Topic Tuesday // Body Image and Eating Disorders // Tues 28th September, 7:00-8:30PM AEST

Hi all

I am really at the other end of the age spectrum from many who are participating tonight, but I believe that a number of issues are present, for me, that includes a lack of interest in preparing adequate meals, a general lack of interest in food and at present I am overweight. I do not eat fast foods, but probably eat too much food with sugar as a significant content. I mention all this because I believe that food, eating an dietary disorders are often connected with other psychological issues, such as hoarding, depression, etc

Eating disorders are a common co-morbidity of BPD.

As a person diagnosed with BPD, i don't think I had an eating disorder so much, but more 'disordered eating'. When I was down, I stopped eating. When I was happy, I ate.....

Thank you @SarahBee for your clear definition of Eating Disorders so that I can compare and contrast it with Disordered Eating.

Hi @Gammy ,

I can hear your pain and your struggles with your weight and body image. It must be so difficult to carry around those feelings of shame. Do you have any supports in place? Here with you

I agree with you @HenryX .

Perhaps that's why our gut is often referred to as the '2nd brain'? What we eat or don't eat can really affect our mental health.

Thanks @BPDSurvivor in hindsight I know my family did the best they could with the information they had at the time.

@BlueBay
Unfortunately, bingeeating isn't spoken about which means many people don't understand and there are many misconceptions about the disorder. Early in my recovery journey, I didn't tell anyone until I felt comfortable doing so. And I only told the people I really wanted to as well, not everyone needs to know if you don't want them to. It's about you and how comfortable you are I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with your body image at the moment, I know how tough it is

Yes @RedHorse . That's a good point. As a child, MH was taboo. We never spoke about it nor revealed we had any MH issues. To have a MH condition was highly stigmatised. I'm glad things are beginning to shift now.

I wish my parents (and many others) had more awareness surrounding MH.

@SarahBee You mentioned that eating disorders can impact any person. This year’s theme for Body Image and Eating Disorder awareness week is Respecting all bodies. Question 3: What does this theme mean to you?

For the community; please feel free to share your thoughts about what the theme Respecting all bodies means to you