Bracelets Reveal Secret Society Of Eating Disorders

[LVT]

Bracelets Reveal Secret Society Of Eating Disorders
Parents Should Recognize Warning Signs

UPDATED: 9:24 am EST February 15, 2005

Inconspicuous bracelets that are growing popular among teens are actually a secret signal for people with eating disorders and other destructive behaviors, reported WDIV-TV in Detriot.

They look like any bracelet you might buy at the mall. You probably wouldn't even notice if your child started wearing one, but these are not just any bracelet.


They are a sign of membership in a world of underground Web sites that connect people who share a dangerous passion, the television station reported.

Red bracelets represent anorexia, purple is for bulimia, and black and blue is for self injury, such as cutting and self-mutilation.

more...
http://www.thekcrachannel.com/health/4194295/detail.html

[LinuxInsurgent]

1. may I offer the words of Don King...

ONLY IN AMERICA...

Only in this fat, self-indulgent nation can we have anorexia, bulimia, and all the other maladies.

I adopt the Chris Rock stance on this...America is the only country to hunt on a full stomach...and only in this self-indulgent nation can we have a problem of people THROWING UP their subsistence....

Meanwhile..in the rest of the world...food is sacred and limited...

[HuckleB]

9. What?

You act as if Eating Disorders just popped up in the good old USA. Sorry, but they've been around since the dawning of humanity, at least.

[Djinn]

32. the dawn of humanity??

while I'm highly spurious that this is anything but a disease of excess consumption I'm willing to be convinced otherwise - can you give some examples/evidence of eating disorders being present in times/areas of limited resources?

[HuckleB]

37. Start here...

including watching the videos.

http://www.kartiniclinic.com/

Unless you want to argue that cancer and any other genetic disorder known to man is a matter of recent excess only, then you're going to have a very difficult time arguing your current stand.

Also...

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p990238.html

[Djinn]

54. I don't really want to argue anything

but I'm really not sure why I'd also have to argue that cancer is a recent disease - there is not conclusive proof that eating disorders have anything to do with genes??

Also this link certainly doesn't show eating disorders go back to the "dawn of humanity" - I realise you were probably exagerating for effect there.

This quote from that website:

Eating disorders are complex disorders of unknown etiology. New research in the realm of neurobiology and genetics has taught us that anorexia and bulimia are inherited conditions which are steered by powerful but poorly understood brain chemistry

is dubious to say the least - there is NO proof whatsoever that this is an inherited disease.

How many people in drought/famine ridden nations suffer from eating disorders - when I say a disease of excessive consumption that ISN'T blaming the sufferer at all - they don't after all live in a vacuum.

I think there aer many factors and a family history of anxiety/control disorders probably plays a part but there's more to it than that

[HuckleB]

59. There isn't "conclusive" proof that any disease is genetic.

But there is one heck of a lot of proof that many diseases, including eating disorders, are genetic. Yes, there are factors that can help kick those genes into gear and factors that can keep them from showing. However, that does not mean that this is not a genetic issue. This is a medical issue that cannot be pushed by old-wives tales into the realm of it being the person's fault any longer. That is terribly wrong and terribly spiteful toward those who suffer from this.

[SomewhereOutThere424]

92. I don't consider it a 'fault'

But I think purchasing a bracelet to show you are of an eating disorder instead of working on it shows that no matter what its roots america is greatly fueling the desire to have this. This is not a sexual lifestyle where you use a bracelet to find someone else to be happy with -- these bracelets (if they have any shed of truth to them. After spongebob is gay I'm really weary of being forcefed what something 'is') support a disorder which is not only bad for, said above, the lack of food in some places, but for one's personal health. It means that it's become a socially accepted or 'cool' standard, a trend.

I think it leaves the realm of disorder or illness and into something we should work on when it is being glorified instead of worked on. I personally blame fascist parents and peer pressure among the 'cool' kids and the image many feel the need to live up to. The disorder itself may exist in many of us, but from the above statements, or how I took them...America is the nation it not only flourishes most, but is encouraged most.

I agree with you though. In that sense, rome had vomitoriums and japan had an age old tradition of vomiting in order to eat more food during feasts. Those were also encouraged and date very far back. However, I think that is also wrong and shouldn't be encouraged, whether born with a disorder or not, I know tradition and ritualistic behavior of supporting it is the main cause and flourishing of it. I think in that way, it very much is the person's responsibility, maybe if not the person's fault.

Not arguing or saying you take those views though, just stressing my opinion of either side.

[HuckleB]

98. What's missing...

is that there are those who would "glorify" almost any illness. And there are those who don't want to acknowledge what they deal with as illness. Those pieces are what are behind actions such as these in regard to eating disorders. The love-hate relationship that many people have with many illnesses (brain disorders or not) cannot be denied. That this exists with eating disorders does not make them different from the others.

[LinuxInsurgent]

94. wait a minute...

we're not talking about cancer...we're talking about anorexia and bulimia...those are the disorders that seem to be the "fad" with these kids...and with them wearing bracelets.

I'm specifically condemning the absurdity of bulimia and anorexia...two "diseases" related to American gluttony and abundance...and our warped senses of beauty.

ANything that's truly biological, I symphatize with...but bulimia and anorexia? Nah....

I take the George Carlin approach (in one of his special).

"Rich White Cunt doesn't want eat....fuck her"

Flame Carlin...that wasn't me...but I think it describes my general thoughts.

[HuckleB]

97. Wait a minute, indeed.

Please do some research. Start with the sites I offered. This is no fad, my friend. This is a disease, with a very strong genetic component. Please don't fall into the popular culture of dismissing mental illness as some fault of the individual. The reality is simply far different.

[ElectroPrincess]

100. Damn! That was harsh.

I don't see eye to eye with your attributions but agree with you on one important point: Once a person fully acknowledges that she has ED, they must be willing to take responsibility for working with their treatment team toward a full recovery.

There's often relapses and setbacks to even those who are the most dedicated to wards recovery. However, proper guidance will help the individual rededicate herself to overcoming this unhealthy, and 20% of the time, life threatening disorder. Never give up! Help is there if you only ask for it.

[LinuxInsurgent]

108. hey...Carlin said it

Flame him...i specified that on my post.

[ElectroPrincess]

111. I love Carlin ... he's not in touch with the nature vs. nurture question

regarding ED, but he does get to the point.

BTW I love his, "Bad hair days. What the hell is that? Put on a hat and go to work, you selfish broad."

Not his exact terms but funny none the less.

Problem is - we can't tease out the environmental influences from the genetic components. Although developing countries are catching up due to western nation's "vain beauty in being skinny", the majority of Anorexia is concentrated in the the USA and other developed nations.

Albeit we should recognize increased number of research studies which support some genetic components, we can NOT rule out data suggesting environmental/societal influences.

[LinuxInsurgent]

122. you a Carlin fan?

I love his stuff...he's so "no nonsense".

Still though...I think Carlin's raw...but he was funny with his attack on bulimia and anorexia victims...and Chris Rock has made similar jokes as well.

Both of them converge on their beliefs that, at the root of it, anorexia and bulimia are diseases of affluent, priviliged Western societies.

Chris Rock eloquently puts it best, "You don't see people being allergic to food in the Third World". He was making fun of the food-related diseases that occur in our over-indulgent society.

[ElectroPrincess]

124. Oh yes, and also enjoy Denis Leary

Yes, the "raw" comedians are IMO the best. Remember his little skit on "Mickey Mouse's Birthday"? Too funny.

With regard to ED, I'm much more empathetic as I have been to the abyss ... the verge of starvation at age 14. Back in 1972 (yeah, do the math :P), GP's were NOT aware of this disorder. The Doctor told my parents, she will eat when she's ready. In the meantime, let's give her weekly B12 shots.

I received no treatment and at 5'2" and 87 lbs looked like an escapee from a concentration camp. The boys in High School used to get a kick out of calling me Leukemia.

Yes, I was probably no more than a month away from hospitalization and forced feeding when my woman track coach convinced me that in order to be a truly competitive runner, I had to EAT HEALTHY and take care of my body. I improved from there on out.

Now when I look at pictures of myself back then I almost want to cry. How could I have been so deluded?!? I thank God for the guardian angel that was my HS Track coach.

So I'm understandably more empathetic to the stressors in young teen girls lives (magazines, super-models etc. etc.) that often equate super-slender figures with beauty.

I no longer counsel those who suffer from Anorexia, but I did my best to be understanding while break down those *highly cemented* delusions / distortion of their body image.

I'm blessed to have recovered and albeit I'll partake in dark humor in this thread, I have great concern for those who suffer from eating disorders AND their family members.

[LinuxInsurgent]

127. your post touches me...

makes me think...emotionally speaking, I want to identify and sympathize with your condition...who in their right mind wouldn't?

But my rational-intellectual side nags me about the absurdity of anorexia and bulimia...and how they reflect on the affluent West and its life-standards.

Still...I'm glad you got treatment and you are with us.

[ElectroPrincess]

135. Thank you ...

I think that the reason I was able to fully recover was dumb luck and a good coach. I loved running almost as much as I wished to be ultra thin ... through her guidance, I discovered that I did not have to starve myself to achieve my goals (lettering in track and placing at regionals) and feel good about myself.

Thanks for your interest. Sure, I don't agree with Carlin and Chris Rock about ED. However, they may learn on their own that it's not so funny when a loved one has this disorder.

My FAV Denis Leary is "Lock and Load" - especially with regard to bike riding a**holes. He was on a roll there.

:toast:

[SupormomFreeAtLast]

130. As a mother who has watched her child suffer

I have to ask you this, do you believe that depression and other psychological disorders are
<< "diseases" related to American gluttony and abundance...and our warped senses of beauty? >>

Eating disorders and self mutilation are each forms of mental illness and not disorders which affect only rich, white females. They affect people of all age, race, gender, and social status.

In my daughter's program there were children as young as five and six being treated for these disorders. Guess it must just be a "fad".

[HuckleB]

133. Thank you for sharing your experience.

It's people like you, fighting for their loved ones, who will break the stigma and second-class status of mental illness.

Salud.

[Orangepeel]

74. I read that Henry VIII used to throw up so that he could eat more

I don't have a cite handy, but I remember reading that years ago.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

83. Actually, I have been around since the dawning of humanity

Or at least my kids tell me that! Grew up in the 50's and 60's and didn't know there was such a thing as anorexia, bulemia, etc. Throw up your lunch? Only if you just got off a roller coaster. But obviously it did exist, as the community purging basins in Rome will attest to...unfortunately, the unrelenting quest for perfection presented in magazine and television advertisements further encouraged the next generation to seek more unorthodox methods.

[LinuxInsurgent]

93. no...I don't think so...

I don't that eating disorders have been aroudn from the dawn of humanity...maybe some of them...but not anorexia and bulimia...these two are directly linked to modern values of beauty...and women trying to fit into them.

How come I never hear of anorexia and bulimia in the third world.

[HuckleB]

99. How come the same questions keep popping up?

Why don't people research this matter instead of simply believing what they've convinced themselves they want to believe.

Anorexia and bulimia are related to eating disorders throughout history. And they have existed throughout history. And they have existed within cultures of various types around the world.

Obviously you want to believe otherwise. I just hope you'll be kind enough to stay away from those who live with these illnesses, so that they may be able to get the treatment they need without someone trying to tell them to just "buck up. It's just a fad."

:eyes:

[Lindacooks]

46. Eating disorders are diseases.

Don't make fun of people who are hurting.

[HuckleB]

105. Exactly.

It's incredibly sad that DU, of all places, has so many people who do not understand this and who choose to remain ignorant.

[ElectroPrincess]

2. I'd bet money that devotees of Ann Coulter wear both red and purple. :P

:toast: :puke:

Get these young girls and women involved in "team sports." When they don't hyper-focus on themselves and the obsession that scoring a man is their highest honor in life ... well, just MAYBE they will treasure the camaraderie and friendships that evolve from cooperation and work involved in team goals. When they think of the team, they will want to be in good shape (eat healthy, not STUPID) in order to win.

[Lindsay]

5. I have a friend who's anorexic and has both played and

coached team sports. Eating disorders seldom have anything to do with scoring a man. They're generally (IMO) a dysfunctional response to whatever stresses are going on in their lives.

[ElectroPrincess]

26. I've counseled anorexics, and "many times" it does revolve around

at least attracting a man or teenage boy IN THE BEGINNING. Then you're 100% correct that it morphs into a dysfunctional way to cope with life's stressors. It's a shame that an "active anorexic" would be allowed to coach. A COACH cherishes the health of his/her team which includes nutrition.

I don't mean to sound unkind but this is a "no brainier." You don't want an anorexic coach exchanging diet tips with young teens.

I was an anorexic at the age of 14 and it was through the friendship and counseling of an athletic coach that I was able to pull out of it and develop into a half way decent long distance runner.

Nope, you're correct that it's inappropriate to generalize my experience to all. Yes, it's also the case that young teen girls have domineering parents and eating is the only "issue" that they can exercise THEIR personal control.

On edit: clarification.

[driver8]

10. wrong -- team sports have nothing to do with it.

One of my sister's best friends from high school was an incredible athlete. She played college hockey for Providence. She was a bulemic and ended up in the hospital and later, counseling.

It is all about the girls' self image -- how they see themselves. It doesn't matter if they are athletic or not.

[ElectroPrincess]

29. We agree to disagree ... if properly run and monitored

team sports ease stress and get the teen to focus on others besides herself and personal stressors. I hate to break it to you but these eating disorders surface ONLY in developed nations. It's a combination of refocusing (either team sports or an after school activity that has nothing to do with ultra-feminine endeavors ... not ballot or gymnastics for sure) AND effective counseling with someone she trusts to share her life situation.

[HuckleB]

40. It's time to do some research.

Eating disorders don't just occur in developed nations and they are not just a recent phenomena. Please don't pass around misinformation. There's far too much of that going on in regard to Eating Disorders already.

[ElectroPrincess]

41. Ok, PM me and I will give you my data.

[HuckleB]

43. Give me all the data you want.

Come visit me at work, and I'll show you the library we've got. Then I'll take you up to the health sciences library and you can spend a few months there.

I have spent years of my life there and in clinic, not to mention visits with ED clinics around the world.

Please stop giving out old-wives tales. You are offering information that is no longer considered valid by anyone who keeps up on the research and best practices when it comes to treating eating disorders.

I'm begging you. You are not helping anyone.

Thank you.

[ElectroPrincess]

44. I need to clarify something ... I'm focusing on Anorexia NOT

any of the other disorders. You are not helping anyone by saying that "teens will be teens" with anorexia.

NO, I refuse to accept it and have evidence to the contrary. Young girls are influenced within developed nations to "be thin". Those of us who are parents and athletic coaches have an obligation to teach young teen girls that the world does NOT revolve around their body. That other things in life are much more important ... like taking care of your health so you can perform your best.

Sure there may be genetic components to anorexia but we do NOT help teens and young women by coddling them. Get them involved in activities that are more important than what is reflected back in the mirror.

[HuckleB]

60. Wow! You sure did put words in my mouth.

I guess you couldn't discuss the matter face up, so you had to pretend I was offering something else. Those phantom posters sure are fun to respond to, aren't they. Sheesh.

I again beg you. Please stop spreading false information. No one is coddling anyone, and you are not providing anyone the best care by believing in old-wives tales. If your are truly a mental health provider, please catch up with the times. (Continuing education is always a responsibility to your patients. It's not just something you must do and get out of the way.)

Your patients desperately deserve that!

And please don't put words in my mouth again. That is simply bogus.

[ElectroPrincess]

47. Just the basics ... I apologize - My Area of Focus "Anorexia nervosa"

Anorexia nervosa was discovered for the first time in 1964 by the English doctor Richard Martan, while up to 30 years ago it was thought to be a rare disease.

Today, instead, it affects 0,28% of teen-agers and young women of western countries. About 90-95% of the people stricken are female, whereas males are still a minority. The average troublesome age shifts from 12 to 25, although recent cases of people older than 20-30 have been registered. It mostly spreads through western countries, rarely in the others, where such a pressure on being slim does not exist. In the 60's anorexia hit mainly upper classes; now it is evenly distributed throughout all social levels. Nervous anorexia seems to manifest itself in the worlds of fashion and ballet. Time, in the end, dismissed the conviction that people suffering from anorexia had a higher intelligence quotient than average. The causes of anorexia are not totally known, and scholars often disagree. Anorexia owes its origins to three wide ranges of factors: familiar, cultural and individual. It requires a long time cure and the therapeutic project is so complicated that sometimes patients need to be admitted.

http://alimentazione.medialighieri.it/inglese/attivita/anoressia.htm

[HuckleB]

61. Do you have anymore incredibly inaccurate information to offer?

That site is amazing for its bizarre lack of anything valuable at all. My God, if that's what you base your work on, I am terrified for your patients.

[ElectroPrincess]

71. I have highly accurate information from on the Prevalence

of ED in Western and Non Western countries.

My Source: The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 2004

http://66.218.71.225/search/cache?p=%22Prevalence+of+Eating+Disorders%22++Non-western+Countries&ei=UTF-8&u=www.anred.com/stats.html&w=%22prevalence+of+eating+disorders%22+non+western+countries&d=26E68737E3&icp=1&.intl=us

Guess neither of us were 100% correct. That is, the prevalence of ED in non western countries is increasing. That's "my bad" for not noting western influences on developing nations. However, it is attributed to "the influence, at least in part, of Western media: movies, TV shows, and magazines."

Therefore I request a truce? I provided the admittedly simple definition of Anorexia using this website to be concise with my *impressions*.

Please note, we are far from fully understanding the etiology and prevalence of ED. I never meant to be dismissive of your personal experience and/or research interpretations.

I respect your perspective and hope you will grant me mine. :-)

[HuckleB]

73. I'm sorry.

But your previous posts scare the crap out of me. You offered a great deal of misinformation with a certainty that still scares me. And it appeared that you set yourself up as an expert. Why shouldn't that scare me?

Yes, as with almost every disease known to mankind, there is much yet to still discover. And in regard to eating disorders, there is even more than with, say cancer, or even depression. However, one must remember that there are many "professionals" who hang on to old beliefs, rather than take in new information and try new types of treatment (no matter how much more successful those treatments may be in saving lives). That means you find a lot of "compromise" summation stuff on the 'Net that really tells very little of the story about anorexia and eating disorders in general. So much of what is underneath it all, and of what is underlies EDs cannot be summarized so simply. Every month, more information that shows the genetic links to ED comes out. Twin studies are very difficult to refute. That does not mean that environmental stressors don't play a part. Of course they do. They do with every disease known to mankind.

I bid you farewell, in the hope that you will spend further time doing in depth research on an ongoing basis.

Goodbye.

[ElectroPrincess]

78. I never claimed to be an expert ...

I regret that you have a number of "self control" and "anger" issues when discussing this with the general public. It doesn't take a trained psychologist to pick-up on your dominance and anger.

I am NOT an expert but ED is a NEW field of study. Thoughtful people are apt to disagree, yes, strongly and at angles of 180 degrees.

I beg you now. Please try to consider that other viewpoint just may be equally plausible. Neither one of us have all the answers.

However, we both agree on one aspect of ED etiology and treatment: We want the very best treatment for our clients. And the forgoing is much more important than winning a pissing contest on a message board.

Best regards - Good bye :-)

[HuckleB]

79. Oh brother.

You're a real piece of work. Now you're diagnosing me. It's like your whole business here was simply to troll. Then, when I didn't actually get upset, you decide to say that I did, anyway. Ah, a troll's work is never done.

Yeaah, you did paint yourself as an expert. Read your posts. That's very clear.

Deny all you want. Your posts tell the story.

How much pride do you have underneath all that veneer you offer? You have impugned my character in order to save face. Amazing.

Control goes many ways, my friend. And you've got your own control issues. Please don't point fingers. If you could actually respond to what I wrote you wouldn't have to divert as you have.

Thanks for nothing. I won't waste my time with you again.

:eyes:

[ElectroPrincess]

80. No, I only reported what I've observed - it is there for all to see ...

I am not an expert, just a concerned individual who has had both personal experience with anorexia and clinical training in counseling. No, that's an excellent point, I'm NOT speaking as an expert but giving my personal background with regard to the clients that I've had the opportunity to treat.

My experiences are not put out as the "end all facts."

You are behaving very impolite and overbearing - that is my opinion based on the content of your posts.

I'm sorry you disagree with my honest assessment but that's what I see, as a human being, not an expert.

[Djinn]

55. so you can provide examples

of anorexia in famine ridden nations?

[HuckleB]

62. Sure. Meet me at Oregon Health & Science University library.

Any Saturday afternoon you can make it. I'm there more often than not. We'll spend some time taking a close look at anorexia and eating disorders genetically related to it throughout history.

Just PM me whenever you want to meet.

[HuckleB]

68. Or, noting your location, spend some time here:

http://www.perthclinic.com.au/treatmentprograms/eatingdisorders.htm

I'll be back in the next couple of days with more Australian resources.

[HuckleB]

14. That's got nothing to do with it at all.

Genetics take over and push kids into overexercise and undereating, regardless of the sport.

http://www.skagitvalleyherald.com/articles/2004/12/25/sports/sports01.txt

[kskiska]

21. Gymnastics and figure skating

are notoriously linked with anorexia and other disorders.

[ElectroPrincess]

30. Yes, it must be the right ACTIVITY (not ultra-feminine) and not

necessarily sports (my bad for generalizing).

HOWEVER, the teen must learn to refocus on something other than her caloric intake and simultaneously be involved with HEALTHY endeavors with people who are not obsessive about their looks.

[alphadog]

65. Well, as a former figure skater...

I can tell you that although figure skaters do have a disproportionate number of bulemics and anorexics in the sport (1) it's got nothing to do with being attractive to men and everything to do with trying to maintain the childish physique that allows females to do triple jumps, because once we grow boobs and hips, we're through and (2) if you think figure skating is ultra-feminine, you're way off base -- it may appear "ultra-feminine" at the Olympics, but spend some time on a rink with a bunch of practicing skaters and you'll see that it's as tough as an NFL huddle.

Second -- your theories on anorexia are a crock. What's the "right" activity? Please, get some real info before you spread these garbage theories any further.

[ElectroPrincess]

70. All I can convey is my experience and case studies ...

Now that is not FACT but still a thoughtful clinical judgment. I've assisted many young girls ... however, it's (the RIGHT activity) is what works for the INDIVIDUAL teen toward her road to recovery.

Please don't delude yourself that *many* (I didn't claim ALL) young girls do NOT "fall into" radical diets IN THE BEGINNING because of a desire to look alluring to the opposite sex. Otherwise, I suggest that "denial" is not just a river in Egypt. It's not their fault or a negative for society deems that girls be physically attractive as the most treasured quality. Pick up most any teen (or woman's oriented) magazine - my point is sadly supported.

Further, my experience with girls in ballot or figure skating has not, to date, disproven the above generalization. Again, these are NOT fact in every case. Also I didn't suggest that any ultra-feminine activity could not be physically challenging as a so called machismo sport such as hockey or football. That was wholly your assumption.

I'm sorry if you believe that I am too blunt. However, just as those who are also working in the addiction counseling field, sometimes, when supported by behavioral evidence, a behavioral counselor is doing his/her client a disservice but not conveying what is observed.

Now I'm tired of the personal attacks. You are welcome to disagree with my impressions but I request you thoughtfully go your own way instead of persisting in unwarranted negative critiques.

We disagree. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. I have read through your complaints and take them under consideration. Please demonstrate the same courtesy toward my person. Specifically, I don't appreciate your judgement calls as to the welfare of the teens and women who I have treated. I know (and they too) that I have evaulated EACH as an individual and thoroughly conducted in-depth client histories to arrive at THE individual treatment plan that would work for each.

Thanks :-)

[LinuxInsurgent]

95. if your sport

REQUIRES you to throw up food or adopt unhealthy body standards...it's time to stop that sport.

Again...my contention that this is a disease of the priviliged nations, which HAVE the option of throwing up food (as opposed to holding it as a sacred sustenance) REMAINS.

This is not a biological disease to sympathize with. Bulimia and anorexia are products of the affluent Western world...of our wasteful standards and our amazing privilige...for me, it is the ultimate form of disrespect to the food we are priviliged to eat, and to the rest of the world, that dies of hunger.

[sniffa]

3. pro-anna

i Learned that term from the Lifetime channeL.

the braceLets remind me of wearing different coLored rags to identify your bag in underground (not reaLLy) sex circLes.

[Warpy]

4. Just make sure the blue bracelet doesn't say "TRUTH"

and the black bracelet doesn't say "NOT ME!"

We've got our own bracelets.

[zbdent]

6. I thought that those were for

which sex acts the person was willing to do if the proper "boy" pulled one off the teenage girl . . .

:evilgrin:

[BiggJawn]

7. I think I'll stick with my yellow "LIVESTRONG" ones...

Is this for real, or is it more of that "Officer Friendly/DARE" crap my kid used to bring home from school about "Sorcerer Mickey" tats and not flashing my high beams at cars w/o lights on?

[HuckleB]

15. It's all too real.

[BiggJawn]

52. Scarey...

[Born Free]

25. I have a yellow one as well

I was given a yellow one around Christmas time by a coworker to celebrate finishing up my chemo treatments- but confess I only wore it a couple of times. My one oncologist nurse wears a couple of them , different colors for different types of cancer. Yes, chemo patients some times don't/can't eat either, so maybe that's where they get it

[BiggJawn]

51. There is a bit of a diference....

Between not eating becuse chemo has you puking your tonails up, and thinking that you'll be loved more if you can JUST get thinner that that Olsen girl...

Congrats on getting through the chemo. here's to your five-year milestone! :beer:

[notadmblnd]

8. and last fall they were claiming that teens in middle and high school

were wearing them to indicate how far they had gone sexually. Green she gives blowjobs, blue takes it anally, pink something else and on and on and on..

[Barrett808]

13. Yes, this reminds me of the LSD tattoo myth

While this is somewhat plausible, you'll have to color me skeptical for the time being.

[Djinn]

35. maybe now it's

green for "i give head but don't expect me to ingest anything" :evilgrin:

[CornField]

53. Yes, same rumor was circulated here

Lots of kids wear the bracelets here -- not for any other reason than them being "cool" at the moment.

[blue northern]

11. This sounds like a suicide cult

I wonder who's behind this website that's selling death jewellery?

[HuckleB]

16. I brought up the pro-anorexic websites last week...

when the Web Suicide Cult bit hit the news. That story reminded me of what's happening on the 'Net regarding pro-eating disorder web sites. Yeah, it's bizarre. But it's all too real.

[candy]

28. There are actually pro-anorexia websites?

We went through hell with my daughter 23 years ago----thank God those sites weren't around then.

It worked out but it was very,very tough.

[HuckleB]

34. Yeah. One of the biggies is noted in the article about these bands.

[ender]

45. has anyone read the site that was linked to?

the woman running the site is severely f'd up emotionally, she's a child of heroin addicts, abandonned, was 68 lbs at 5'6" and striving to be that weight again.

i'm all for non-condemning support groups and all that, but this site is severely f'd up. there is no way that anyone who is going to that site can be gettinng healthy advice.

i have had several anorexics in my life, and am sympathetic to the fight, but this woman needs some serious, serious, serious help.

[UncleSepp]

12. Funny, the last urban legend I read on this said differently

I guess once the idea that the bracelets represented sex acts and could be taken as tokens to get said sex act got debunked, a new story had to be created to replace it.

[HuckleB]

17. Nope.

This was around before the sex act bit hit. I work with kids with eating disorders, and this has been a part of the online scene for some time now.

[fleabert]

120. I'll second that, I found bluedragonfly about two years ago,

and sent it to all my friends that work with or have kids. Shocking. There are tons of pro-ana and pro-mia sites out there. I don't think people are checking out the site mentioned in the news article, because it seems that most think of the 'bands' like Livestrong, rather than the beaded bracelets that are actually being sold.

I am curious, I had always heard that these illnesses had more to do with control than anything else. when their lives are completely out of control, their food intake is the one thing they feel like they can master. I had a friend who obsessively cleaned in high school while being abused, she also flirted with anorexia, she now says it was all about exerting some sort of control over her own life, which was complete chaos.

Is that still a prevalent theory, or has that been dispelled?

thanks.

[CoffeeCat]

123. What you're saying is my also my understanding of EDs

My experience with EDs is from working with adults who were sexually abused as children.

I'd estimate that 8 out of 10--of the hundreds of sexual-abuse survivors have an ED.

Most of these survivors use an ED to cope. For a long time, they felt that they didn't control their bodies. Controlling their weight is a way to master that feeling of helplessness and inability to control who touches your body.

In my opinion, many who have EDs use the ED in several ways. Besides giving them a "control" over their bodies that eluded them when they were being abused--it's also a distraction. If you're counting calories, constantly planning your next meal or binge, or thinking about food and purging--the practice allows you to obsess about food/dieting and avoid the real issues.

Part of healing from sexual abuse--is learning to drop coping mechanisms--like eating disorder, self mutilation, drug addictions, dependence on alcohol. Many times, these addictions/coping mechanisms stave off the flood of overwhelming emotions that come with healing from sexual abuse.

I'll share a bit of my experience. I was anorexic at one point. I obsessed about food and my body--to gain control over it. Later in life, when I really began healing--food was comforting, and I began overeating. Food anesthetized me (especially high sugar stuff) and took the pain away. I also would want to cut myself. I never understood people who did this, until I experienced the pain of healing from sexual abuse. The emotions are so intense and overwhelming. I was left with a deep desire to distract myself--and I longed to cut or cause pain--to help take it all away. I only did it a couple of times, but the urge was very strong.

I've met many cutters, and I can tell you that they aren't trying to kill themselves and they aren't proud of what they do. The cutting is a release from the build-up of intense terror, helplessness, sorrow and rage. Usually, when I got the urge to cut, I was having flashbacks. With visual flashbacks, come the horrible emotions that a seven-year old would feel when she's being molested. I learned to cope with the flashbacks and the desire to cut subsided.

My therapist tells me that he never asks a survivor to stop cutting or to give up the ED. Of course, he doesn't encourage the behavior. However, he explained that survivors cope in many ways. Unfortunately many of these ways are not pretty and very unhealthy. Therapist help survivors learn how to manage their emotions, so they can cope with these unimaginable emotions. Many survivors learned to suppress all emotions--because it hurt too much to feel anything. So, not only are we dealing with horrible emotions--we're much like stunted children who have to learn how to feel and handle basic human emotion.

It's a difficult process, but it's possible to heal and lead an amazing life--even if you've been abused.

[fleabert]

126. I can sympathize with your experience. Thank you for sharing.

I am sorry anyone has to go through anything like that. My best friend is a survior, thanks in LARGE part to therapy. I shared the pro-ana/mia sites with her a couple of years ago and she was shocked. It's a wonder more deaths haven't been attributed to sites like that. "thinspiration" indeed.

[blue northern]

19. I though so too at first Aunt Jen

This appears to be a real website and someone's making money here, selling a 2 cent bracelet for $20 and possibly enabling self destructive behavior by minors.

From the website quoted in the original news item:

" I want to order one, but I don't want
my roommate | parent | friend | mailman to know - will they?
Not unless they are psychic or already are ana themselves!
I *never* put anything in the envelope except the bracelet. No e-mail addy, no web addy, no letter, anything. I just put the wrapped bracelet in the envelope, the street addresses and stamps on the envelope - it just looks like you ordered a bracelet - or maybe someone just sent you one. I kinda feel bad because I feel like I should say something to you guys to thank you, but I know that anonymity/not getting found out is more important than "thank you"'s."

[HuckleB]

18. More on Pro-Anorexia Websites.

http://www.sirc.org/articles/totally_in_control.shtml

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,169660,00.html

[knitter4democracy]

20. Color me skeptical

Teens often have many ways of silently communicating "dangerous passions," but I'm not sure of this one. I've heard so many things those bracelets stand for, and when I ask some teens I know, they roll their eyes and just say that they wear whatever matches their outfits or whatever their friends gave them as gifts. I think there might be something going on locally somewhere, or it even might be some seriously underground thing, but I would caution everyone to take it with a grain of salt before attacking some girl in the mall.

[Kitsune]

22. This BS again?

Looks like WDIV-TV wanted a ratings boost.

[bush_is_wacko]

23. Bracelets huh?

You know I have a cousin that is seriously mentally ill and an anorexic. I worked with a woman that was an admitted anorexic too. I know it is a mental disease, but my honest opinion is these people are truly delusional and are RARELY if ever able to be cured. The disease, lack of nutrition and chemical imbalances this disease creates lead these people to insanity IMO.

I'm not unsympathetic BTW. I understand it is not their fault, but having lived around one most my life I have to say, she is now raising a child and my family is terrified for HIS mental stability. He seems very strange and we are not the only people that think that. This woman almost starved herself to death during pregnancy and was CLEARLY proud of it. She kept telling us her doctor said she and the baby were fine but she never even looked pregnant!

The worst part is she has shopped around so much for a psychiatrist she finally found one that would back her 100% and say she is essentially cured! She is going through her second divorce in less than ten years and she has ostracized herself and her son from the entire family. We have no phone numbers for her and no address. I think she fears one of us will attempt to notify Social Services of what we suspect. She always seems to magically reappear around Christmas ready to visit and receive gifts for her and her son, but NEVER bothers to call otherwise.

The woman I worked with spent all day staring out the window at other women saying how bad they looked in the outfits they chose to wear because of their "fat rolls." She thinks she's cured too! This particular woman has a lot if issues, including infertility issues and can't seem to make the connection to her Anorexia and infertility. Come to think of it neither could my cousin despite the fact she exercised so much she ceased menstruating for YEARS!

A secret society doesn't surprise me much! These women seem to live in secrecy 24/7!

[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Binka]

31. My Daughter Is A Junior At Madison And She Says These Are For Real

She is also a recovering bulimic. She transfered from Chico because the attention to looks was too great. She is a 5-10 leggy blond and a 4.0 student. She is much loved by her father and I but she is caught up in a web of shit her dad and I can not understand.

But the bracelets are for real. She will not wear one because she doesn't want her secret revealed. I wish she would and stand up for her fight.....but she is too ashamed. The fact that her dad and I support her are not not enough now.....we will wait....and love her bunches....and we always will. She is our girl and will always be.

[freeplessinseattle]

56. I feel for you, and I'm sorry some people her have been so rude

and judgemental.

hey all, eating disorders has the highest death rate of any mental illness (I don't want to scare you with that Binka, but you probably are informed already, and most of these people here aren't).

The bracelets are worn because people struggling with eating disorders feel very isolated and alone, even if they are active socially.

It's the snap judgements such as in this thread that help influence the development of eating disorders, folks, I expected more of you all.

[bush_is_wacko]

58. Sorry, I won't rationalize the behavior of my cousin for a moment!

She is very mentally ill and I'm not kidding about her son. attempts were made to remove him from her but this damn psychiatrist decided JOINT custody was perfectly fine, despite all the evidence her son is... damn it I'm just going to say it... there are several of us that believe his behavior is leaning toward that of a SERIAL murderer. Animals have gone missing and he is VERY sadistic! His father has ANOTHER child now and the joint custody agreement he made with her has now become HER FULL custody agreement because he is AFRAID of him.

I don't care for the father much, none of the family really does, but on THIS issue he is right on! he thinks this boy tried to smother his new daughter.

The courts do nothing because she sees a psychiatrist!

Sympathy for someone like this can only go so far!

BTW, the child is also very thin but not so thin he looks starved. We suspect she has been starving him though and the starving is probably at least a part of what has led him to be so strange.

My kids are literally PETRIFIED of this kid, but he NEVER says anything weird. he just manipulates the hell out of EVERYONE. His mother has done the same her entire life.

I KNOW she is mentally ill but she STILL does not have the right to raise a child in her delusions.

[freeplessinseattle]

69. um, yours sounds like a unique situation. don't demonize and generalize

to the rest of us struggling with something that is shame-based.

[HuckleB]

36. A high schooler you may be.

But that doesn't mean you know about every subculture around.

This one is more real than anyone would ever want to believe.

[superconnected]

49. if you go to pro-ana sites

you'll find they're full of people wearing the red bracelets, and have been for some time now.

The thing is, most pro-ana sites are shut down now.

Anyway, it is very real. You just haven't run into it yet.

[Name removed]

121. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[AlCzervik]

27. wait a second, wasn't the big story last year that these colors were about

sex??

[DU GrovelBot]

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[sakabatou]

38. Wasn't there the asme thing but with sex instead of

eating disorders?

[truthisfreedom]

39. i gotta start me a website that offers bracelets for Dems. we need to jump

on this concept! 8^)

honestly, i hope the best for anorexics, bulemics, and self-mutilators. but i hope for the best for us, the most.

[HuckleB]

42. Underdiagnosis is also a killer, for those suffering with EDs.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1407276,00.html

[superconnected]

48. I thought everyone knew this

and all the pro-ana sites are nearly shut down now.

link removed- not a good idea to visit those sites...

The sites are being shut down like crazy because of the parents from anorexics who died or have major health problems have banned together and gone after the search engines for hosting these sites.

The red bracelet is super common for ana and has been for quite some time.

[spooked]

50. You can WIN one on EBAY!

http://search.ebay.com/anorexia-bracelet_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQcatrefZC6QQfromZR10QQfnuZ1QQxpufuZxQQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQsadisZ200QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQcoactionZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch

It looks like the bracelets can vary in style...it is the color that's important.

A Site that sells them.
http://ana.luli.com/bracelets.html

[Damien]

102. they're kinda pricey too

[EFerrari]

57. I'm really glad this was posted, thanks

I have a little support group for families living with Borderline Personality Disorder, and their kids are at increased risk for self harming. So, this is information that will be passed on.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

63. They're made of licorice?

Just a thought.

I am so sick of people with eating disorders. Yeah, yeah, I should have some kind of sympathy, but I truly don't.

I think it's social Darwinism.

[HuckleB]

64. I guess you're sick of people with diabetes, depression, cancer, bipolar

disorder and every other disease around, too. If not, it's time to educate yourself about eating disorders.

Start here...

http://www.kartiniclinic.com /

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p990238.html

----------

That was one sick post you just offered up.

Sheesh.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

72. Gee,

you do get all jammed up if someone has an opinion different than yours, don't you?

"sick post"?

What makes you think I don't know more than you do about eating disorders? What are my credentials and academic/clinical training? Do you know?

You're narrow in your thinking, that's my further opinion. I'll bet you find my perception of you "sick," too.

It's social Darwinism, and it's necessary. But consider this: why is the concept of "eating disorders" confined primarily to the United States?

[HuckleB]

75. It looks like...

you're the one who got jammed up -- you didn't even offer an argument to refute what I offered. You just tried to divert.

I know that you don't know more than I do about eating disorders by the ridiculous statement you made. Whatever your credentials and training may be, no one who has actually studied the matter on an ongoing basis, and certainly no one who has actually treated people living with eating disorders, would make such a statement.

Do you have any more meaningless diversions to offer?

I'm not at all narrow in my thinking. That would be the person you see in the mirror. You clearly did not read what I offered. You clearly did not try to think outside of the narrow parameters in which you live.

I have spent time visiting eating disorders clinics around the world. I'd say that puts your social Darwinism theory to rest all by itself. However, I will note that there are historical accounts of self-starvation going back for millenia, as well.

If you're not getting the picture that your incredibly narrow view is incredibly misinformed, I hope you'll spend some time in the mirror soon.

[ElectroPrincess]

76. It's time for both of us to take a step back ...

Respectfully, I'm not implying that I know more about ED than you. However, you are demonstrating a "loss of control" in that, you degrade to character assassinations and lecture everyone who does not agree with your PARTICULAR perspective.

Yes, I too do feel sad when people play down ED. However, one thing I've learned through many years mental health counselling is that no one, can DEMAND that a person withdraw their opinion and act differently.

Although many people's opinions on this topic are outrageous, we as HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, are not tasked with demeaning their person and demanding that they think like we do.

My point: The soft sell goes much further on encouraging a person to change their perspective and/or behavior.

I wish you the best. Again, I have not asserted that you are not competent in your field. Please consider demonstrating the same professional courtesy toward my person?

[HuckleB]

77. Sheesh.

You are so far out of context that it's not even funny.

You are comparing my responses to you to this misinformed and nasty poster, who degrades people who live with a specific disease by calling it "social Darwinism"?

Excuse me?

You are putting words in my mouth again, nevermind painting me incredibly inaccurately (I suppose in an attempt to save your pride, for whatever reason). I'm sorry that it hurts you to have to hear that the information you are spreading with so much certainty isn't exactly accurrate. That doesn't mean you must continue to divert by impugning my character. And if you are going to defend the posts that I responded to from leftielawyer, then I've got to wonder what you ever knew before coming to this board. I almost wonder if you made it all up.

My responses to you were quite appropriate. My response leftielawyer were quite appropriate. They may not sit well with worlds that don't want to be rocked. But that doesn't mean I'm going to sit on my butt and allow misinformation to continue to be spread.

That would be against my duties as a human.

So please stop diverting and offer up some honesty. You have put words in my mouth instead of dealing with what I actually write too many times. I hope you will stop this practice and start studying before you put yourself up as an expert.

Thanks.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

91. No, your responses were personal attacks and rude

How do you tolerate life in the real world when someone doesn't agree with you? Call them names, try (impotently) to berate them to prove that your opinion is "right," or do you respectfully accept that others see things differently than you do?

I would fight to the death for your right to your opinion, and for your even more important right to express it. BUT, only if you do it respectfully and with a measure of intelligence.

You failed on both counts, and so, this OldLeftieLawyer must reject you as a client.

You got my screen name wrong, too.

I'm serious. You sound cranky. Go eat a banana split That always made my kids feel better.

[HuckleB]

103. LOL!

More diversions I see.

I didn't call you names. I defended those whom you were attacking -- those who you called names.

You, my friend, need a big mirror. There is a lesson here for you to learn, but you are so narrow-minded that you refuse to grow. Opinions should be based in the real world. On this matter, yours is based in fantasy, while you've chosen to ignore the real world. Intelligent people know the difference. Why don't you?

If you can actually discuss this issue, rather than revert to diversions that have nothing to do with the issue at hand, then please respond. If not, please move on.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

115. Good luck

I hope things go well for you.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

90. That was hardly "trying to divert",

although that's an especially egocentric way to look at an opinion that differs from yours.

Calm down, and remember: when you can't offer anything of substance, attack the other person. That's Karl Rove at his finest.

Eat a burger. You'll feel better.

[HuckleB]

104. LOL again!

That was a classic diversion, just as this post is another one. I've got nothing to calm down about. That would be the person in the mirror. But you clearly would rather point fingers than actually discuss this issue. I suspect that's because you know nothing about it, and you now know that you know nothing about it. If not, then why do you do nothing but divert? You haven't addressed the actual topic of eating disorders since your first ignorant comment. Why is that? And, knowing that, what are your posts but diversions?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

114. Hmmmm

Your need to characterize those who don't agree with you as "diverting" is interesting, but unfortunate.

You see, your closed mind has shut down any form of exchange or discussion that might have ensued. I find that - and you - unfortunate. Your kind of anger is unfortunate.

This has ended for me.

Best of luck to you.

[HuckleB]

119. Man, you're funny.

What else would call changing the topic and never actually arguing about what started the topic except diversion? Why can't you accept what you've done? Are you ashamed of it?

Thanks for the feigned sign off. I love the game you're playing. I just don't feel like wasting my time on it.

[readmoreoften]

116. So since there's a high correlation between

teenaged girls who've been sexually abused as children and eating disorders (which are attempts to control their bodies), is that social darwinism too?

Maybe you're looking at this disease a little too literally. Oh, also maybe you don't have an educated opinion on this topic.

[HuckleB]

118. Wrong.

This correlation, once used widely, has long been shown to be almost entirely baseless. The studies which purported to show it were poorly designed, could not be replicated by reputable researchers, and such conclusions offer little insight into who the kids with eating disorders happen to be.

On the other hand, twin and family studies showing genetic links are growing in number, with strong validity and repeated results thus far.

Yeah, my opinion isn't educated at all. I've just been pulling it out of my arse.

:eyes:

Sorry, but that's just too funny.

Try reading some of the things I've offered links to, and follow the links from there. A little education isn't a bad thing, my friend.

[manic expression]

125. OK, first of all...you are a sick person

Second of all, you obviously have NO IDEA what you're talking about, because anyone with a SHRED OF INTELLIGENCE would have a more informed opinion different from the ignorant and disgusting one you possess. Honestly, I don't care what "credentials" you have, you're opinion is absolutely ludicrous and wrong.

If you think someone who has some compassion for others in pain is narrow minded, you need to take a long look in the mirror and see someone who is truly narrow minded and ignorant and base.

If you really think eating disorders are "necessary" and a matter of social purification, you should not be given the luxury of oxygen. You are not deserving of food, and are a waste of human flesh. THAT is my perception of you.

[LinuxInsurgent]

96. my sympathies...

to those with diabetes, depression, cancer, bipolar and other legitimate, rational disease...

A disease provoked by factors related to our aesthetic body standards and our affluent, privilige to throw away food...nah...no sympathy for that.

[HuckleB]

101. Your sympathies...

...and your lack of them are based on a chosen ignorance on your part.

That is something I have no sympathy for.

[Name removed]

106. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[HuckleB]

109. Disagree all you want.

It's your right.

It's also my right to point out that your arguments are bound up in chosen ignorance. You have not looked beyond the tip of your nose. You are part of the problem, and that's sad. The stigma that folks like you work so hard to put upon illnesses such as eating disorders keep people from seeking the treatment they need. That's sad. That's IMMORAL, in my opinion.

Do your homework, please. That is your duty as a human.

[SupormomFreeAtLast]

131. "Rational disease" ?

There was once a time when depression was not considered a "rational disease". Now it is viewed by most to be very real and a serious illness.
I have a friend who grew up in Malaysia. He told me that they have no word in their language to describe depression, yet many people suffer just the same.
Eating disorders and self mutilation are serious mental diseases and should be taken seriously.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

66. Let'ssee.... when did we last hear this? Oh yeah, supposedly...

this comes up every couple years... always bullshit.

Color of sneakers.
Color of bandanas, kind of knots in shoes, how many bandanas

you name it, the idiot TV medium has swallowed it up whole and spit it out.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

81. It came up specifically for bracelets too...remember the sex scandel

involving bracelets? Supposedly a color for every different sex act and if you broke one you had to perform it? Turned out to be a bunch of BS thought up by some overactive imagination of a psychiatrist or something.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

82. oh yeah, I missed that one, but now that you mention it...

yep... as usual everything in the MSM is wrong about youth trends... well enough of it to make you wonder about the small parts that may be right.
how do people keep paying attention to this crap?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

67. The website in the article

http://www.bluedragonfly.org

Check it out and see for yourself. I'm not sure what to make of it yet, except that it's pretty weird.

[coffeenap]

84. Yes, by the way these are beads, not the rubber or

or plastic ones we are all wearing for political and social action reasons. I have experience with a young male anorectic--no theories put forth can be applied to him. It looks like a reaction to stress to me--an addictive behavior which in others can be drinking, depression, overeating, etc. Everyone seems to have a "place" they go when they can't handle something. They don't necessarily mean to stay there--but sometimes they do. JMO from my own experience.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

89. That's why I don't feel I can really pass judgement on the site

I can see where it might be harmful to some. On the other hand, at least most of the people who participate there are not in denial about their condition.

I read a few posts on their message board. One young woman said she was fed up with being fat and wanted to weigh 95 lbs by such and such a date, and was asking people to help her by insulting her if necessary.

My feeling is that everyone involved with the fashion and entertainment industries needs to visit this website and take a look at what they've created.

[gordianot]

85. Do as the Romans did. Maybe we need new toilet fixtures?

A new market that would meet a very old need.

The Pompeian houses were sumptuously furnished. The floors were of tesselated marble. The wall-paintings were vivid. There were fountains, statues, tapestries, stand-lamps and candelabra, rich tables of bronze or wood or mosaic. In the new excavations there is one house with an outdoor dining-room. The Romans reclined at dinner on three couches, so arranged around a serving-stand as to leave one end open for slaves to come and go' ln this particular outdoor dining room, a series of pierced pipes flung a cooling spray of water over the guests as they ate.

In the dining room of the House of the Moralist there is a vomitorium at the near end of the left-hand couch; for as Seneca commented once about the Romans, ''they vomit so that they may eat and eat so that they may vomit''.

see link: http://mars.acnet.wnec.edu/~grempel/courses/wc1/lectures/12romanday.html

[ElectroPrincess]

86. Mahn I just knew, sooner or later somebody would BRING THIS UP! :P eom

[HuckleB]

87. Indeed.

Perhaps living in the shadow of such a volcano did make them more anxious than the stories admit.

[gordianot]

88. What I found funny was the Vomitorium was in the "House of the Moralist".

I can understand the urge of a moralist needing to hurl.

The sight of Bush does it to me.

[LinuxInsurgent]

107. Vomitorium...

interesting word....i think i'll add that to my vocabulary arsenal.

[HuckleB]

110. Busting Through: Leading the Fight Against Stigma

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=20747

[geniph]

112. There's actually a ton of sites for pro-ana, pro-mia, pro-si

Most are actually simply being supportive of those with the disorders, not promoting the disorders, but some edge over into promotion. Many are indeed perpetuating the illnesses by attacking anyone who suggests, however gently, that perhaps anorexia, bulimia and self-injury aren't exactly good things.

Speaking as a former cutter (I haven't cut in six years, yay me!), I will say this about self-injury - it quite often beats the alternative. At the time I was doing it, it was either make ugly but fairly harmless scratches on my arms and legs, or open my veins. I believe anorexia and bulimia are often similar coping mechanisms for unbearable emotional pain. They're not healthy coping mechanisms, certainly - but if the person doesn't stay alive, they have no hope for ever becoming well.

Emotional pain, however it manifests itself, is not something that should be mocked and ridiculed.

[readmoreoften]

113. The first diagnosed cases of anorexia

were in the late 19th century in nunneries (not technically rich white cunts). I don't have a link, I did research on this a long while ago.

This doesn't mean that the behavior is new, it just means that Western culture began looking at this phenomena in a scientific way at medically dangerous eating habits during this era.

Most anorexics are high achievers w/ sexual abuse histories (hatred of bodily penetration by food object... not to mention a sense of total control over one's body.)

I doubt it is genetic, although I'm sure it has genetic factors to it.

On the other hand, cutting and body modification have been around since the dawn of humanity. They didn't wear pretty bracelets though back then.

[ElectroPrincess]

117. The jury is still out (conflicting studies) on these assertions -

Most anorexics are high achievers w/ sexual abuse histories (hatred of bodily penetration by food object... not to mention a sense of total control over one's body.)

However, what's MOST important for helping to encourage an anorexic to fully acknowledge their illness is to emphasize that they are not achieving beauty but killing themselves on the installment plan.

When there's no more fat or skeletal muscle to feed off of, the body starts breaking down the proteins of the heart and other organs. It's frightening for any parent or family member. Many times they buy into the stigma. Therefore it's important for the treatment counselors to be patient while attempting to also educate the family members.

[lonestarnot]

128. find it funny that blue chosen for self injury.... n/t

[gordianot]

129. My thirteen year old daughter confirmed this to me last night.

She has heard the same regarding black and blue bracelets. Had not the interpretation of the other bracelets.

[astral]

132. just a comment

I looked at the butterfly site briefly. I wonder about the claims being made that it promotes the sickness, though, just because it doesn't try to "cure" it. I understand the recovery rate from this is very low, and the eventual mortality rate is very high. So maybe having a place to go to just for the sake of belonging somewhere and being with people who UNDERSTAND how it feels doesn't make it an evil site.

I know a gal that has this. She's nice, tiny, skinny, has a nice boyfriend, and seems perfectly content with going on just as she is, hiding it from others as much as possible. She told me a few details about it, and while it breaks my heart, I know I truly could never understand such a condition not having it myself. And I know there is absolutely nothing I could say or do to help her, although I tried to encourage her to get help being she has health insurance and all, it's no use with someone who just wants to maintain an even keel even if you know it's only temporary and they will eventually probably progress to their death if they do not try to change.

I read through this entire thread and would like to hear more about the recovery stories and what it is that cause some people to succeed.

_____________________
trolling:
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The person who posted as "electroprincess" I am pretty darned sure is one and the same as "oldleftylawyer" and the best thing to do with this personality is ignore all they say because they are a pathological liar. I would bet my last dollar this is the same personality i.e. troll I have seen elsewhere.

Thank you all for the eye-opening discussion.

astral

[ElectroPrincess]

134. Shame on you ... this is unfounded and uncalled for ...

I am NOT the same character as oldleftylawyer ... shame on you for an unwarranted accusation.

I'll tell you straight up. The girls and women who overcome anorexia nervosa are the ones who take responsibility for their illness AND their recovery.

Treatment is night and day from Alcoholism as a person must eat to survive. However, the common thread is that THE INDIVIDUAL must take responsibility for themselves.

All your hand wringing and soft pedal approach just encourage teens to continue down an very unhealthy path.

And finally, it's not hard to spot a person who's on the verge of starvation. Damn those coaches who don't take action to help individuals within a team or any sport. There may be rare exceptions, but a teen/woman with anorexia will NOT perform at a competitive level because she's starving her body.

As a long distance runner, I was thin but during recovery learned to eat HEALTHY. And that's the true point, you can be slender and healthy but obsession is what makes someone cross that line.

Again, I'm am not this lefty lawyer fellow. However, feel free to ask one of the Admins, I grant my permission for them to confirm this truism.

May Peace Be With You.

[HuckleB]

136. Greetings...

Welcome to DU.

Your comment regarding the website noted in this article is accurate, for the most part. However, there are many pro-ana web sites and blogs that go up and down and move all around on the Internet. These do promote the illness, even offering short stories and downloadable music promoting eating disorders.

Treatment is very difficult, though there have been some very big breakthroughs in child and adolescent treatment in recent years. Alas, many mental health providers do not keep up with current best practices and research, regardless of the reasons for failing to do so. In fact, research now shows that child and adolescents who do not want treatment but who have supportive families recover at a far higher rate than old-school methodologies when undergoing "ordered eating" programs that include day treatment followed by intensive outpatient treatment. The intensity of nutritional rehabilitation is correlated with successful treatment more than any other factor, outside of having a supportive, healthy family structure. Treatment does little when the brain is starved, and a starved brain is not going to be able to work through the needed changes, not to mention that it's far less likely to ever want treatment. The starved brain doesn't work well. Anyone who has studied the refeeding of Holocaust and starvation survivors in Europe after WW II can tell you that. For some reason, this reality is not put into practice by most providers treating eating disorders today. And that likely has a great deal to do with the lack of successful outcomes.

Blah. Blah. Blah. I know.

As for your commentary regarding trolling, I stay away from that. Obviously, I am appalled by the behavior and game playing of both posters that you mention, and I will not waste my time on them in the future. I could go into my reasons for noting what I noted in their posts here and elsewhere, but I don't find that to be kosher. Nonetheless, it's simply not worth the time to make such comparisons, IMHO.

Again, welcome to DU.

[ElectroPrincess]

137. HuckleB I wonder about you - if you are somehow related to our

"one post" insulter above?

I also won't make hard and fast (damn sure) accusations but it's quite suspicious that this person just "popped up".

After reading over this thread, I note how you might be curious about OldLefty Lawyer because after bringing up "her" (assumed it was a fellow) profile, she also concurred that you have some profound control issues and are rude with *everyone* who doesn't see eye to eye with you. Someone's word doesn't mean squat on the Internet, however, I give the DU administrators my "full permission" to inform you the truth: I am not OldLeftyLawyer.

BTW I'm into "community" not "anarchy." If you would have checked the nature of our separate post histories, such concerns would cease.

I try my best to "play it straight" in message boards. You can never confirm that but it's tacky, to say the least to pretend post with several screen names. Not thoughtful in the least.

HuckleB please do follow-up with the Admins of DU because I'm tired of your mean spiritedness and continued personal insults towards myself and many other posters on this thread. Remember "trolling" is in the eyes of the beholder. :-)

Again, I respect your background. Please don't feel a compulsion to personally attack everyone who happens to disagree with you. All of the above within the above two posts are just a little too convenient. But I don't claim it to be fact.

Best wishes, EP

[HuckleB]

138. Keep wondering. AND Please do not respond to my posts.

I've made it clear that I am not going to play your games. Yet, here you are, you are continuing to make false accusations about my character, as you do with this post to no end. You make assumptions and put words into my mouth over and over and over again, as you have done here in a manner that verges on the bizarre.

I have never been mean spirited toward you. I have been matter of fact. I have pleaded for you to do the right thing. Your emotional response to such pleas does not make them mean spirited, however. (Yes, I pulled no punches with leftielawyer, as leftylawyer pulled no punches with those who suffer from eating disorders.)

It's quite hilarious that you tried to shame the poster above and then chose to act as that poster did. Do you not see your own actions for what they are? Can you not see the hypocrisy you offered? I could go on and on, especially in regard to your interactions with some others here and elsewhere. But I will not bother to waste my time. I did not accuse you of being anyone else. I only accused you of playing games and failing to discuss with full honesty and integrity. But we've already covered that, days ago. So why are you responding to my posts again?

Again, please do not respond to this or any other post I make. The questions are for you alone. I don't want to see your answers -- and I won't respond to them, if you choose to disrespect me further. I ask you to show some small sign of respect by honoring my wishes on this matter.

Thank you.

[Name removed]

139. Deleted message

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[Moderator]

140. This thread

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