Photoshop. A Scale. A fashion magazine. Body shaming. Paparazzi. Celebrities. Diets. Beauty at any size. Size zero. If you were to trace a line between each of these, bonding them together, what topic would likely arise? One would argue that eating disorders personify each of these. And I won't lie. They are a part of … Continue reading Stigma, Eating Disorders, and the Media
I live my life in extremes. My thoughts are black or white. My actions, often all or nothing. I’m very rigid, very controlled, yet I can also be completely out of control at the same time. When I reflect on my personality, I find it fitting that I am diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and … Continue reading 2017: The Year of Balance
It was Christmas 2000. We were all gathering at my sister’s house for our Christmas celebration. This Christmas celebration, like most, involved food. There was time carved out just for food before we opened presents. It felt like it was this huge deal, this meal, which made my anxiety skyrocket. The tree was beautifully decorated, … Continue reading Surviving the Holidays with an Eating Disorder
What is self-control? The ability to control one’s actions in an area of temptation? Discipline to do things you must that you do not desire? However you define it, self-control is something that we all struggle with in some way. Regarding this fruit of the spirit, we often find ourselves subjected to temptation and sometimes … Continue reading The Fruit of the Spirit Called Self-Control
October is ADHD Awareness Month. It is a time in which we fight to shed the myths and misconceptions surrounding ADHD. It is a time of increased advocacy, and education. With events like awareness month, we hope to break the barriers between the world and those affected by ADHD. I did not know about ADHD … Continue reading Accepting ADHD
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 7.2% of children and 3.4% of adults. There are three different types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type. Inattentive type is characterized by symptoms such as a difficulty sustaining attention, memory issues, a failure to follow through on instructions or assignments, disorganization, … Continue reading Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
What are your first memories of childhood? Some may fondly remember learning to ride a bike, a birthday party, or a special person from that time. My first memories are of something that should never have power over anyone. I remember the scale. I can still hear the metal clang, see the slider glide beneath … Continue reading Bullying and Mental Illness
Approximately 60 million people worldwide have bipolar disorder, a mental illness that involves episodes of highs and lows known as mania and depression. Symptoms of bipolar can vary from person to person and depend on the type of episode: mania may involve bouts of impulsivity, risk-taking, feelings of euphoria, sleep disturbances, and psychosis, while depression … Continue reading International Bipolar Foundation
Defying Shadows 