[acb-hsp] How I Learned About Mainstream Myths About Eating Disorders Are Wrong

[Sarah J. Blake]

Hi, Laura.Just a few

thoughts here... I think the writer on the blog lacks a critical 
perspective--one that can never be measured by typical statistical methods. 
Without access to our own reflections, we are reliant on the opinions of 
other people to determine our own body image. If a person grows up in an 
environment where other people are obsessive about weight, or the 
possibility  of becoming overweight, etc, it is possible to become fearful 
of obesity, or to perceive body image incorrectly. If a person hears 
negative comments from a very significant other, it is difficult to strain 
them out in balance with other comments, even if they are positive. For 
instance, I was told once in my teens that I was not "photogenic." This has 
affected the manner in which I evaluate all comments regarding pictures of 
me since then, even those which are positive--I fear that people who 
compliment me are lying, and in fact the person who told me that I was not 
photogenic often tells me that people who compliment me are probably lying 
in order to make me feel good. So instead of thinking that I am ugly, I fear 
that I am ugly. A nice state to be in and one that I have worked hard to 
overcome. It is a different type of mental state than what other people 
experience, imho, but it can result in the same sorts of behaviors. If you 
think it, or fear it, nothing anyone tells you will change it. The change 
has to happen inside.



Sarah J. Blake, M.Div.
Personal email: sjblake at sarahjblake.com
http://www.growingstrong.org

Shop and support the site:
http://amzn.to/bZHlZg