As consumers in western society we can make amazing choices every day. There are literally millions of options in choosing what we can buy to wear, eat & even sleep on. When we become sick however, our choices suddenly diminish & I have seen this be even more the case when the illness experienced is an eating disorder.
Currently in Australia the options available to anyone experiencing an eating disorder in relation to best practice treatment are very limited, particularly for those with no private health insurance and limited financial means. This is simply not acceptable and a matter of social justice. It is one of the reasons why I am so proud of the work we do at The Butterfly Foundation as we attempt to change the systems that are not helping to give adequate treatment and support to those who most need it. There is much work to be done alongside the existing services and practitioners who are out there trying to make a difference. It’s a calling for me at the moment and truthfully I can’t imagine a time into the future when it won’t be.
For those experiencing an eating disorder, based on these circumstances alone, their journey can be a very lonely one. Eating disorders are often a misunderstood illness and our level of compassion for those experiencing the illness; still, in my mind, needs to be raised. One of the most valuable ‘companions’ for someone facing an eating disorder can be creative outlets including art, music and reading that allow them to try and share their journey with others and act as a means of connection and expression. I have seen some amazing works of art from people on a recovery journey and poetry and stories that have touched my heart deeply. All have come with an incredible story of reflection, pain, hope, struggle and love.
I have recently come across a wonderful book and cd that beautifully captures this spirit of expression. You Are Not Alone, Volume 2, is a companionship book for women with eating disorders by Andrea Roe with Shannon Cutts, both of whom have recovered from eating disorders. You Are Not Alone contains some truly inspirational recovery stories, poems, art & music. It is impossible for me to post about all of my favourite contributions in You Are Not Alone (made all the more remarkable in the fact that they are from current and recovered eating disorder survivors and not professional writers), but I confess to loving the song ‘We Are Who We Are’ by Alexandra Kelly – “We spend our lives on the outside looking in, Feeling like strangers inside our own skin” and ‘Steps’ by Johnie Drew – “We take steps each day towards recovery, Each step is different and full of discovery.”
If you are experiencing an eating disorder or care for someone who does, I would encourage you to consider how sharing your journey through creativity or even just expressing your own private thoughts, poems, drawings or music could assist you. The women who have contributed to You Are Not Alone have done so, and I congratulate Andrea & Shannon for bringing this book to the world & for sharing their own journey.
It truly is one best shared.
You can purchase You Are Not Alone at http://www.youarenotalonebook.com/ All profits are donated to eating disorder organisations.
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Thanks for posting this!
My story is actually in You Are Not Alone: Volume 2, and I'm so impressed with all the other stories shared by so many survivors.
The proceeds from sales of this book are being shared between our organization- The Joy Project http://www.joyproject.org (message boards at http://www.joyprojectonline.com) and MentorCONNECT http://www.key-to-life.com
This book is great!
That's great Joy! Thanks for sharing your journey. Hope lots of funds go the way of those great organisations.
Julie