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Making Our Way Back to Mother and Daughter, in Recovery

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I came from a dysfunctional family. My mom was a prescription drug addict, an alcoholic, and sick all of the time. She was also a compulsive overeater. My father was a very violent man. When I was just a little five-year-old, I witnessed his…
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How to Challenge a Friend’s Eating Disordered Talk

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My best friend and I have always been candid about our eating disorders. We've known each other for 20 years, and when we met, we were in the midst of anorexia. Our eating disorders were similar: there was no magic moment when either of us announced…
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Dear Melody: How Can I Talk to My Child About Their Eating Disorder?

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“Dear Melody” is an advice column by Dr. Melody Moore, a clinical psychologist, yoga instructor and the founder of the Embody Love Movement Foundation. Her foundation is a non-profit whose mission is to empower girls and women to celebrate…
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A Letter to Parents of Young Women

I know you love your daughter, and this may be hard to hear, but I’m concerned about how she feels about herself.You’ve raised someone who is very strong and level-headed. You may think she engages in irresponsible activities, but going…
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5 Tips for Supporting a Loved One With an Eating Disorder and PTSD

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A woman I treated often described it as the key “roadblock” to her recovery, a seemingly larger-than-life barrier that prevented her from making it to the other side of her eating disorder. She could envision what awaited her, a life rich…
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My Dad, My Recovery Hero

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I consider myself extremely blessed to have a good relationship with my father. After my parents' divorce, physical distance has become more common, but if anything, I’m lucky to have grown closer to him. As a result of the separation, my…
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To the Men Who Supported Us in Eating Disorder Recovery

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Eating disorder recovery can be a battle. You need to be well-armed with courage, heart, patience and a strong army of supporters. In honor of Father’s Day, we asked our NEDA community members to share how the men in their lives (fathers,…
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You Never Gave Up On Me, Dad

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Dad, I remember when I was five years old. You took me to my elementary school parking lot on a sunny, warm evening to teach me how to ride a bike. I remember us staying in that wide, open parking lot until I was riding circles around you.…
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Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable: On Reconnecting With My Daughter

With Father’s Day approaching, I can think of no better gift than a conversation with my daughter, Anne. This wasn’t always the case. Not long ago, my conversations with Anne were punctuated by my own frustration and fear. I didn’t understand…
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To the Friends Who Kept Fighting for Us

A best friend is always there for you. They will make you laugh until you cry, support you through late nights of studying and working, motivate you to not give up, and they’ll come running to your side no matter the time of day. They allow…