My good friend June Alexander asked me to post this on my blog for her, and I'm very happy to do so!


Ever felt misunderstood? Share your experience in ‘ED says U said’


Eating disorders are about much more than food. Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder invade every aspect of a person’s thinking, sense of self, behavior and relationships. The impact goes beyond the person with the eating disorder (commonly referred to as ‘ED’) – to every loved one in their family and friendship circle. And family and friends have great difficulty knowing the right words to say.


International author June Alexander (A Girl Called Tim, My Kid is Back, A Collaborative Approach to Eating Disorders) and fellow eating disorder survivor Cate Sangster are contracted to write a new and innovative book, ED says U said, to address this communication confusion. 


Eating disorder thoughts play havoc with communication throughout the course of an eating disorder: 


• From the emergence of signs that something might be wrong;
• During diagnosis and treatment;
• And through recovery.


Family members, friends and healthcare providers, and people suffering the illness, often feel misunderstood.


ED says U said will present twitter-style conversations between eating disorder sufferers, their loved ones and healthcare providers – and explain how the eating disorder has influenced the interpretation.  Simple, well-intentioned conversation like “you are looking so well” can be wildly misunderstood in the mind of an eating disorder sufferer – the response bewildering the person who says it. ED says U said will help break down these language barriers and defuse ED’s interference.


Importantly, examples of misunderstandings are being sourced from ED sufferers and survivors, their siblings, parents, partners, carers and friends. Everyone is invited to contribute. The authors seek anecdotes on moments when a communication breakdown has occurred. The only requirement is that the anecdotes are short – around 100 words. Submissions selected for inclusion in ED says U said will be anonymous to maintain the privacy of all concerned.


Eating disorders do not discriminate. They can develop in anyone regardless of gender, age, race, socioeconomic or employment status. Anorexia is the most deadly mental illness; up to 20 per cent of those with chronic anorexia will die. Additionally, the incidence of suicide in those affected is up to 32 times higher than the average.


ED says U said provides an opportunity for families, sufferers and survivors to contribute their experience in understanding the language of eating disorders.


Send anecdotes to: june@junealexander.com no later than March 30, 2012. For more information visit www.junealexander.com/2012/02/untwisting-eating-disorder-talk