TogetherweR Thursdays: Eating Disorders, Internet Support & the ANAMIA Study Going on NOW!

The Internet is an indispensable resource for those with chronic illnesses (mental and physical) who are isolated from people in their offline social sphere. I know this to be true personally because I am disabled and rarely leave my home. Were it not for online connections, I would be cut off from others completely in a very damaging way. In the case of eating disorder sufferers, social situations are particularly challenging because of anxiety/insecurity and also the virtually ubiquitous presence of food. Perhaps most importantly, ED's are not a socially acceptable topic (for sufferers OR people in general). There is a lot of stigma and discomfort regarding the discussion of eating disorders. Even ED sufferers who have close relationships offline (with family or friends) often voice difficulty when it comes to sharing about their ED.
How is the Internet uniquely suited to ED sufferers for garnering support?
We can connect with relative anonymity; on OUR terms; log off or not even log in when not up to it; and connect with other sufferers for support. The most compelling reason, perhaps, is that one can search for and encounter individuals who suffer with the same conditions. In an offline social sphere, people are much more hesitant to violate personal and social boundaries to share about their private plight. Here, we can find others who suffer similarly!
Okay, the dreaded issue now: ProAna Sites. Why do ED sufferers go?
Principally, to network with other sufferers! Look at the ED Tag videos on YouTube. The majority of ED sufferers answered "yes" to the question about visiting ProAna sites. We do not go because we wish to glorify or promote ED's. We go in search of connection with others who suffer similarly.
FINALLY, someone is doing a study about this! ^_^
To read more about the study and participate, go to www.anamia.fr
From their site:
Welcome / About ANAMIA

There are several websites which deal with anorexia nervosa, bulimia and not otherwise specified eating disorders (EDs). Some of these sites speak without censorship and in a non-judgemental way, thus they are referred to as "pro-ana". These websites often take the forms of discussion forums, blogs, and social networking sites offering advice. Persons living with anorexia or bulimia use them to share their everyday experiences, to engage in discussions with their peers, and to seek self-help.

Eating disorders are not easy to live with. They are not easy to explain either. That is why doctors, family members, and friends are often unaware of the motivations and behaviours of those who live with EDs.
Understanding anorexia and other EDs

The ANAMIA project aims to provide a better understanding to the friends and families of those living with anorexia nervosa, bulimia and other disorders associated with eating and body image. The research is funded by the French National Agency for Research (ANR -- Agence Nationale de la Recherche). It is not related to marketing, and it is not associated with medical institutions. The research is conducted by a team of sociologists, philosophers, economists, and computer scientists. The goal of the project is to understand how persons living with EDs develop friendships in online networks and who they talk to when they are "bummed out" or when searching for health-relevant information. The goal is to generate understanding in a non-judgemental and non-treatment oriented manner.

The survey is made up of an online questionnaire, and, for those wish to participate, an interview. To learn more about it, click on the "Join" tab and sign in.

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[AnorexiaRecovery]

thank you darling for sharing this, I hope you are well lovely, think of you often x x x x

[togetherweR]

@AnorexiaRecovery You are such a sweetheart! Thank you so much! You are always in my thoughts and prayers! How are you doing, love? I am so glad you appreciated this video. Currently the researchers are focusing primarily on European populations but they do want to hear from anyone in the world as they will be expanding the study in some months. Please pass it on if you know anyone with an ED who would be willing to participate! Much much love! XOXOX!

~anagirlempath for togetherweR

[ccc771]

you are a very brave young lady doing this good on you hope you recover soon!

[Aisana911]

Will do it xx

[AnaGirlEmpath]

Did anyone else do this? I'd love to know what you all think of this study if so! :)

[AnaGirlEmpath]

@vitaminsforbreakfast YAY! I am so glad you liked it! :) I am so glad someone is studying this issue!

Much love, sweet spirit!

~A.G.E. for TogetherweR

[vitaminsforbreakfast]

I completed it and signed up for an interview!!! It's fantastic and easy to use.