group sessions anywhere in the U.S. based upon the severity of one’s disorder, and they had a quiz to advise people which route they should take in recovery.  A preventions and causes link, as well as other online support one could find outside of this website.  However, probably the biggest thing that drew me into this site was that at the very top, where it still remains, is a slogan that says, “This is a PRO-Recovery website.”  There is nothing on this site that insinuates that eating disorders are “okay” or normal, they are there to help and support someone going through this disease, but do not act as a hand in feeding ones addiction.  Also, this website is updated all the time, I still find myself going to this site, even though I am farther along in my recovery to see any new advice and information that it is offering.  

One of the worst websites that I came across, unfortunately I found while I was still very new in my recovery.  It is a site called, “Pro-Eating Disorder Society,” ran by someone called the Darkpoet.  http://proeatingdisordersociety.yuku.com/  This site offers a lot of information regrettably.  It has an open chat, where one can invite friends to join in and one can instantly chat with others practicing their habits.  Eating habits, where people discuss and ask questions; such as how to reduce cravings to eat, or the “correct” way to purge.  It has a discussion board for recipes and food, and what to eat that has the lowest  amount of calories for making one feel full longer.  A link solely directed towards anorexia, bulimia, and one towards binge-eating disorder.  It also has a link where users can post photo’s of themselves as they lose weight.  These pictures are commented on by fellow E.D. sufferers and encouraged to “keep up the good work.”  It is hard, even now, to see this type of website, as many of those in recovery have a downfall because of people that run and associate with this type of technological activity.

--Jessicca :)