Studies have shown that individuals with an eating disorder are far more likely to develop or have a coexisting substance use disorder.^1,2Sadly, this isn’t a surprising statistic and could have been me at the height of my eating disorder in college. I used food as a coping mechanism, so why not alcohol?

The summer of 2019, was the summer I thought my eighteen year old self was achieving and becoming my best self-  three months of 'working hard' only turned around to be the most challenging time of actually becoming my best self, full circle. 

The first time I drank, I got black out drunk. At a college Halloween party, I did my best to keep up with my older friends. Shot by shot, I felt more and more accomplished, finally outside my own head. I took selfies with friends and danced unashamedly in only a bodysuit and fishnet. In those moments, gone were the days of isolation, longing, and self-loathing. It was then I proved to myself that I, a sad girl, could have fun.

That was how I lived. Something upset me? Just forget about it. Afraid of conflict in setting boundaries? Don’t make them. Worried about gaining weight? Don’t eat. My whole existence revolved around those three solutions. When I found myself burnt out and broken starting my last year of college, I stayed true to my system. Only now, we were back in person after the pandemic. I lived away from home and was able to self-medicate however I saw fit.

We always think of holidays as a time of celebration, getting together, reflection, and joy. It is supposed to be the time of the year we should feel good about ourselves, get together, and enjoy each other’s company. For our community, for those of us who are experiencing disordered eating or an eating disorder, holidays can be much more than that. It could be a time of stress, anxiety, and worry.

“Pero quiero mas a mis ojos, Pero quiero mas a mis ojos, porque mis ojos te vieron” (But I love my eyes more, because my eyes saw you). I heard this saying or dicho growing up many times. In the Latino culture it is common to use idioms or sayings in times of hardship, joy, and as an everyday expression. 

Athletes devote a significant amount of time and resources in pursuit of maximizing performance in sport.  Athletes’ bodies are used as vessels to compete in sport and, when nourished and nurtured, the human brain and body are best equipped to perform optimally and consistently over a prolonged period of time.  An athlete’s heightened attunement to their body and associated body cues are both critical for sport performance, but the increased awareness to one’s body can also pose notable diffic

This week, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is celebrating National Volunteer Week. We are highlighting the importance of volunteerism by celebrating the individuals and families who come together to support NEDA throughout its different programs and services.

The Yoga and Body Image Coalition (YBIC) has been a long-time Partner in Change. This blog round-up, in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness (#NEDAwareness) Week 2022, highlights how the practice of yoga can be an integral component in the effective treatment of and ongoing recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating.

On behalf of the NEDA Board of Directors and staff team, thank you for joining us to celebrate, share, and raise awareness during NEDAwareness Week 2022!