Eating Disorders
When experiencing the aftermath of psychological trauma, police officers sometimes stop eating, overeat or binge eat and then purge. They are like alcoholics trying to deaden the pain in order to cope with life. More than 8 million Americans have eating disorders: 7,000,000 women and 1,000,000 men. Here are a few of the many sources on the web that offer explanation and help.
Eating-Disorder.com
This website defines eating disorders, but primarily offers ways to find treatment centers. To find treatment centers in the United States, call: 866-575-8179.
Go to: http://www.eating-disorder.com.
Internet Mental Health Net (IMHN)
IMHN describes eating disorders as well as many other disorders in detail, but a most interesting feature is that it allows for a confidential self-diagnosis. For information on eating disorders, use the site’s search engine by typing in key words such as “anorexia,” “bulimia,” and so on.
Go to: http://mentalhealth.com.
Mirror Mirror
This site provides information on signs and symptoms of eating disorders, relapse warnings and prevention, getting help and choosing a therapist. It features resources, a survivor’s wall and letters of hope as well as discusses what family members can do and how they can cope with their own feelings about the problem.
Go to: http://www.mirror-mirror.org.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
NEDA is dedicated to increasing the awareness and prevention of eating disorders. Among other things, the site describes how to help a friend with an eating disorder, allows you to ask questions from Ask An Expert, and includes videos, resources, a parent, family and friends network, and information about their annual conference.
Go to: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. Write: NEDA, 603 Stewart Street, Suite 803, Seattle, WA 98101. Phone: 206-382-3587.
Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders
One of the oldest and largest sites on eating disorders, “something fishy” includes treatment locations, online support, signs and symptoms, physical dangers, vitamin deficiencies and managing stress. It helps you find a therapist and even accommodates online therapy. In English, Spanish, or French, the site offers many Internet and off-web listings of eating disorder organizations in the United States and other countries.
Go to: http://www.something-fishy.com.