Members of Men With Eating Disorders at Yahoo Groups,

I thought that you would be interested in what I Posted to my Online Eating
Disorders Support Group at AOL.


Erika


1-866-840-3391



Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters of EDSA,

I want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving (2006)! I know that the
holidays are not the easy time of year for those struggling directly and
indirectly with eating disorders (e/d). I have been there myself so I do
completely
understand that you are probably freaking out about all of the food that is
going to be involved. Just do the best that you can. Parents, family
members, loved ones', and, friends of those who are watching and also
struggling
indirectly with your children, family members, loved ones', and, friends that
you yourselves are also freaking out in you own way beacuse of their eating
disorders (e/d) I want you to try and take it easy. Try not to fight with your
children (all ages and both sexes), family members, loved ones', and,
friends, if they do not want to eat or only want to eat a little let that be.
Try
to stay away from the issue of food. I know how difficult that can be. By
now, most if not all of you should know that food is not the sole reason/root
cause for eating disorders. I know what I am asking of you to do is much
easier said than done. You should also know by now that eating disorders
effects the entire family. I want to let all of you know that you may always
call
me anytime (including holidays) if you are freaking out about food, or you
as a parents, family members, friends, loved ones' and you feel like you are
going to "loose it," stressed to the max, etc., that you may also call me.
This is a day that I want all of you to just be thankful that your children,
family members, friends, and, loved ones' who are there with you during this
years Thanksgiving. Sadly, so many people have died due to complications of
their eating disorders and they are not going to be together in the present
sense with their children, family members, loved ones', and friends. However,
they are with you in memory and always will be. For those of you who's
children, family members, loved ones', and friends have died due to
complications
of this disease please know that I am hear to speak with you too. If you
have children, family members, friends, and, loved ones' who are spending this
Thanksgiving in a hospital or a treatment center do not forgot about them.
It can be a very lonely and scary place spending a holiday(s) with strangers.
Again, try not to mention food or weight loss or weight gain. The bottom
line is just letting them know how much you love them no matter if you are
spending this Thanksgiving together at home or at a hospital, or at treatment
center. I would like to request that you please light a candle in memory of
all the people who have died due to complications of this disease. No one is
"bothering me" if you call. Okay? The toll-free telephone number is
1-866-840-3391. If for whatever reason you happen to get the voice mail please
leave a message with a return telephone number, and the best time to return
your
call.


You are NOT alone unless you want to be!

With Continuous Support and Advocacy Always,

Erika Stewart, Founder of EDSA, Consultant, Advocate, Recovered Anorexic and
Bulimic

EDSA: _etspprt@..._ (mailto:etspprt@...)

_Assertivewoman1@..._ (mailto:Assertivewoman1@...) (Primary e-mail
address)

and


Lynda Lutz, RN (Phyc Nurse, etc.), Cofounder of EDSA, Consultant, and,
Advocate

_Fenderstratg1968@..._ (mailto:Fenderstratg1968@...) (Primary
e-mail address)







"Changes are scary, but life changes. Thus, we change, grow, and become
stronger. However, we can't do it alone so we need people who will help us,
love
us, and support us along our journey." - Erika Stewart,







"Never doubt that a thoughtful group of citizen's can change the world.
Indeed,
it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead,

"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." - Eleanor
Roosevelt,

A Man of quality is NOT threatened by a woman of equality." and,


"Let's Roll!" - Todd M. Beamer, Passenger & Hero on UA (United Airlines)
Flt. #93 on 9/11/2001











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