Childhood Anorexia and P.A.N.D.A.S. – A Missing Link?
March 24, 2015 by Amy Leigh Mercree
Filed under Activism, Activism, ADHD, Advocacy, Anorexia, Anxiety, Body Dysmorphia, Body Image, Depression, Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, Featured, Males with Eating Disorders, Media Literacy, Mental Health, OCD, Parents, Prevention, Recovery, Self-Harm, Suicide, Talking To Kids, Treatment, Volunteering
New evidence suggests some cases of childhood anorexia nervosa may be caused by a treatable syndrome called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). When I started researching PANDAS I came upon hundreds of stories of healing. Some were heartbreaking to read and learn what the children and families went through. But most end with […]
Interview with the Queen of Hearts, Sariah: Love Yourself First
November 20, 2014 by mamaV
Filed under Body Image, Empowerment, Featured, Finding Your Voice, Suicide
Please tell us about yourself and what you do? I am a Pop Recording Artist, an actress, and a dancer! I follow my dreams and create music in hopes to connect with dreamers around the world 🙂 Can you tell us a bit about any upcoming projects or events that you are working on? I JUST […]
Renovation of our minds: How to transform your mind to think more positively.
July 29, 2014 by Priscilla Jadallah
Filed under Anxiety, Depression, Empowerment, Featured, Finding Your Voice, Healthy Coping, Livin in the Moment, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Recovery, Self Esteem, Self-Acceptance, Self-Compassion, Stress Management, Suicide, Wellness
Therapists work with many different types of people, people whose stories and struggle are each different and unique. One common thing I have noticed as a therapist is how powerful our thoughts truly are. Thoughts can either be your best friend or the toughest meanest bully you can ever encounter. The power however is in […]
Your Body or Your Life
September 9, 2012 by Deah Schwartz
Filed under Activism, Activism, Body Image, Bullying, Fat Acceptance, Featured, HAES, Mental Health, Obesity, Suicide, Weight Stigma
I am mesmerized by the human brain. The old Euell Gibbons (or was it Marlin Perkins?) Mutual of Omaha cliches about the “wonders and miracles of nature” do not even come close to describing the remarkable capabilities of what some call our sexiest organ. My attachment to my brain is increasing exponentially as I age. […]
I Choose NOT to Diet for Summer — you?
June 28, 2012 by FREED Foundation
Filed under Bi-Polar Disorder, Cooking and Culinary Arts, Depression, Featured, Orthorexia, Parents, Politics, Suicide, Theatre, Weight Stigma
Bikinis & Bathing Suits, Toning Up, Beaches, Dieting, Friends, Losing Weight, Vacation & Watching What You Eat = Summer Fun! Wait a minute –something about that doesn’t sound fun (or healthy)! That’s because it’s not. Summer is meant to be a time to enjoy warmer weather by engaging in outdoor activities like swimming, picnics, farmer’s […]
A Letter to My Teenage Self
June 24, 2012 by mamaV
Filed under Body Image, Depression, Empowerment, Featured, Finding Your Voice, Guys, Healthy Communication, Mental Health, Moms & Sisters, Parents, Self Esteem, Self-Acceptance, Self-Harm, Suicide, What to Say, How to Say It
This guest post graciously submitted by Ashley Kervabon. To my dearest younger self, I want you to look in the mirror and tell me what you see. Not-so-clear skin, not-so-straight teeth, curves in all of the wrong places and let’s not forget those (only) B cups. Your eyes are pretty, color-changing in the sun, but […]
You Are Better Than This
June 21, 2012 by mamaV
Filed under Depression, Empowerment, Featured, Finding Your Voice, Healthy Communication, Moms & Sisters, Parents, Self Esteem, Self-Acceptance, Self-Harm, Suicide, What to Say, How to Say It
This guest post graciously submitted by Ashley Kervabon. My childhood was not terrible, in plain English. I do not have any memories of being unhappy as a child therefore I cannot provide you with a sappy novella about how my parents abandoned me or how I ran away because they did not treat me right […]
The Power of Role Models: A Young Woman’s Lifelong Bond With One of America’s Most Influential Political Figures
April 23, 2012 by Robyn Hussa Farrell
Filed under Activism, Activism, Advocacy, Body Image, Eating Disorders, EDNOS, Featured, HAES, Mental Health, Politics, Recovery, Role Models, Sharing Feelings, Suicide, Treatment
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. […]
Know Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs
April 4, 2012 by mamaV
Filed under Advocacy, Anorexia, Body Image, Depression, Eating Disorders, Mental Health, Prevention, Self-Harm, Suicide, Treatment
This guest post graciously submitted by Dr. Mary Bartlett 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 […]
Eating Disorders and Suicide – Finding Hope
April 2, 2012 by Nicole Siegfried
Filed under Depression, Eating Disorders, Featured, Healthy Coping, Mental Health, Recovery, Suicide
Eating disorders are known for having one of the highest suicide rates of any psychiatric disorder. Hopelessness is one of the most significant risk factors for suicide. Many individuals with eating disorders feel that their life is barren of hope – that they live in the darkness of hopelessness. Recently, I wrote a blog for […]