ED; The unwanted guest

The spark of interest in my last post has brought home to me how much there is still to say about recovering from an eating disorder particularly in the Jewish community.  In the past week, many people have been in contact with me about their experiences and I see this as proof that I need to continue to talk out - to bring awareness and understanding to these conditions; and to show those still battling that there is hope!

Coincidently this week ahead of us is Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW).   Statistics show that over 1.6 million people in the UK have an eating disorder.  And though I like to believe that this doesn't affect those within our community, unfortunately the numbers prove that we are far from immune.

This year's message for EDAW is 'Everybody knows somebody'. Eating disorders are a lot more common than you think and you may have no idea who may be suffering.  For someone with an eating disorder can still be within the healthy weight range, and can still be seen to be eating 'normally'. Indeed, someone suffering from Bulimia or EDNOS (Eating disorder not otherwise specified) will often be within the 20 - 25 BMI range and may still outwardly look healthy, however what goes on within is far from healthy.  

The four main eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and EDNOS, each of which can be looked at in more detail here.

In today's day and age it is so difficult to overcome a food addiction; at either end of the spectrum. Food surrounds us every second of the day; TV adverts, billboards, 24 hour fast food chains and restaurants on every corner.  You want to meet up with a friend, you go out to eat, any from of celebration will involve food.  This appears to be even more extreme within the Jewish culture; the Jewish year is filled with a myriad of festivals all of which are based around either feasting or fasting - ED's haven. As they say: 'They tried to kill us, we won, let's eat'!

There are many people out there blogging about their eating disorder battle, however I feel I have a slightly different stance; of beating the disorder within the framework of the Jewish culture.  In all honesty, my eating disorder has affected my relationship with Judaism.  It has meant that times such as Shabbos and Yom Tov can prove to be extremely stressful for myself and my family. For ED doesn't just disappear when the Challah and grape juice come out, it is very much an unwanted guest at the shabbos table.  I will admit here that I still find these aspects of Judaism a struggle and it is something I am working on slowly.

Whilst in treatment, it was explained that the only way a person overcoming an eating disorder can get through Christmas and New Year without relapsing is by sticking to their regular plan throughout.  The same holds true for any other types of festival or celebration; for fasting and feasting are not compatible with recover.  In order to stay safe, you need to keep on track with your regular food plan.  Although most people are able to bounce back easily from the extra Christmas food, someone with an eating disorder cannot do this.  Until a person feels they are well into recovery, overeating and then starving will only agitate the disorder.

An alcoholic overcoming their addiction needs to abstain totally from the addictive substance, and although this takes strength, there is no need to see alcohol on a daily basis.  Someone with an eating disorder cannot abstain from food; the idea behind recovery is to 'normalise' habits and create a balance; by consuming the correct quota of calories that your body requires.  It can be done and although you may not want it it wholeheartedly for a long time, it will become natural if you give it time.  Recovery isn't something I have embraced totally from day 1.  It is something that is still growing on me.

Although I do not normally mention names on here, I really wanted to highlight the strength and courage of someone I have journeyed together with in my recovery.  My close friend Esti is testament to how one can bring oneself up from the depths of anorexia and carry on to live a fulfilling life.  Esti is living proof that you can reach a healthy weight, achieve recovery and achieve happiness, something that anorexia could never have achieved.  Esti, you are an inspiration and I do hope that you can use your strength to help others who may still be in the depths of anorexia.  I am hoping that a guest post will be coming along from you soon! 

Recovery won't take a week, a month or a year... But then again aren't we all under lifetime construction?