The Power of Role Models: A Young Woman’s Lifelong Bond With One of America’s Most Influential Political Figures

When Joslyn Smith told me about her lifelong correspondence with one of America’s most influential political figures … and the resulting chain of events that ensued … I had to film her experience. For so many young people, they believe that there is no way out of their situation — regardless of what it is. [...]

Through a Shocking Epiphany, I’ll Stand with You

Through the process of completing a class for my graduate program, I had a very eye-opening experience concerning my sexuality, my faith, my eating disorder, my emotional hurt, etc., and knew that others in my position would benefit from the words circling inside this 10-pound bobble on my shoulders. I have studied, researched, and listened [...]

Know Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Thoughts about dying by suicide are not uncommon among people struggling with EDs, which makes understanding the thoughts important. Research indicates that many people who die by suicide communicate their intent, in some manner, to an average of five people before they commit suicide. This means there may be five opportunities for people to thwart [...]

Progression of Positive Affirmations

Today, I’d like to tell you a story. It’s about why I believe wholeheartedly in the power of positive affirmations. About 8 years ago, University of Delaware, my undergraduate alma mater, held a Love Your Body week. I know many of you are familiar with this. One of the items that was being handed out [...]

My Journey Home

As my introductory post for WATRD, I thought I’d share a little about myself and what brings me to this point in life, so that going forward those reading my words might have a better idea of what influences the perspectives I share. I am a thirty-something year old woman who two years ago left [...]

What the world needs now, is love, sweet love.

I grew up in a religious home, attending church and youth group, Sunday school and bible study. This part of my childhood was very formative in my life for a number of reasons. Religion or spirituality plays a strong cultural component in identity development and learning for many individuals. One of the more interesting and [...]

Facebook responding to concerns about site promoting eating disorders

This guest post provided by Heidi_PsyD from http://www.examiner.com/eating-disorder-in-philadelphia/heidi-dalzell Popular social networking site, Facebook has taken swift action, responding this week to concerns about the site’s link to eating disorders in teens. Facebook is working with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to ensure safety on the site, which is frequented by teens and those vulnerable [...]