Eating Disorder Talk

Pro Ana and Mia (anorexic and bulimic) websites have been around for quite a while. In fact, I’ve met some of my closest friends on one site that I used to frequent, which has since been shut down. The question I’m putting out there today is if these websites are as detrimental as they are being portrayed to be.

Yes, these are places where people with active eating disorders can congregate. Tips are often shared, though sometimes only via personal messaging or email, so as not to influence others. “Thinspiration” pictures and stories, triggers for many, are posted to peruse and comment upon. Competitions, though informal and usually unsupported by the site’s owners, are announced amoungst members. Members often post their “stats” - measurements; current, high and goal weights - and a quote along the lines of “hunger hurts but starving works” as their signature, providing others with fodder for their own internal demons. Pro-ED sites are not positive in any of these aspects…

But if you’ve ever been a member of or happened upon one of these sites and taken longer than two minutes to form an opinion, you can observe an amazing vessel of support. Not just for the eating disorders themselves, but for people active in their illness, depressed, suicidal and even seeking treatment. In my opinion, this is not a negative thing. This is extremely positive in a society wherein it’s thought that eating disorders are any and all of the following: selfish, immature, attention-seeking behaviour, something spoiled little girls do and a symptom of extreme mental disfunction.

I would prefer to have a million people screaming their weights rally around me in a time of need, than to have one person telling me I’m not fat and need to accept it as my mantra. Sometimes, that’s what these sites are designed and joined for - to see that we’re not alone and others care and understand that it’s not just as easy as getting over it.

Unfortunately, most documentation arguing against the sites give mention of studies showing a relationship between sickness duration and the use of the sites, “promoting” eating disorders and glorifying them as a lifestyle choice. Some of the best support sites I’ve come across open with the disclaimer such as the following one, from Pro-Ana Nation:

Anorexia is not only about food. It becomes a mechanism to cope with serious, emotional problems. My wounds will never heal. I have not been able to recover. Anorexia kills, but as controversial as it may be, it keeps me alive.

Eating disorders will not make you feel thin, proud and beautiful. Every day is a constant struggle of self-hatred and obsessing about food, calories, fat grams and weight. Do not contact me if you want to ‘learn’ how to develop anorexia and bulimia, or because you want to know how to hide your disorder from friends, family and doctors.

I sometimes refer to anorexia and bulimia as “ana” and “mia.” That does not mean I try to trivialise serious, mental disorders. They are not friendly little pet names, but diseases.

Recovery is not a choice, because eating disorders are self-destructive. It is a healing process you have to go through in an attempt to rid yourself from anorexia and bulimia. This site is intended for disordered minds that have not been able to recover.

Now, personally, I don’t see a community selling eating disorders as a wonderful way of life or magical diet. I see someone opening up their minds so that others in a similar place can feel less trapped within their own mental confines. So what’s so bad about that?