Beloved readers-- once again, this is an issue that is extremely close to my heart, and it may make some people uncomfortable. If you are triggered by any discussion regarding eating disorders, please yield. All the love. xx
I recently stumbled across something called The Hunger Blogs-- I read about these toxic "pro-ana" sites and soon was sucked deep into hours' worth of high contrast black and white photos of collarbones, hipbones, and exposed ribs. For those who are unfamiliar, "pro-ana" sites are websites that advocate anorexia. Pro-mia sites are sites that advocate bulimia. These sites consist of groups of people that are brought together because of the one thing they have in common- anorexia. People who post tips on how to keep their illness hidden. How to lose weight fast. This is what they call "thinspiration", and it made me sick to my stomach.
Thinspiration is everywhere. Sites where users can anonymously upload photos of their "journey" down the path of hell. I say that with disgust because I know exactly what those sites can do to people.
These people who run these "pro-ana" sites have attitudes that are extremely unsettling. I read a certain blog post from a certain blogger who has millions of followers all over the world. According to her, it's a "lifestyle" and she urges everyone to be the same. Posts telling her readers to embrace their sickness instead of getting help. Scrolling through the comments, mostly from girls that range from 12-16, chilled me to the bone.
"Help," pleads one. "I want to lose this weight, but I don't want my hair to fall out. Please give me tips."
"I'm 12- turning 13 soon, and I need help to keep me from eating after a long period of starvation."
"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."
These comments broke my heart. Seeing all these "perfect" girls with "perfect" bodies- that used to be all that mattered to me. How I admired their stick thin legs and their ability to just slip on those size zero jeans with ease. How they could have their feet together but thighs apart. Now, I see these "thinspo" pictures and my heart aches for them. I feel like most people don't understand the brutality of these sites. How worthless they can make one feel. How much destruction it can cause in so little time.
As people who live in the 21st century, we are all familiar with the Internet. Information regarding virtually anything is at your fingertips. Communication with people all around the world is made possible with just a simple click, teenagers go online to seek for their role models and keep up with the latest trends. And this is the heart of the problem. The influence of the internet-- and the huge role it plays in our world, is only set to grow. If pro-ana and pro-mia sites are common now, there will be more in years to come. Instead of letting these awful sites take over the virtual world, we should find ways of encouraging positive discussion of eating disorders online. People who managed to overcome these deadly sicknesses should give tips on how to survive, and how to conquer them. After all-- kind words can move mountains, am I right?
It starts with you. Please, if you or anyone you know are affected by the issues brought up in this article, reach out. You are not alone-- contact the National eating Disorder Association at 1-800-931-2237.
