Comments on: Eating Disorder Recovery: Q&A with Therese Borchard

By: Therese Borchard: Weightless: How Do You Recover From An Eating Disorder? | Healthbuzz

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:41:28 +0000

[...] different angles on this topic, and I was honored to be one of the first interviews. You may find my interview by clicking here. I have excerpted some of the questions and answers [...]

By: Overcoming Emotional Overeating: A Q&A with Stephanie Vincent | Weightless

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:13:07 +0000

[...] to speak with two women about their eating disorder recovery (you can find the interviews here and here). I hope to regularly feature Q&As with individuals who’ve recovered from eating [...]

By: Eating Disorder Recovery: Q&A with Kate Le Page | Weightless

Eating Disorder Recovery: Q&A with Kate Le Page | Weightless — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:08:51 +0000

[...] 17, 2009 Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity of talking with Therese Borchard about her recovery from an eating disorder. I hope to feature Q&As with individuals who’ve recovered from eating disorders [...]

By: Margarita Tartakovsky, MS

Margarita Tartakovsky, MS — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:57:08 +0000

Jodie, I’m so glad this resonated with you. Thank you for your comment!

And thank you for bringing up such an important question! In an ideal world, seeing a therapist would be my best recommendation. But, when that’s not feasible, turning to reputable self-help resources may be helpful.

But I’d like to ask an expert about that, and get back to you. This way, I can provide you with some specifics. Stay tuned

By: Jodie

Jodie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:29:50 +0000

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Although this made me cry with empathy and appreciation it contained a lot of valuable information.

I wonder, for your next Q&A how you would advise someone who has no access to professional help anymore… self-help, in a way.

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:06:06 +0000

Thanks so much for this. There just isn’t enough knowledge out there about eating disorders and the willingness of the media (and insurance companies) to recognize them as valid medical conditions continues to exacerbate the issue.

By: Margarita Tartakovsky, MS

Margarita Tartakovsky, MS — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:56 +0000

Deb, thank you for sharing your story. It’s important to feel confident, and it’s good you’re taking strides to do that. But I think the key is leading a healthy lifestyle, not going after quick results (though I know it’s tempting to reach for quick-fixes). And to love and respect yourself unconditionally, regardless of your size or shape, which I know is also easier said than done (but so important to work toward).

Also important is addressing your overeating. For instance, it may help to see a therapist and/or check out some resources on overcoming overeating. This website has some excellent books: http://www.overcomingovereating.com/

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:52:14 +0000

I consider myself to have an eating disorder without the typical binging and purging; fasting, etc. Mine is just basic compulsive over-eating — because I’m lonely, or bored, or whatever. To me comfort = ice cream. Period. I’ve “comforted” myself to the tune of being 60 pounds overweight.

The most obvious result of this is that I skip events because I think I don’t look good enough.

I have declined/cancelled about 5 important events in the past month, including my college homecoming – the cancelled trip will cost me $100 penalty. Why didn’t I go? Here’s what my brain has to say about that: “What will they/he/she THINK when they see what a COW I am?!?! Just LOOK at that saggy fat on your arms, LOOK at your double chin!!!!” It just goes on and on. That’s my internal dialogue. Sucks. I’ve taken matters into my own hand and have started eating smaller portions and exercising 4 days a week. I want instant results. However, I’m determined to un-hide myself and become proud of my choice to be more disciplined — resulting in a fit, toned body and clothes that I wear and feel confident in.

By: Margarita Tartakovsky, MS

Margarita Tartakovsky, MS — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:51:44 +0000

Thank you, Hannah, for your comment! There are many misconceptions about eating disorders (and body image), one of which is that eating disorders automatically disappear after your teenage years or early 20s. However, many women continue to struggle in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

Weight loss gets associated with so many positive things, even if you’ve lost weight after having the flu, it’s still viewed as a nice bonus.

I’m sorry that someone didn’t recognize that you were hurting. Many times, we’re so focused on appearances (i.e., if you’re losing weight, clearly you’re doing well) and being agreeable, that we neglect to look beyond. I loved the last paragraph, too. I’m thrilled that Therese was able to do the interview! Hearing others’ stories is important.

By: hannah

hannah — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:32:45 +0000

Thank you for the interview and for putting a little information out there that goes beyond the ‘distressed teenage girl’ trope that I, now a grown woman, have become somewhat tired of. Eating, maintaining relationships and daily structure, accepting oneself, these are things that are good for all of us and applicable to every age.

Most of all, however, I heart the last paragraph: “But you must look beyond the homework and extracurricular activities. You have to look straight into their eyes, and ask yourself if there is a sadness there.” I wish someone had done that for me; instead, far too often when I tried to hint at my problems (I mean, it’s not as if you didn’t know that what you’re doing is, on some level, insane) I got the very opposite: “But you’re doing great. You accomplish so much. And you’re losing weight!” As if that last point was the ultimate clue of how awesome you are.

So thanks. I hope lots are going to read this.