Have a disorder? Build a web site - Part Two - Eating Disorders

Leonard Holmes, Ph.D.                      http://mentalhealth.about.com

Welcome to part two of the series on consumer sites in mental health. We have discussed the stigma surrounding Depression and other mental disorders. There is less stigma, it seems, among the wired computer-literate generation. Much of the web is autobiographical, and many people's biography includes a diagnosis. These sites are conceived to help others. There is information to help fellow consumers/patients, information for friends and family members, and information for the general public.

In this series several of these sites will be featured on About.com. As always, you will have the assistance of your guide as we explore the sites, but you will also be free to explore them yourself.

Eating Disorders

Something Fishy's Eating Disorders Site is created by Amy Fishy, a self-described "Computer Graphics Artist, Webpage Designer, Something Fishy Website and Eating Disorder Website owner and administrator, illustrator and artist, writer and musician (piano and guitar)." She has also suffered from an eating disorder. Her site includes comprehensive information about eating disorders and their treatment. A memorial page includes a candle for each person who died of an eating disorder.

The 1997 version of the site had a section called "Help Caron," which is an example of the grass roots work that this site has done over the years.  Help Caron began:

I received this letter from a young woman, who even though she is suffering with an Eating Disorder herself, wants desperately to reach out and help a friend who is dying from Anorexia... I did my best to answer as many of her questions that I could, personally, but I also promised I'd help in any other way I can... this is the best way I know how. All she asks is for some advice and/or support from someone who understands. (Something Fishy's Eating Disorders Site, 1997)

Information about Caron's battle with eating disorders is still available in the site.

Much of the content on the site is created by people with eating disorders. The site includes poems by consumers, and articles written by professionals and consumers. 

A sister site Eating Disorders Mirror, Mirror exists in Canada with similar information. This site is developed by Colleen Thompson who also suffers from an eating disorder. Both sites share a common banner, and together are known as Eating Disorders Shared Awareness.

Colleen's site does not have the snazzy graphics of Something Fishy's site, but the content is excellent. The focus is on practical information such as Relapse Warning Signs and Alternatives to Bingeing/Purging.

Both of these sites are excellent resources for persons with eating disorders. The webmasters of both sites make no claim to being "cured" from their disorder, but they share their experiences to help others. One of the benefits of support groups in the real world is to help people realize that they are not alone. These sites serve a similar purpose in cyberspace.

Coming up:
Dissociative Disorders
Bipolar Disorder

Leonard Holmes, Ph.D.                      http://mentalhealth.about.com

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Graphic used by permission of Amy Fishy.