Welcome

Re-posted from the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders (CCED) blog archives. CCED and The Emily Program partnered in 2014. Contributions by Sarah Emerman, Therapist at The Emily Program – Cleveland. 

In our conversations about eating disorders, we sometimes forget to state the obvious, which is that it’s horrible to have an eating disorder. It is always horrible for the person that has it and the pain of the disorder often extends far past the individual to their family, friends, and community. Eating disorders affect everything about us. They affect the way we think, the way we feel, our self-image, our experience in our bodies, our minds, and who we are in the world.

By Wendy Blackshaw, a woman in recovery

A couple of months ago I read an email that made me weepy. It was from a Minneapolis yoga instructor who saw one of our Emily Program billboards that says “Ever Beaten Yourself Up with a Donut”? She was writing to thank us because it captured where she had once been – struggling with an eating disorder – but it also captured where she is now – healthy, whole, and in a recovery where donuts are eaten. I love these stories. Because it is my story.

By Cami Applequist, a former client in recovery

I struggled with both an eating disorder and depression for several years of my life. Over the past few years I have been living a life free from both. I am very grateful for every person who stepped in to give me a hand along the way and for every single thing I picked up that helped me realize that this life of happiness is possible.

A recent article on Cleveland.com reports on varsity volleyball player Veronica Gehring who was diagnosed with anorexia during her junior season. It began with an obsession to “become faster on the court and a stronger volleyball player,” she said.

by Katie Teresi

We wish recovery from an eating disorder was as simple as snapping our fingers, but the reality is that recovery is a journey. A challenging journey? For sure. An impossible one? Definitely not. Always remember that sustainable recovery is attainable. And, while no two paths to recovery are alike, there are a few things everyone should keep in mind while making the journey to an eating disorder free life.

By Cami Applequist, a former TEP client and woman in recovery

A while back I was getting ready to leave work as a nanny for two girls, ages 5 and 3, who knew I was going to officiate my cousin’s wedding that Saturday.

By Katie Teresi

Think, for a moment, about who or what is beautiful to you. It could be people, places, things…

Now here’s a challenge: If you eliminated every beautiful thing you thought of that was based on sight, how many things would be left?

With summer coming to an end and fall quickly approaching, many families have kids or loved ones headed back to school. In light of this transition, we want to share with you a few tips on creating a healthy body image environment for students.