Welcome

Recently, conversations about eating disorders in athletes have been flooding the internet. People are wondering how coaches and parents can recognize symptoms and what the best treatment options are. There is a common misconception that athletics resulting in weight loss is the norm, but that’s not always the case. The main purpose of exercising is to build up body strength and muscle mass. Individuals who are driven to use athletics while restricting intake for weight loss are at a high risk of developing an eating disorder.

The Emily Program is excited to announce that we are expanding our Anna Westin House for Adolescents and Young Adults in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The expansion will increase the licensed 10-bed residential treatment center to a 16-bed treatment center. The necessary construction will take place throughout August and early September and will not affect current programming. The expansion is expected to be completed by mid-September.

Alex Montes has worked for The Emily Program since 2016 as a Program Assistant and an Outpatient Therapist Trainee at locations in St. Louis Park and Saint Paul, MN. Alex is a queer, second-generation immigrant. She identifies as both Mexican and Latina, coming from a mixed-race and mixed cultural household.

TEP: Tell us about yourself!

Alex: It is impossible for me to talk about myself without talking about my parents, who have incredible stories filled with resiliency and who have provided and sacrificed for their children to provide wonderful opportunities. Without them, I would not be here and I would not be who I am today, which has me proud to be called their daughter.

At The Emily Program, I have worked in Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and Intensive Day Programs both for adults and adolescents. Social work has a long history of advocacy, and I am passionate about incorporating advocacy both personally and professionally. It is a responsibility we hold in our communities to speak out, build capacity, lean into discomfort and we have the opportunity to do so in our workplace. That being said, I am also thankful to have found allies at TEP to increase inclusivity and compassion at work, so thank you to everyone!

Roughly 30 million people in the United States will struggle with an eating disorder in their lifetime, including approximately 200,000 Minnesotans. The Fox 9 morning news team in Minnesota invited our Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Jillian Lampert onto their show to discuss stereotypes and what we can do to encourage individuals to seek professional eating disorder treatment.

Research has consistently shown that many people living with Anorexia Nervosa report difficulties with social situations, smaller social networks, and trouble regulating emotions in some social settings. Here we’ll explore why social difficulties are often a precursor to and maintenance factor of anorexia and what can be done to mitigate the issue.

Anorexia

Anorexia Nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by dramatic weight loss, excessive calorie restriction, and obsessive thoughts about food and body image. While anorexia is an illness individuals can recover from, it has the highest morbidity rate among all psychiatric disorders, so it is essential to get treatment as soon as possible. Read more about anorexia here.

We are thrilled to share that strides are being made in the implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that allows for federally funded eating disorder training for healthcare providers and clarifies that mental health care parity applies to eating disorders.

I recently came across an article in The Mighty called, “37 Memes That Might Make You Laugh If You Live with ‘High-Functioning’ Anxiety,” and let me tell you, I did laugh and immediately forwarded the articles to three of my friends that I knew would relate. While hilarious, the article also highlights the reality of anxiety and, specifically, that anxiety isn’t just everyday stress.

This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences on their own path to recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, or symptom use. Please use your own discretion. And speak with your therapist when needed.

Lisa Whalen, a former Emily Program client, has a PhD in postsecondary and adult education, and an MA in creative and critical writing. She teaches writing and literature at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Her essays have been featured in An Introvert in an Extrovert World, WorkingUSA: The Journal of Labor and Society, and MotherShould? Whalen is working on publishing her memoir, Taking the Reins. In the meantime, she is a regular contributor to The Feisty Writer.

Oh, good, I thought when I saw a recent video on Facebook. Science is finally recognizing what we cat lovers have always sensed. The video summarized research studies showing the benefits cats provide for people’s mental, physical, and emotional health.