3 ways to get your questions answered:

Call Joanna at 604-988-5281 ext. 349
E-mail us jessieslegacy@familyservices.bc.ca

Joanna answers your questions...

Question: Do you have any suggestions to deal with the guilt my eating disorder makes me feel for having tried a ‘higher calorie’ meal that I’m not used to?

"First of all, congratulations on trying new foods!  In early recovery, it’s normal to feel guilty when challenging the “eating disorder rules”.  I once had a client describe this feeling as positive guilt — a sign that they were making progress, facing their fears, and exploring uncharted territory. Try writing down those guilty feelings.  Talk to someone … Read More" Read More



Question: What’s the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating?

"Eating disorders and disordered eating share very common symptoms but are not the same. Some common symptoms include: A preoccupation with weight and/or body shape Yo-yo dieting Overexercising Fasting and/or restricting Compulsive overeating Purging and/or laxative use While there may be some commonalities, disordered eating is made up of a range of thoughts, feelings, and … Read More" Read More



Question: Why won’t s/he just eat?

"Eating disorders are not just about food; they are far more complicated. This can be a difficult concept to grasp because it contradicts what appears to be the only problem: “If only you’d just eat something!” An eating disorder is really about gaining some kind of control in a world that, sometimes for reasons that won’t seem apparent, feels very out of control. The eating disorder becomes a coping mechanism to take some control back. Controlling the food you eat and what you will and will not take into your body can feel very powerful." Read More



Question: How do I know whether my idea of healthy eating is in fact healthy?

"While being aware of what you’re putting into your body is a good way to maintain health, your habits and attitude around eating and food should give you some insight into whether your healthy eating is truly healthy. If you find that your diet or idea of healthy eating is often interfering with your ability … Read More" Read More



Question: What role does the media play in causing eating disorders?

"We are constantly bombarded with images from the media that show us a narrow picture of what it looks like to be cool, successful, and attractive. We are exposed to these messages more than ever before — through the Internet, TV advertisements, magazines, and social media. Models, actors, and celebrities are used to portray an … Read More" Read More



Question: As a parent, how involved should I be?

"Eating disorders are a family problem, and there is growing evidence to suggest that family involvement is crucial to recovery – for everyone. " Read More



Question: Is my child’s eating disorder just a phase? Will they snap out of it at some point?

"Whether it is or not, you still don’t want to ignore the signs that are there." Read More



Question: When should I be worried?

"If your child’s eating habits change in a way that seems significant to you. For instance, s/he may begin to restrict food intake or change her diet entirely, may start skipping meals, or may begin to take meal replacement ‘shakes’ and skip meals. Or you may notice s/he now takes only half the portion s/he used to, for no good reason that you can see. Or you notice your child now cuts food up in small pieces and eats very slowly. These are just some examples." Read More



Question: Is my child’s eating disorder my fault?

"No. An eating disorder is not anyone’s fault. It’s important to remember that an eating disorder is a coping mechanism for your child to help create some control because s/he is feeling out of control. Do you need to be involved in your child’s recovery? Yes. Research increasingly points to family involvement in a child’s recovery as the single best predictor of a positive outcome. " Read More



Question: What causes someone to have an eating disorder?

"Great question! That’s a very common question when it comes to understanding eating disorders. Many wonder about the root cause and what drives people to resort to eating disorder behaviors and thinking in the first place. Eating disorders are complex and the reasons behind their development are often unique to the individual. There can be many … Read More" Read More