National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

 

 

When  I was in highschool  in the 80s (yes I just sort of gave my age away) the awareness of eating disorders seemed to be out in chatter but the truth is that perhaps while we learned about Karen Carpenter and the story that surrounded her the truth is those that suffered did it without others knowing and in the shadows of quiet.

 

Perhaps first I should tell you the story of Karen Carpenter, a famous individual who still felt threatened by the secret of eating disorder.

 

 

 

Karen Anne Carpenter was born March 2, 1950 and passed directly before her 33rd birthday February 4, 1983. Karen both sang and played drums and performed with her brother  Richard as the Carpenters. She felt the need to stay thin and suffered from anorexia nervosa. At the time there was little known about this disorder and her death was ruled heart failure due to her condition. Carpenters  death has led to increased visibility and awareness of eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Several celebrities including Princess Diana stepped out and told their own stories of suffering from eating disorders Her memory lives on in her musical talent and through the Carpenter Family Foundation.


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While that  story was out in the public news I had a friend who suffered in silence for quite some time before his parents were able to get him help. He was a heavy set kid from early on while this did not cause harm to his twin brother he  found it challenging to live inside of his body and wanted to loose weight but he went about it the wrong way. I am so happy that he was able to get help and 20+ years later tries to help those that he can.