Thursday, January 25, 2007

Girlpower--or why I wish I lived in Sweden

A while back someone e-mailed me about a health campaign out of Sweden called Girlpower. Tonight I was looking for the link, and came across a program by the same name, but out of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Eventually I found the one I was looking for. It's worth looking at, especially if you've ever had any body image issues (which unfortunately covers the vast majority of westernized women).

Not that I think stuff like this causes eating disorders. But it sure can trigger them among kids who are susceptible. And I know for myself that if you look at enough of this kind of image, the face and body you see in the mirror are always going to look inferior.

That's why I'd rather live in Sweden. It's no perfect society, but at least they're doing something right.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Post-traumatic anorexia stress syndrome

I haven't posted in a few days, mostly because I'm feeling sad.

Sad about my daughter Kitty's illness, even though she is doing quite well now. Because she is doing well now, probably.

Last year at this time it wasn't safe to feel sad, or mad, or anxious. It really wasn't safe to feel much of anything. Last year at this time her father and I were relentless cheerleaders in the land of anorexia recovery.

This year, we are back to what passes in our house for normal life. Kitty is off to the state Latin convention tomorrow, where she will stay in a hotel with lots of other teenagers (and teachers), play Latin games, and generally have a swell time. Last night she came in 6th in a XC ski race. Go, Kitty!

You've heard of the 5 stages of grief--how about the 5 stages of anorexia: 1. Formless worry. 2. Emergency/crisis. 3. Battle with the demon. 4. Jubilation at recovery. 5. Post-traumatic anxiety.

I think I'll call this Post-Traumatic Anorexia Stress Syndrome. PTASS. It's a good thing, basically, because it means things are good.

I wonder how we'll all feel a year from now?