TET: Everything Is A Metaphor

[Lordieth]

The media doesn't help. It's all so warped. Then there's those "thinspiration" sites. Just the thought of them makes me feel slightly ill. It's so unnatural.

Pro-Ana sites should be outlawed. Nothing good can possibly come from them.

Nothing rarely does. It promotes ill mental health, it makes it seem acceptable when it isn't. I think size-zero modelling should be gone as well. At least in sense that it's being perceived as the epitome of beauty and style. What a load of nonsense. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl with a natural, healthy figure.

[Immoren]

Well, too thin is if you look like you are anorexic.

There's no such thing as "looking anorexic."
And even if there was, I am incapable of drawing the line at what "looks anorexic."

[Stagnant Axon Terminal]

Sense of community. Sense of worth. Almost every single one of those websites encourage recovery, but just happen to not judge those who aren't ready for it. They do more good than they do harm.

How can they possibly encourage recovery when they advocate unhealthy weight?

They don't advocate unhealthy weight, in fact 99% of the members on those websites encourage their friends to seek treatment. The thing is, they aren't going to sit there and tell someone "No, that's wrong, you're doing it wrong"
Why? Because they know that that will do nothing but encourage suicide.
So, instead they need those communities to get away from everyone telling them that they are doing bad things, they need someone to tell them, "I love you. I'm not judging you."

[Stagnant Axon Terminal]

There's no such thing as "looking anorexic."
And even if there was, I am incapable of drawing the line at what "looks anorexic."

Oh, okay, you don't look anorexic until all your flesh has rotted off.

[Lordieth]

How can they possibly encourage recovery when they advocate unhealthy weight?

They don't advocate unhealthy weight, in fact 99% of the members on those websites encourage their friends to seek treatment. The thing is, they aren't going to sit there and tell someone "No, that's wrong, you're doing it wrong"
Why? Because they know that that will do nothing but encourage suicide.
So, instead they need those communities to get away from everyone telling them that they are doing bad things, they need someone to tell them, "I love you. I'm not judging you."

That does kind of sound like group-enabling. Support is one thing, but at the same time the truth is harsh, and if you are unwell you need to face that. When I think of thinspiration sites, it's of these horrible images people post to inspire everyone not to eat that next meal. Not of a group of people supporting one another. I'd like make a distinction between that, and an actual help group. Help groups good. Thinspiration bad.

[Gallade]

They don't advocate unhealthy weight, in fact 99% of the members on those websites encourage their friends to seek treatment. The thing is, they aren't going to sit there and tell someone "No, that's wrong, you're doing it wrong"
Why? Because they know that that will do nothing but encourage suicide.
So, instead they need those communities to get away from everyone telling them that they are doing bad things, they need someone to tell them, "I love you. I'm not judging you."

That does kind of sound like group-enabling. Support is one thing, but at the same time the truth is harsh, and if you are unwell you need to face that. When I think of thinspiration sites, it's of these horrible images people post to inspire everyone not to eat that next meal. Not of a group of people supporting one another. I'd like make a distinction between that, and an actual help group. Help groups good. Thinspiration bad.

That's much more coherent than anything I would have typed. Everyone pretend I typed that.

[Lordieth]

That does kind of sound like group-enabling. Support is one thing, but at the same time the truth is harsh, and if you are unwell you need to face that. When I think of thinspiration sites, it's of these horrible images people post to inspire everyone not to eat that next meal. Not of a group of people supporting one another. I'd like make a distinction between that, and an actual help group. Help groups good. Thinspiration bad.

That's much more coherent than anything I would have typed. Everyone pretend I typed that.

I'll let you claim partial credit. Just because it's you.

[R the Zombie]

Sense of community. Sense of worth. Almost every single one of those websites encourage recovery, but just happen to not judge those who aren't ready for it. They do more good than they do harm.

How can they possibly encourage recovery when they advocate unhealthy weight?

Maybe get a nutritionist?

[Stagnant Axon Terminal]

They don't advocate unhealthy weight, in fact 99% of the members on those websites encourage their friends to seek treatment. The thing is, they aren't going to sit there and tell someone "No, that's wrong, you're doing it wrong"
Why? Because they know that that will do nothing but encourage suicide.
So, instead they need those communities to get away from everyone telling them that they are doing bad things, they need someone to tell them, "I love you. I'm not judging you."

That does kind of sound like group-enabling. Support is one thing, but at the same time the truth is harsh, and if you are unwell you need to face that. When I think of thinspiration sites, its of these horrible images people post to inspire everyone not to eat that next meal. Not of a group of people supporting one another. I'd like make a distinction between that, and an actual help group. Help groups good. Thinspiration bad.

Banning pro-ana/thinspo sites will lead to one outcome and one outcome alone: They will have to go through this alone. They will have to hide it more, and they will fall deeper into depression because they will struggle to find people to connect with. Banning pro-ana sites and communities will only tell them, "you are disgusting, you cant be seen." It will encourage their suicides, and they will not have the supportive people who tell them, "We love you and we aren't judging you. Seek help when ready."
Banning those communities will not get them to seek help more readily or more quickly. In fact, it will likely do the exact opposite.

Until you have lived with significant mental illness or an eating disorder, don't try to think you know what is best for them.

[Gallade]

That's much more coherent than anything I would have typed. Everyone pretend I typed that.

I'll let you claim partial credit. Just because it's you.

Oh stop it, you charmer.

How can they possibly encourage recovery when they advocate unhealthy weight?

Maybe get a nutritionist?

Dietician. Nutritionists are up there with homeopathists and tooth technicians.

[Thafoo]

http://i.imgur.com/3xhllIe.png
^_^

tofumusics

[Lordieth]

That does kind of sound like group-enabling. Support is one thing, but at the same time the truth is harsh, and if you are unwell you need to face that. When I think of thinspiration sites, its of these horrible images people post to inspire everyone not to eat that next meal. Not of a group of people supporting one another. I'd like make a distinction between that, and an actual help group. Help groups good. Thinspiration bad.

Banning pro-ana/thinspo sites will lead to one outcome and one outcome alone: They will have to go through this alone. They will have to hide it more, and they will fall deeper into depression because they will struggle to find people to connect with. Banning pro-ana sites and communities will only tell them, "you are disgusting, you cant be seen." It will encourage their suicides, and they will not have the supportive people who tell them, "We love you and we aren't judging you. Seek help when ready."
Banning those communities will not get them to seek help more readily or more quickly. In fact, it will likely do the exact opposite.

Until you have lived with significant mental illness or an eating disorder, don't try to think you know what is best for them.

I'm certainly not advocating isolating sufferers. I myself have visited help forums in the past for various reasons, and I know of their value. I also know how dangerous they can be, because they're unregulated, and not all the people who visit them want to seek help. They seek affirmation, and this can make the problem much worse, as it can trivialise and even make it seem normal.

Banning is certainly not the way to go. A properly moderated community where people can seek help is one thing. A refuge for your illness is another thing entirely, and all too often sites like this can harbour very ill individuals who want nothing more than for others to share in their illness.

Don't get me wrong. I am very much in favour of support and being able to share with those who understand what you're going through the most, but you have to be careful that you are getting support, rather than further reconciling the notion that this is in any way healthy or normal behavior, and should in any way be taken for granted.

[Ethel mermania]

That does kind of sound like group-enabling. Support is one thing, but at the same time the truth is harsh, and if you are unwell you need to face that. When I think of thinspiration sites, its of these horrible images people post to inspire everyone not to eat that next meal. Not of a group of people supporting one another. I'd like make a distinction between that, and an actual help group. Help groups good. Thinspiration bad.

Banning pro-ana/thinspo sites will lead to one outcome and one outcome alone: They will have to go through this alone. They will have to hide it more, and they will fall deeper into depression because they will struggle to find people to connect with. Banning pro-ana sites and communities will only tell them, "you are disgusting, you cant be seen." It will encourage their suicides, and they will not have the supportive people who tell them, "We love you and we aren't judging you. Seek help when ready."
Banning those communities will not get them to seek help more readily or more quickly. In fact, it will likely do the exact opposite.

Until you have lived with significant mental illness or an eating disorder, don't try to think you know what is best for them.

letting the mentaly ill decide what is best for themselves is a remarkably bad idea.

[Lordieth]

I'll let you claim partial credit. Just because it's you.

Oh stop it, you charmer.

As if you don't enjoy it.

[Ethel mermania]

I'll let you claim partial credit. Just because it's you.

Oh stop it, you charmer.

Maybe get a nutritionist?

Dietician. Nutritionists are up there with homeopathists and tooth technicians.

depends, for diabetics, folks with chron's disease, or other metabolic food disorders, dietians and nutricians can be useful.

[New North Aqmuland]

http://i.imgur.com/3xhllIe.png
^_^

tofumusics

What site is this?

[Thafoo]

http://i.imgur.com/3xhllIe.png
^_^

tofumusics

What site is this?

http://www.last.fm/

it pairs with spotify

[Gallade]

Banning pro-ana/thinspo sites will lead to one outcome and one outcome alone: They will have to go through this alone. They will have to hide it more, and they will fall deeper into depression because they will struggle to find people to connect with. Banning pro-ana sites and communities will only tell them, "you are disgusting, you cant be seen." It will encourage their suicides, and they will not have the supportive people who tell them, "We love you and we aren't judging you. Seek help when ready."
Banning those communities will not get them to seek help more readily or more quickly. In fact, it will likely do the exact opposite.

Until you have lived with significant mental illness or an eating disorder, don't try to think you know what is best for them.

letting the mentaly ill decide what is best for themselves is a remarkably bad idea.

Exactly. I see the benefits of support groups, I really do, but I would never listen to the words of a non-medical professional over a doctor. Take my manic depression. A fellow sufferer advising me to take half dosages would be a terrible idea.

I agree with Stagnant to a point, though. Something like anorexia isn't really talked about, so sufferers may need that support, which I didn't consider. There should be a heavy emphasis on encouraging members to seek medical attention, however.

[Stagnant Axon Terminal]

Banning pro-ana/thinspo sites will lead to one outcome and one outcome alone: They will have to go through this alone. They will have to hide it more, and they will fall deeper into depression because they will struggle to find people to connect with. Banning pro-ana sites and communities will only tell them, "you are disgusting, you cant be seen." It will encourage their suicides, and they will not have the supportive people who tell them, "We love you and we aren't judging you. Seek help when ready."
Banning those communities will not get them to seek help more readily or more quickly. In fact, it will likely do the exact opposite.

Until you have lived with significant mental illness or an eating disorder, don't try to think you know what is best for them.

I'm certainly not advocating isolating sufferers. I myself have visited help forums in the past for various reasons, and I know of their value. I also know how dangerous they can be, because they're unregulated, and not all the help who visit them want to seek help. They seek affirmation, and this can make the problem much worse, as it can trivialise and even make it seem normal.

Banning is certainly not the way to go. A properly moderated community where people can seek help is one thing. A refuge for your illness is another thing entirely, and all too often sites like this can harbour very ill individuals who want nothing more than others to share in their illness.

Don't get me wrong. I am very much in favour of support and being able to share with those who understand what you're going through the most, but you have to be careful that you are getting support, rather than further reconciling the notion that this is in any way healthy or normal behavior and in any way taken for granted.

Once again, the mind of those who have eating disorders is very often much different than yours. A lot of them aren't ready for help, and they should not be forced into isolation because of it. And regardless of what you may think, I know from a first hand experience, forcing someone into therapy or forcing someone into treatment will only make the problem worse.
I was forced into treatment a little over a year ago, and even though it wasn't for disordered eating, it still had the same consequence. I sank lower and lower into alcoholism and self-harm after I was released. I attempted suicide because someone else decided they knew what was best for me and took away the community I had.
And I have done a lot of work with people who suffer from eating disorders (hell I'm a disordered eater myself). Those who have been forced into "recovery" almost always go back to their routine harder than ever before.

And even if you aren't suggesting they we force them into treatment, you are still saying that if they want a community to talk to, it has to be your ideal or a community. But the thing is, the only ones who would want to join those communities are the ones who are already seeking help. Which means that those who aren't seeking help are alone, have no one to communicate with, and have no support from others like them.

[Liberonscien]

That moment when you go somewhere in your house at night and don't bother with the light switch, then end up in a really dark part of the house where your best course of action is to just press onward and flail blindly for the lightswitch located in the darkness, instead of turning back and turning it on from the light side of the house, and then you bang your shin.
Fucking light switches man. Need some clapper lights, but i'm afraid it'd become a disco show whenever i'm masturbating.

lol is that PG-13?

[Liberonscien]

Well, too thin is if you look like you are anorexic.

There's no such thing as "looking anorexic."
And even if there was, I am incapable of drawing the line at what "looks anorexic."

Bones are showing.

[Gallade]

Oh stop it, you charmer.

Dietician. Nutritionists are up there with homeopathists and tooth technicians.

depends, for diabetics, folks with chron's disease, or other metabolic food disorders, dietians and nutricians can be useful.

The problem with nutritionists is that anybody can say they are one. I could advise you to eat more fibre and call myself a nutritionist. Dieticians are the qualified ones.

[Stagnant Axon Terminal]

There's no such thing as "looking anorexic."
And even if there was, I am incapable of drawing the line at what "looks anorexic."

Bones are showing.

Her collar bones are showing.

[Liberonscien]

That does kind of sound like group-enabling. Support is one thing, but at the same time the truth is harsh, and if you are unwell you need to face that. When I think of thinspiration sites, it's of these horrible images people post to inspire everyone not to eat that next meal. Not of a group of people supporting one another. I'd like make a distinction between that, and an actual help group. Help groups good. Thinspiration bad.

That's much more coherent than anything I would have typed. Everyone pretend I typed that.

Didn't you type that?

[Liberonscien]

Banning pro-ana/thinspo sites will lead to one outcome and one outcome alone: They will have to go through this alone. They will have to hide it more, and they will fall deeper into depression because they will struggle to find people to connect with. Banning pro-ana sites and communities will only tell them, "you are disgusting, you cant be seen." It will encourage their suicides, and they will not have the supportive people who tell them, "We love you and we aren't judging you. Seek help when ready."
Banning those communities will not get them to seek help more readily or more quickly. In fact, it will likely do the exact opposite.

Until you have lived with significant mental illness or an eating disorder, don't try to think you know what is best for them.

letting the mentaly ill decide what is best for themselves is a remarkably bad idea.

Exactly.