Eating Disorders and Self-Injury: Learn More
Eating disorders, self-injury, and mood disorders such as depression are complex. There are many different types, many causes and many treatments for each.
Below are a few carefully selected resources that we believe are well suited for the needs of young women seeking to learn more. Other areas of our website may be helpful, too.
Eating Disorder Information and Support
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
NEDA is the largest organization in the US dedicated to prevention and treatment of eating disorders and related illnesses.
Nationaleatingdisorders.org includes a directory of treatment center and outpatient providers in all 50 states and abroad. The directory also allows young women to look for support groups in their local area where they may be able to meet others who can provide encouragement and advice on recovery. Many of the providers are included also have experience helping women who self-injure.
Additionally, NEDA provides downloadable toolkits for parents, teachers, and others who need help finding treatment for a young woman who is struggling.
EatingDisorderHope is a widely respected, independent resource for information about anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other related body image and eating disorders. The site contains hundreds of articles by leading eating disorder experts, as well as information on inpatient treatment, outpatient therapy, and self-help support groups and resources nationwide.
Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders
This page on our site provides a detailed discussion of key signs and symptoms of eating disorders. There are also more specific pages dedicated to bulimia, anorexia, and other eating disorders.
To get a printable PDF of this article, click here: Eating Disorders and Self-Injury: Learn More
Information and Support for Self-Harming and Self-Injury
Self-injury.net is a supportive, recovery-oriented resource and community. It offers both information and opportunities for women to connect with others seeking to overcome urges to self-harm.
In this short interview with Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, Dr. Kimberly Dennis, MD, discusses healthy ways to talk about cutting and self-injury.
Click on the picture to watch:
http://helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm
The HelpGuide.org website provides an overview of cutting and self-injury, including links to several other resources.
Cutting, Self Injury and Self-Harming
This page within our website discusses the physical and emotional indicators of self-injury, along with the causes and effects.
Other Supportive Communities
DailyStrength.org is an online community that allows people with a variety of illnesses and diseases to share stories and seek support from others. Timberline Knolls medical Dr. Kimberly Dennis, MD, contributes a regular column and holds events to provide help in the areas of eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. While DailyStrength.org communities are not moderated, most participants are encouraging and recovery-oriented.
Despite the benefits of connecting with others in web communities, online support should never be a substitute for connecting with others in person.
12-step support groups can be found in most places across the country and also provide support online. Some examples are:
Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous (www.anorexicsandbulimicsanonymousaba.com)
Eating Disorders Anonymous (www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org)
Self-mutilators Anonymous (www.selfmutilatorsanonymous.org)
NEDA also offers a listing of support groups for both young women and parents here: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help-today/treatment-referrals.php
Educating yourself is the first step. Take some time to review each of these websites. Make notes as you go. Discuss what you learn with a trusted friend or adult.
If we can help you further, let us know.
To get a printable PDF of this article, click here: Eating Disorders and Self-Injury: Learn More
Please Note: We provide links to other outside websites when we believe they can be helpful, but Timberline Knolls cannot take responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on any website we do not control.
If you have questions or concerns about the information you find on this website or any other, seek advice from a doctor or other mental health professional. Neither TimberlineKnolls.com nor other internet sites should be used as a substitute for medical or psychiatric advice from a licensed professional.
If you are or someone you know may be in immediate danger, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.
