Welcome

**Content warning: This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences in recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, and symptoms. Please use your discretion when reading and speak with your support system as needed.

By Clare Harmon, a former Emily Program client, and woman in recovery

Confession: Until a few weeks ago, I hadn’t had my teeth cleaned in over ten years.

Like many people, my fear of the dentist was cemented at an early age (this comes to mind). The dentist’s office terrified: a noxiously lighted chamber in which the slightest transgression (you only floss twice a day and not after every meal?!) met the harshest punishment. I hated it. I hated the small talk, the smug dentist and his lackey, the self-satisfied hygienist. I hated the power trips and the authority and the “we know what’s best for your body” rhetoric. When I left for college, I artfully dodged my bi-yearly check-ups. On several occasions, I actually reorganized gig schedules to conflict with appointments made months in advance.

**Content warning: This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences in recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, and symptoms. Please use your discretion when reading and speak with your support system as needed.

By Dana Rademacher, intern at The Emily Program

We all know exercise is an important aspect of our overall health and well-being. One thing I love about exercise is that there are an infinite amount of types and styles, so everyone can find an activity that meets their lifestyle and needs. With swimming, walking, yoga, running, dancing, basketball, tennis, and everything in between, there is just about something for everyone. However, it can sometimes be hard to find the right motivations and to have the right mindset behind exercising.

Lately, I’ve wondered what we mean when we talk about recovery. Some people use the term “recovered,” others say “recovery,” and yet others don’t use either. When someone enters into treatment, either that person or their loved ones want to know our success rate. Of course, this presents the question, “Success as measured by what?” As a field, we are at a loss on this question.

Female and Male Athletes are Susceptible to Disordered Eating

While sports and exercise are excellent ways to improve mental and physical health, grow self-esteem, and build relationships, the fact that athletes carry risk factors for disordered eating is one that shouldn’t be ignored. What makes athletes vulnerable to eating disorders? What should coaches, trainers, parents, and peers look out for?

Re-posted from the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders (CCED) blog archives and updated with additional Emily Program client thoughts. CCED and The Emily Program partnered in 2014.

Recovery from an eating disorder is the clear goal of treatment; however, the scientific literature on clients’ experience of recovery is often defined in different ways. In general, the literature tends to focus on re-feeding, growth curves, medical stability, and resolution of behaviors. At TEP we fully endorse that these are the first steps towards recovery and without them, no discussion of recovery can take place. That being said, recovery from an eating disorder can have various meanings for those who suffer from these illnesses. In general, there are psychological, social, and identity issues that also change when someone describes themself as being in recovery.

We feel it is important to talk to our clients and their families to gain an understanding of what recovery means to them. With this in mind, we had a conversation with clients about this issue. We asked them to answer the question “How do I know if I am in recovery?” Please find their responses below:

**Content warning: This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences in recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, and symptoms. Please use your discretion when reading and speak with your support system as needed.

By Liz Rognes, a former Emily Program client in recovery. She is a teacher, writer, and musician who lives in Spokane, WA.

A few years ago, I dropped in to a yoga class in my neighborhood. I had not been to this class before, and I did not know the teacher, but the class was on a sliding scale fee and I was a graduate student, and I knew I loved the way that yoga can help me feel present in my body while also calming my mind. So I showed up right on time, unrolled my mat alongside the other yogis, and settled in to a comfortable child’s pose, waiting for the teacher to arrive and for class to start. The moments before a class are my favorite; I can sink into a gentle stretch and let my body and mind begin to let go of the tension of the day.

Acknowledging the facts about eating disorders

In the not-so-distant past, eating disorders weren’t recognized by society – or even some medical professionals – as legitimate diseases. In fact, binge eating disorder wasn’t added to the eating disorder portion of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) until 2013, despite being the most common eating disorder in the United States.

**Content warning: This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences in recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, and symptoms. Please use your discretion when reading and speak with your support system as needed.

By Clare Harmon, a former Emily Program client, and woman in recovery

A dear colleague recently pointed out to me—in a conversation regarding this experience—”you’re right you know, New Orleans ain’t that big and it ain’t that easy.” Indeed. I might start calling the crescent city the “Lil’ Arduous.”