Pro Ana – New Anorexic Cult (Explicit!)
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First, I apologise for the explicitness of the photo’s in this article, but I really want people to see the seriousness of the impact Pro Ana websites are having on young people. If you do not want to be disturbed, please close this page now.
Pro Ana websties promote Anorexia Nervosa - They urge children/teenagers to celebrate anorexia as a lifestyle rather than a disorder and they are growing fast. A lot of petitions for them to be banned or closed down are now being made and I personally think the government should intervene. The Royal College of Psychiatrists have urged action to tackle Pro ana Websites Danger - Press Release 18/09/09
(Anorexia is an eating disorder. it is also a psychological disorder. It goes beyond out-of-control dieting. The individual continues the endless cycle of dieting/losing weight often to a point close to starvation in order to feel a sense of control over the body).
I searched for one of these Websites, which are hard to find but after nearly half an hour, I finally found one. It was shocking. This website gave all the motivation you could ever need to look thin - backed up with hundreds of diets (food diets, different types of fasting, medicines to buy on-line to be thin and lots of photo’s of thin people which they called “thinspiration”. I have not posted the link here, incase this article is read by teens who are searching for such websites.
I do not want to write much on this but would like to bring the latest Anorexia issue to people’s attention. If you hear about it or see someone who is interested in it, please discourage them. Also, please note it affects both boys and girls.
Anorexia kills.
What really sent shivers through me was the prayer below (which is why I put cult in my title). Please read and notice how youngsters are being lured psychologically into being thin. It seems like a Death Prayer to me.
Dear Ana:
I offer you my soul, my heart and my bodily functions. I give you all my earthly possessions.
I seek your wisdom, your faith and your feather weight. I pledge to obtain the ability to float, to lower my weight to the single digits, I pledge to stare into space, to fear food, and to see obese images in the mirror. I will worship you and pledge to be a faithful servant until death does us part.
If I cheat on you and procreate with Ronald McDonald, Dave Thomas, the colonel or that cute little dog. I will kneel over my toilet and thrust my fingers deep in my throat and pray for your forgiveness.
Please Ana, don't give up on me. I'm so weak, I know, but only you with your strength inside me will I become a woman worthy of love and respect. I'm begging for you not to give up, I'm pleading with my shallow breathes and my pale skin. I bleed for you, suffer leg pains, headaches and fainting spells.
Today, I renew our friendship and resolve to be faithful to you year long, life long. I begin each year with a 3 day fast in honor of you. If you give me the strength to fade away I will love you and worship you forever.
Love Always, Amanda. (insert your own name in place of mine)
Anorexic People want to look like skinny Celebrities
Being Anorexic - Signs to look out for.
- They have a rapid, drastic weight loss in such a short period of time.
- The person only likes to eat low fat food or food with low calories. They tend to have an obsession of calories and are always counting their calorie in-take. They might even keep a food diary.
- They play with their food or hide it. They avoid eating and sometimes excuse themselves from eating. They also tend to throw up after eating. If the person lives with family, they might hide their food under the pretence that they are going to eat in their bedroom.
- Always criticizes the body when standing infront of a mirror. They are never thin enough and refuse to believe they have problems with their body weight.
- They may use diet pills or laxatives etc.
- Too much exercise that can be gruelling or punishing.
- Reading a lot on weight loss or visiting websites that promote unhealthy ways to lose weight.
- Often feeling cold, feeling dizzy and having headaches.
- Low self esteem. It’s a pity that in the West, being slim is considered being beautiful and slim celebrities also contribute as youngsters want to look like them.
•*¨*•✩✬ 101 Anorexia Affirmations http://www.inspiringtalk.com/anorexia-support
PS. You have to be very observant, as they are good at hiding symptoms. Example, a person who throws up in the toilet after a meal, could leave the tap running in the bathroom, so you don’t hear them while they stick their fingers in their throat and throw up.
Thanks for reading and I hope we can all help to support.
**Help for Anorexia
Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Care4Anorexics (an account I set up in May 2010 to share lots of useful info, encouragement and inspiration - for people who want to beat Anorexia).
.
Useful Websites:
EatingDisorders ~ Inspiring Stories •*¨*•✩✬
http://www.b-eat.co.uk/AboutEatingDisorders/SurvivorsStories
- Anorexia / Eating Disorders - Positive Affirmations
This is part 2 of my Hub: Pro Ana – New Anorexic Cult (Explicit), written to help support those who are fighting Anorexia. Transform your life through affirmations Affirmations are positive statements....
CommentsLoading...
I had not heard about these sites. Thanks for opening my eyes. This phenomenon is akin to sites celebrating chemical dependency, gambling addiction or cutting. Sick.
Thanks for the great and very sensitively handled hub.
I was afraid to read this hub because of my experience with it after my breakup. It is very sad. There are still things I deal with in regards to my eating habits, but you get better. Thank you for posting, it is very hard to hide anorexia, more need to be done for awareness of this horrible disease. Fantastic information.
These are frightening images, equally frightening is the prayer. This looks more like a suicide cult than a be thin cult. The prayer seems demonic. Thanks for the research that you did on it. I am glad that you did not give the website. Great hub.
The images are scary, yet very real. These sites are scary and real and I wish they could be shut down. Great information.
OMG!!! This is horrible and I’m glad you did this piece on Anorexia…I did not realize it was still such a big problem. Informative article with pictures that prove just how far someone will go to be pencil thing…You know what they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
Thanks for your comments everyone. It is saddening to know that this is going on. I wish the Government could pass a Law to ban these sites. Thanks again. E.
this is very good info. being someone who has battled eating disorders in the past. eating disorders are like addictions,once an alcoholic always an alcoholic.you have to stay mindful of it.i can only hope that these people see what they are doing for what it is and find the trigger that started it in order to turn it off.
Lady_E I am simply dumbfounded. I guess I have always assumed the people at large would want to help and not harm
This is just awful and I had heard about this on a TV show. We really must be aware and help these poor girls. The sites are linking celebs who have no idea about it. Thankyou for bringing this very important subject up in a hub.
Thanks Loveofnight, I'm glad you overcame it. :)
Cheers Coffeesnob, sadly, people are just finding ways to make money from it.
Thanks Helen - Yes, it was aired on TV about 2 weeks ago. Actually, you are right about celebrities not knowing. Some of them are naturally slim, but Pro Ana Websites still use them as a source of "thinspiration".
very sad when man loses even simplest logic about life & happiness
Anorexia nervousa is quite distinct from Anorexia. Whereas, the former-in its extreme-could be very dangerous, the latter is a medical situation that is beyond the range of control of the victim. The negative impact of the former is well extablished in your article, so that am surprise to see that bony entity that questions the reason behind it. Very nice topic to engage in.
Seems like anorexia is a real concern for us.I don't understand why Gov't does not take any action against the sites promoting anorexia.Images are really horrifying and remind me of famine pictures.Thanks lady_E for this important information.
Lady E
You did an excellent job here! It is quite sad as well as disturbing that someone could be so hurt and want control so bad that they would literally starve themselves to death. The self deception is they think that helps them to be beautiful. LOrd help them!
I wrote a hub on this as well. I wanted to bring Anorexia to the forefront. Everytime I see any of those pictures it is like walking death. It is unbearable an makes me nauseated!
You have done a wonderful job of exposing a horrific disease! Thank you. I pray that many are helped by this. Again very difficult subject but very well presented!
Blessings
Thanks Turguman, James (I really wish I knew where you are from :), Andromida and Deborrah. Appreciate your comments and hope when you find such people you can help them.
Cheers DeBorrah, I will look for your Hub and insert it in my page.
Regards, E.
I couldn't help but laugh. You mean in this modern age, people could be deceived to become walking corps. Too bad. It is not funny. No wonder the Bible says that my people perish for lack of knowledge. Ignorance is a sickness on its own.
Lady E, Sorry you missed the HubMob. I just wanted to drop by with my support of your great hub.
it is a malady that has to be stopped. it's okay to be thin but not anorexic thin. it churns my stomach to see such pictures and i heard that these women (and men?) see themselves as fat when they are not. more a mental issue to me.
Thanks Philipo, hopefully knowledge will eventually get round to them and set them free.
Cheers Rmcrayne - That is so very sweet of you. Much appreciated. I'm gonna look in my Crystal ball in preparation for the next Hub to make sure it fits into the next HubMob. lol :)
Hi Bingskee - you are right. It is a mental issue but thankfully, one that can be treated.
Cheers everyone. :)
The crazy things some young people do in this world is just shocking,and that prayer is insane,I think they actually believe they have some good reward to gain by doing that to them selves,which so sad,really!
Thanks for an informative and noteworthy hub Lady_E!
Shocking pictures Lady_E. It just puzzles me why women (and men) can do this. And in the end, some of them pays the ultimate prize with their lives. Maybe you can also write a hub on people who died because of this. Great hub and thanks for publishing it. =)
Thanks for your comments Waren. They are sort of blinded by reality, but hopefully will snap out of it. Thanks for dropping by.
Cheers Emievil - It puzzles me too. I guess we really need to know what's going on inside their heads. As for the Hub you suggested, I wish I could but it would be very depressing - so I'll pass. Good Idea, though.
Ps. that must be your niece. She's cute. :)
Shocking pictures, I agree that those sites should be banned.
Anorexia is not a fashion, it is not cool, it is a disease, it kills; it should be taken seriously. It is scary to find things like that prayer because our daughters could be praying that and if we are not prepare for it we will not be able to help them.
That's true Princessa. Thanks for your comments, lovely to read from you. :)
Really interesting article and warning pictures. Great!
Unfortunately the problem is the cultural pattern which is hard to put down.
I agree with you, that sounded like a death prayer.
Thanks for your comments Chiara. You are right, its a Cultural Pattern.
Cheers Eternal Evolution. Yes! A Death Prayer, that will hopefully not be answered. Thanks/
Well you know, these girls do have the freedom of speech and press. It isn't following the constitution to close down their sites, and if they are closed down, it could cause a huge disruption.
Good Hub. Did one similar a while back ( http://hubpages.com/hub/Pro--Ana--Pro--Mia--Thinsp ) and you should see now some of the commentators have simply weighed in with their defence of these extremely pernicious sites! It IS scary.
Thanks Olivia, so I take it this means you do not support that these websites be banned....
Cheers Reena, I'm glad you have written a similar article. The more awareness, the better. :)
A very informative Hub. It's not only the websites you meantion which need to be shut down, I think there should be certain reglations on diet programs and the marketing of them. They are promoted in every single Women's Magazine. If you have a problem with your weight and can't solve it yourself, you should be encouraged to seek medical advice instead.
This hub is amazing LadyE. I am appalled well no I guess I am not that teens are 'thininspired inspired. OMG. I pray for the ones affected by this illness. You workded very hard on this hub and it is very well written. I applaud you for shaing the information as you have. God works through you to reach others. Blessings my friend. I have some news I will email you. My Love and Best to you. your friend.
Thanks Strickly - I agree, some regulations need to be put in place to save lives. Nice to hear from you. :)
Hello Sky2day, nice to read from you again. Thanks for your comments. I like your new Avatar. Will be in touch again soon. Best Wishes. :)
This is so sad, it is not only about food, these people really need help. to extort anorexia is sickening. Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attenti0n.
dori
Thanks for sharing this, the pictures are disturbing but, the film, magazine and fashion industry actively encourages this kind of behaviour. I am one who knows of this disturbing situation and have spoken out in many forums against the exploitation of our young ladies in the name of fashion among other things. We then labeled the bony, skinny, under weight girls, super models, link it to the desire of men, what young women should aspire to, and as the ideal state of womanhood. How many more young people will die before someone take active steps to end this exploitation?
* Thanks for your comments Fortunerep. You are right they do need help, but don't realise it. Thanx for stopping.
* Cheers Kenny MG, I'm glad to read about the good stuff you do in discouraging this sort of behaviour and I'm positive it's having a positive impact on the people you are talking to.
Thanks for your comments.
I really hope that those who read this take it seriously. You have highlighted a very serious illness that is soooo dangerous and devastating for everyone touched by this disorder. Bravo for writing this!
interesting post. Hope this is a wake up call for people dealing with this problem.
Wow that's terrible. However I disagree with you comment about banning these sites. That would be a violation of free speech. Freedom of speech protect ALL speech, not just the ones you agree with.
thank you for sharing this absolutely disturbing article. As a youngster I went through this myself, though not to the extent of what is suggested here. I realize how stupid I was then and now, when I look at pictures of myself then, I was horrible looking, I want to shove a burger down the throat of that stupid 16 year I was! I hope there is a way to get these websites closed down. Teens go through enough worrying about their looks, life and other "life altering" problems. They don't need this.
Lady_E this hub is a great example of the type of quality content I love seeing posted. I am sending links out to my friends. They need to see and hear this. Thanks!
This is a very disturbing hub but very informative. It is a really serious problem that needs to be addressed. I'm so glad that you opened my eyes on this matter.
I've been quite shocked by these pictures. But that's the way truth is said. I think that money is a big factor in both overweight or underweight behavior. That is there is a lot of money involved. If we could be all fit a lot of people would loose his job.
As regards especially anorexia what's really bad for me, beside the fact that death is the sure end, is that starving to death in rich countries requires a enormous amount of will power. And wonder the height those people could reach if able to use their will power in a healthy way. My English is poor but I hope I've expressed myself well.
Great and very important hub.
** Hi Gemynii,
I'm glad you read it and hope you will be able to support anyone going through it. Nice to read from you. Thanks.
** Hola Hypnodude, I like the way you think. (also reflecting on other comments you have made). The Slimming business come to think about it, is quite big and I'm sure $millions are being made.
Also, you express yourself very well and I understand you.
Bueno? Thanks.
Well written. I mean must they dry themselves out like an ailment. This is one mind disease and a very serious issue, as more young women are everly conscious of their body weight and size. I dont see the point. While many men would eat any and every. But I'm sharing this with some friends too.
Thanks for your interesting comments Iyk.
Nice of you to share it with your friends, Regards.
While I knew of anorexia as a psychological problem I had never heard of websites avtually promoting it. How utterly sad, not to say sick.
Thanks for the headsup.
Love and peace
Tony
I can't believe website will actively promote something like this!
Hello Tony
Hello Cindy
Your comments are so similar. It's a pity that these dangerous websites are being promoted. It's another way to make lots of money, but hopefully the government will ban them all soon. Thanks for stopping. :)
this is awful, but a great hub; however, why is victoria beckham's picture on here? is she anorexic??
Thanks Yenajeon, on the Caption of her photo you will notice it has "Anorexic people want to be like skinny Celebrities". She is one of such and has prompted a lot of speculation about her health in the Press. Lovely lady, though.
Thanks for stopping.
i want to be like this :D x
Hi Shannon, it's nice to be slim, but not to the point of Anorexia. Do stay healthy. Best Wishes. :)
I've never heard of these sites, though it doesn't surprise me. Having worked as senior nurse in a private school, anorexia and bulimia almost seemd to be 'infectious' at times.
Hi Georgina
The Websites do exist but they are hard to find.
Thanks for stopping.
Hi, you have done a great job with this. Having worked with children with anorexia for 15 years, I hate the impact the internet is having on the numbers of people choosing to do anorexia. It is heartbreaking for all concerned. Well done, Kay
Hello Kay
Thanks for stopping. Well done on the work you have done with the anorexia Kids. I'm positive that you must have also instilled in them some important health truths/facts that will help them in life's Journey, so they don't return to it.
It is heartbreaking to see how the Internet is helping young and old to turn to anorexia. We just need to be observant and if we notice people with symptoms - get them help.
Best Wishes.
Hi Kay, I clicked on your name but it took me to a link outside HP. Are you on Hubpages, so I can visit your profile...
Your website is interesting but I have a feeling you are in US, so can't sign up.
Best wishes again.
This article is indeed disturbing--particularly the "prayer." You are absolutely correct to identify this web site as a cult. It is frightening to think that people would be encouraged to engage in anorexic practices.
This hub is so important and hopefully it can help encourage others to eat in a healthy way.
Mike
Hello Mike, thanks for stopping.
Scary stuff indeed. I checked my Google Analytics months ago to see what searches people did to get to my Hub. One was "sexy anorexic". It seems to float some boats.
I hope as you noted the Hub can help encourage others to eat in a healthy way.
Best Wishes.
YIKES !!!! I like a woman with meat on her bones. It is truly sad the Image that pop culture gives women to live by. One scary hub here my Lady !
Hi Tony, I'm glad you like women with meat on their bones. lol. On a serious note, I agree with you - it is sad about the Image Pop Culture and other famous people are giving. (well, some of them).
Thanks for stopping.
The death prayer was so troubling. I've been there and it is so sad that there are websites and people promoting a disease that is so negative and has such a depressing body image. Most anorexics are never satisfied and never truly happy with themselves. That is no way to live your life. This is a seriously hard disease to overcome. People should be taught at a young age to love themselves and engage in a healthy and active life style. Thanks for writing such an important hub! Rated up for sure!
Thanks theherbivorehippi - that's a great idea. Teaching the young to love themselves and engage in a healthy and active lifestyle. Parents/Guardians should do this and also it should be taught in school. The message will eventually sink in.
Thanks so much for stopping.
wow this us really... i dont'n know what to say and you're right at the same time.
im a child whit and ED since i was 9 (now im 13) and it shocking to see some of the comets because let me tell you we're not crazy we're just sick this is not somethong you chose its sometjong it just comes i really never thought i'll be where im now and honestly at this point it is torture it a fight with urself something in your head that tells you to dont do it and you are simply nnot estrong enough to say no ill do it. ifound this site because i was actually looking for a pro-ana one because they just shut down mine... i didn't went to school today because everyday im worse today i just can't walk i fait very often and if you see im just a child. i was looking for a site with other girls like me to support me and tell me it is all worth it. by luck i found this.
really good job and thanks
Hello Paola
I am so glad you shared your comments. I know that it's something that can not be controlled, which is why I am asking people to help. Please, please, please for now start to eat more, so you can be strong enough to go to school. I am going to start looking for more information to pass on to you, so you can get strong again in your body and in your mind. Also, you can email me: elena.akin@gmail.com
Paola, you have a bright future ahead of you, but you must get better to enjoy it and also, you will be able to help other young girls in that dangerous situation. Stay in touch.
Take Care.
Elena
To: Paola and any new readers who need support. I have just set up a new Twitter account for you 18 May 2010. I will be sharing/Tweeting a lot of info, which hopefully will help ease you out of the problems of Anorexia.
Don't feel bad about yourself, everyone in life has issues they have to deal with. Even Celebrities..... even me. (but I'm not a Celebrity) lol.
Best Wishes to you all - I know you'll overcome.
Be Positive. :)
Follow on: http://twitter.com/Care4Anorexics
tks! it good to know someone who doesn't judge you badly and dont worry im going into rehab again (for the 3 time XD) and i hope it helps this time i really want to be good i really need it :D ill keep in touch then add me cottonsocks_1@live.com.mx :D
and good luck w/ the twitter account
xoxo
Hi Paola,
Good luck with Rehab. Third time Lucky, I hope. I searched on cottonsocks but you didn't come up. There are 3 Followers so far, but I hope a lot of people will follow so they can have a lot of useful info Tweeted to them.
Thanks so much for visiting. I believe one day this will all be behind you and your story will encourage others.
Warmest Wishes, Elena x.
Wow this is very informative! I suffered from anerexia 2 years ago and I am fully recovered and living a very happy and healthy life. I run track at a division I college and would never have been good enough if I continued my unhealthy ways. It is so great that this website shows how dangerous eating disorders can be and the extent people will go to obtain an "ideal image"that our culture has created.
Paola, I wish you good luck with rehab and I will be praying for you and others who continue to suffer from this disease. I understand how awful having to wake up everyday and deal with this disease but I hope you can understand that we are only given one body and one life and we must make the most of it.
Keeing you in my prayers,
A southern belle and a survivor.
Hello Beachbabe
Thanks for sharing your story - I am happy for you. Great News. Also, thanks for encouraging others. Good luck with the running.
Best Wishes.
I heard about these pro anorexic sites on Law & Order but I was still trying to deny that they existed. That prayer to "Ana" is really disturbing. I understand why you call it a cult. Thanks for educating me.
Hi Kaltopsyd - I agree the prayer is disturbing. Some sites have been shut down but I still have my eyes on one (where this "prayer" came from). It's still on the web and it has lots of info encouraging people to be anorexic. If I have time, I will dig deeper and find ways to alert "the powers that be". Anorexia is ruining lives.
Thanks so much for stopping. Regards. :)
good thing you brought this up here in hubpages so that many hubbers would stumble on it and pass it to their families and friends. I agree with you Lady_E that we should all be observant for family members or friends which might likely be a candidate for any of those eating disorders. do not condemn them, instead help them to overcome this great ordeal they have to undergo.
I like your hub :)
oh my, the prayer does seem to be some kind of a cult. and the images of the ladies, geez they're all skin and bones.
** Thanks so much Lilly for your support.
Best Wishes.
** Hi Brandy, thanks for stopping. I hope you will now be able to support any people in such position. Regards.
As poet,I found the Ana Poem to be disturbing and know the deep influence this type of creativity can have on an psycologicaly impaired personna in an fallowed impressionistic manner...
True Mentalist Acer - It musy have an effect on the mind-set. Sadly, this website is still on the internet but I haven't included the link for obvious reasons.
Thanks for stopping.
i am sorry but i don't realize what the big deal is i am not trying to cause a anything this is your all site just like pro ana sites are mine, but i am pro ana and i don't agree w/ underage children doing it but like me i am over 18 and being Anorexic is a part of my life i don't view it as a disorder, its about of my life style...and yes i can be deadly but so it drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes but no one is trying to ban them there is more people deing of lung cancer and those who over drink, and those drinking while driving than there is death of being anorexic.
Speaking of which every time there is a car crash a car is involved so does that mean to ban cars as well....This is a free country we have a right to view what ever we want when ever we want.
You don't understnad the way it feels to have lost weight every time you get on the scale i love the feeling, not eating only makes me stronger.
I am not saying the it is the right thing to do but i am pro ana and i love being able to final look at myself in the mirror.
Sorry to those of you who disagree!
(In no way to tell people to become pro ana that just me, you can't tell someone to be gay so you can't tell someone to be pro ana)
N/a - there are lots of lovely innocent girls in this life that hardly know their left from their right and part of this Hub is to give them useful knowledge that will help them make positive decisions.
As for you - all I can say is: "It's your Call".
Thanks for stopping and Best Wishes.
Elena. :)
Gross!
I've known two anorexics personally and both of them disguised the problem by calling the changes they were making healthy. They portrayed themselves as health-crazed, but they were anorexics, and eventually hospitalized. Family and friends have to keep their radar up on this one. Sometimes even when an anorexic start talking about "getting healthy" it's about finding a way to hide in plain sight.
Thanks for sharing those comments ahostagesituation. I hope they have both recovered now.
Best Wishes, Elena.
whithout food can thin, but now you have another problem... your skeleton are fat, sou what next??... girls think seriusly , use your brain. / sin comer logran adelgazar sus cuerpos, pero ahora tienen otro problema... el esqueleto les queda gordo. chicasp piensen seriamente cual es la unica solucion para adelgazar el esqueleto. usen el cerebro /
Exactly pili
That's what I think too.
Mucho gratias
I already knew the pro-ana websites, but i had never read this chilling letter. I have no words, just sadness for those young women. Thanks for sharing.
Me too Fucsia,
Thank so much for stopping.
How sickening. Great hub and what a compassionate person you clearly are. I hear groups of girls here in seattle talking about how skinny the girls next to them are when they are the EXACT same size. It's insane. Well on a healthier note, for women struggling to start a healthy lifestyle check out my newest and first hub:
Cheers Steena. :)
This was an eye opener, especially the anorexic prayer. This brought me to tears seeing these tortured young men and women. It almost seems as if there is some type of demonic persuasion involved. This is the kind of arcticle that the media needs to see as well as the fashion industry. I commend you for sharing this hub!
I don't think this is that "sad and miserable" considering that these people that are pro-ana are actually anorexics. I have personal expirence with all of this pro-ana and anorexia itself and alot of people are unaware of how it works inside someones head. No matter if you shut down the web sites or not they'll still find a way to come back up. I don't think that some people that don't have expirence or alot of knowledge on anorexia should be judging pro-ana.
For some anorexics it's a way of coping and trying to find the support they need so badly. So please stop trying to make it sound like it's destroying people, because it's really an outcry, not something that just needs pity.
Try to help out these people ibsteqd of critizing.
** Thanks Ladyt11 - Thanks so much for your supportive comments.
** Rayraych - thanks for stopping. Your comments, I quote: "Try to help out these people ibsteqd of critizing"
My response: If you took time to read the whole article you will notice I have set up a Twitter Account to help Anorexics and I tweet lots of useful info which people are finding helpful - due to feedback received.
So, help out by not pointing fingers.
Also: your quote: "So please stop trying to make it sound like it's destroying people".
My Response:
** Brazilian Model who died of Anorexia - http://enwn.net/+54915
** Male chef suffering from anorexia and bulimia died while on daily diet of just two crackerbreads - June 2010 http://bit.ly/aMtHks
** News - How anorexia ruined my teenage years: http://bit.ly/babERC
** Adult Anorexia: The forgotten tragedy of lives lost to illness
** Anorexia Attacks Suddenly and Kills Slowly
http://english.pravda.ru/society/stories/09-02-201
Hollar at me if you need any more info.
Best Wishes!
Elena
I underdtznd what you're trying to get at, but the thing is anorexia is a disease, so of course it kills. People with anorexia don't ask for it just like some people don't ask for cancer. It's a disease and it effects your brain in ways that you don't really seem to know.
I did read all of your article and i apreciate that you set up an account for support, but it seems like you're trying to get people to be against anorexics because of what this disease is doing to them.
Hello Rayraych,
Hello again; In response to your last paragraph: I want people to support Anorexics but to be against The Websites that Promote Anorexia. If I didn't want to help/Support Anorexics - I wouldn't set up a Twitter Account and tweet useful info which will guide them to recovery.
Rayraych - I actually teach and work with Teens so it's only natural I like to support them. Thanks for stopping but I will not be approving anymore criticising comments.
Enjoy your day and be a channel of blessing to people.
Cut it Rayraych... In no way are you helping out, so at least let others who are be.
God, I knew about anorexia, but nothing about ana & pro-ana,
this is awful...
To all anorexics -
We function the way we do, coz it the way life has sustained & evolved, if your ma was anorexic, u wouldn't be here...
Deviation should only be limited to artistic expression & innovation which in no way would won't harm existence...
Take care folks
______________________________________
Thanks for the post lady_E
that was sick...but im glad u did it..u should think about putting it on facebook it whould defintally get to alot of people...cause now a days alot of teens never really search the web anymore
Lol C-Dan - thanks for sticking up for me there. That's so sweet.
Also, thanks for sharing your comments. I personally have never had problems with Anorexia but I notice it's affecting and killing lots of young people - Male, Female but mostly young ladies.
I must check out your link. May I also thank you for all your recent visits to my articles. You're a ray of Sunshine. :)
Thanks so much Mecredes - I Twitter this a lot. It would be a good idea to put in on Facebook. Glad you made this suggestion. I haven't used it because I get a lot of responses on Twitter.
So glad you stopped by. Regards. :)
I'm glad there are hubs like these that really shine a light on this. So sad.
Hi Lady E, those pictures are just so awful and what these children not only put themselves through but the people around them. Eating disorders are just so prevelent these days with the media promoting this type of image, it's truly distubing. These teenage girls that do this can have a lasting affect on their bodies damaging vital organs and postponing menstration.
** Thanks for Stopping College girls. I appreciate it. :)
** Hello Dawn, I'm glad you shared those comments. I wasn't aware that it also damaged organs. I hope this gives any readers affected by Anorexia, motivation to start eating well. Thanks so much.
Both conditions are very complicated . The road traveled back to health is complicated as well . Great Hub ! We all hope this sheds some light on a very closeted illness . I am not sure if anyone remembers the Carpenter singing duet they were bother and sister I believe . The sister died from the complications of this illness .
Thanks for your comments FirstStepsFitness - It is true that Karen Carpenter died of Anorexia but there was an underlying problem I think she had with her mum. I don't think she felt loved by her mum. You might find the movie interesting. The Carpenters. (This is why it's termed as a Mental Disorder. Her anorexia was a cry out for attention)
Glad you stopped by.
The photos are necessary to show the magnitude of the horrible exploitation of these sick people.
Thanks for your support 2besure. Regards.
This is not pretty. I hope a lot of young girls wake up and take notice.
I hope so too wjames. Thanks for stopping.
I'd heard of the pro-ana sites before, but never actually saw one. I quite honestly don't think I could stomach it.
That "prayer" you shared was unbelievable! I kept thinking there was no way that could be for real, it sounded like some really sick parody. So scary.
I understand why you said that you don't want to write too much on this. It's really hard to find a line between sharing information that will hopefully help people, and possibly promoting the stuff that we are speaking out against. Negative publicity is still publicity. I ran into this with a hub I wrote on my own experience with an eating disorder in high school. My aim in writing the hub was to try to share the fact that an eating disorder is usually the result of emotional problems, unhappiness, etc. That its not really about just weight, but really deep-seated negative feelings of shame, depression, or bad self esteem. I actually got a comment afterwards by a teenager that said she had "tried and failed" anorexia, and that she enjoyed reading my story. This scared the CRAP out of me, the last thing I wanted was to be an "inspiration" to wannabe anorexics. I thought about taking the hub down, but didn't. Still not sure.
Anyways, I really like the way you approach this difficult issue. Thanks for sharing. This is a subject I know a lot about, but your hub really opened my eyes to some new stuff. Thanks:)
Thanks Anaya - you are right about it stemming from emotional problems and unhappiness. The more I read about it, the more I discover the same thing too. One lady I read about last month, said she liked the attention she got when she was sick - that was worrying.
Regarding your Hub - I would suggest you leave it there. People tend to read things from different angles. I'm sure there are those who will find it useful. I've had the odd 2 or 3 people read mine upside down and have had a go at me but I've just ignored them.
I hope to visit your profile later on today.
Have a great day.
Elena
Thank you so much, I have a twelve and 14 year old daughter and they are both very aware of their weight. Blessings and thanks again for the awareness. Peace :)
Wow Katie - You look so young to have 2 Teens. Whats the secret? :)
Thanks for sharing your comments.
Best Wishes.
powerful feature - and a very important one. The pro-An websites you refer to certainly seem to have a cult like draw - I recognize that from having been in a cult myself (not an anorexia related one). Many, though by no means all cults do have food related rules, most obviously in demanding vegetarianism, or long periods of fasting. Food and sleep control and deprivation are powerful brainwashing tools. Cults tend to make members feel bad about themselves to gain power over them, so accusing members of being overweight can force members into abstaining from food - a cult that has to feed members less has less overheads or food bils to pay so makes more money, etc. The pro-An groups seem have spotted a niche - anorexia sufferers who want a voice that encourages and supports their weight loss strategies rather than the many voices around them encouraging them to eat more and get medical attention, etc. The prayer reads like a dark satire, giving the more sympathetic readers a contempt for burger bars and people who encourage junk food consumption - it gives the anorexic/bulemic a revulsion of bigger and overweight folk round them - it says 'don't get to be like them', so the desire to starve down gets fuelled further. If pro-an culture moves from being an internet resource to selling newsletters, tee-shirts, and organzing public meetings, then we all have cause to worry. A charismatic leader of such a group could be a terrifyingly powerful and dangerous guru. I'll be looking more closely at the pro-an cult(ure) myself now - thanks for drawing it within my own radar here.
Hi Arthur
Thanks for your comments and for sharing more insight into Pro Ana. Best Wishes.
Pro-Ana saved my life. How dare you criticize something you haven't experienced or that you dont understand. You think you get it just because you read two articles online then write a hub about it? You will never understand!
Ana - It's your life, It's your Call!
Happy Holidays.
RIP Isabelle Caro
** Pro - May she RiP. She was only 28 when she died Nov 2010.
** tn.a - thanks for your comments. I will see if I can replace some of the photos.
Happy New Year.
Caro was great, she is fuel when Ana needs fuel, and recovery when Ana needs recovery. This hub is very well written. I commend you upon this. Though I do caution you in some misleadings. The way you depict girls who are involved in pro Ana websites and anorexia is highly negative and slightly satanic and crazy. These girls are just in need of help for their Psychological disorder. While horrible, some comments are better left unsaid.
Peace and love
Starved
While I assume you do not want me to comment again, I do just want to say that from looking at a pro ana website, one cannot develop an eating disorder. If someone has an eating disorder, they already have a psychological disorder, as many have said, and will get fuel by any means. Shutting down Ana will not help. Plus, freedom of speech. All I'm saying is I actually have been in a place you haven't, and I do not believe that Ana sites truly create or establish anorectics because it is a psychological disorder. If you want to help, do something productive against anorexia instead of this.
Thanks Starved - I promise you, I am simply raising awareness. You will notice above that I have set up a Twitter account to tweet useful info to help these ladies. I tweet stuff about eating disorders, self esteem, bodyimage, women issues etc.
http://twitter.com/Care4Anorexics
All I am doing is raising awareness, trying to make a difference. What I do above actually takes up my time as I have to search for articles, but for me it's a Labour of Love.
Wishing all Anorexics well. :)
** Ana, you have bombarded me with many negative comments. Some I had to delete. Read my response to starved above.
I don't have the energy to keep up with you. I actually have my own challenges in life but still make time to help anorexics - visit the link above and think twice before having another go at me again.
Peace...
Obviously you do not care if you are indeed telling me to stay away from this hub. I have Anorexia Nervosa!! I have this disorder that you depict as so evil. I am not having a go at you, I am actually giving FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE! I am not a fan of you deleting my comments because they might cause someone to realize that girls like me need help. I obviously know you have challenges, but I have those that you write about. I have visited the link. Many times. And I still hate my body, hate my fat, hate everything about myself. I am ugly and fat, even though I am underweight. My world is spinning out of control and your twitter account (sooo impersonal) does not help. I am glad it has helped some girl, but I represent the hundreds of thousands of girls who you can't help, and opposing our only source of community who does not think we are insane is destructive. I hope you post this, but doubt you will. All I can say is I try so hard to get better. I do not try to oppose you. Ana has ruined relationships, my self esteem, and a lot more. Now its all I have. And having my voice heard is one of the things that keeps me alive.
Whatever peace is, whatever peace can be, I hope you have it....so as you say...
peace
Everyone has a right to have a community that accepts them.
There are different types of Pro Ana websites though.
The evil ones that offer tips & encouragement, & the good one's that offer support, & a no-judgemenatl environment. These actually promote recovery, they just don't bash on girls with eating disorders. This subject needs to be viewed on a wider, more broad outlook.
I do not understand what would draw these girls to such satanic acts. It is horrible, the way scociety has gone...so sad...Great hub!!
@Ana Thanks again for stopping. Wishing you complete recovery.
@Saleh Nice of you to stop by. Best Wishes.
@Ana'sRedDragonfly Thanks. I appreciate you sharing your views.
@Cameryn - I don't understand it either but its lovely to have you stop by.
How can you allow comments like cameryn's but not comments like anna's?It doesnt make sense.
** Jamie - As far as my eyes can see, Anna's comments are on this article. Infact, quite a few.... :)
Annas whole point was you allow negative comments about Ana but not your article I believe
Such an important issue and I think it's really great you're writing about it because it's improtant that people elarn more about it and how serious it really is
"Ana" is dead. Hope you're happy
** Justanotherteen - Thanks for the Support. :)
** The Friend - My Crystal ball tells me "The Friend" and "Ana" are the same person. It's Valentines day today. Happy Valentines Day - Take Care of U. xx
We aren't the same person... She was my step sister.
** The friend - Aaah... Well, I'm glad you stopped by. Take care of U and your Sis.
Best Wishes.
OMG this is sickening...its so sad that all major entertainment and media industries promote the 'thin' look...reality is that most women DO NOT look like that will NEVER look like that but that doesnt mean they are not beautiful....
i personally think that men would like a woman with SOME curves...but hey thats me!
@Hinazille
Thanks for your comments. Some curves wouldnt' hurt.
Wow! What an eye-opener this is. I had no idea. You have done a good job. So sad! rated up. Thank you.
** Thanks for your comments, Vocal Coach.
Best Wishes.
LISTEN! PEOPLE LIKE US ARE NOT CRAZY OR ILL OR DILUSIONAL! ITS PEOPLE AROUND US THAT FUCK US UP! I WAS SEXUALY ABUSED BY MY DAD AND MY FAMILY HATES ME, AND YET THEY LIVE A PERFECTLY NORMAL LIFE I DONT SEE PEOPLE CALLING THEM CRAZY! WE HAVE THE DRIVE TO BECOME PERFECT, PRETTY UNLIKE MOST OF YOU FAT BASTARDS COMMENTING ON THIS! SO GET A GRIP! THIS IS OUR DESTANIY WHAT WE WERE MENT TO BE! SO FUCK YOU ALL :D
P.S doctors dont know what the fuck ther talking about!!
ONCE ANOREXIC, ALWAYS ANOREXIC!!
Sarah
I don't believe in the words "once anorexic, always anorexic". You have a choice in life to snap out of it.
Anyway, take care. ((Big Hug)).
you dont have to be anorexic to be thin! you have to be healthy and thin that is the real way not to die beeing thin! you should keep that in mind
Wow it looks so ugly to be so thin. I am not fat even though i usually eat what i like but in moderation. If you exercise daily and watch what is going inside your body and in what quantity then i dont think you need any diet or anything to be healty.
** Thanks Thinspiration.
** Hi Sweetie - Very wise words. I hope people will take your advice. Thanks. :)
Pro Ana huh, crazy how twisted minds can become. Not only do they harm their own minds and bodies but they encourage the youth and people to do the same. Sad
That's True AgesMGMT, such a pity but I hope they find the path to recovery. Thanks for stopping.
Todas do movimento Pro Ana precisam de salvação e cura, e só no nome de Jesus o nome que está acima de todos os nomes pode curá-las..isso é o poder do inimigo que faz isso com elas....e somente Jesus Cristo pode salvá-las desse inferno.
Hola Paty,
No Comprehendo but thanks for stopping by. :)
Um, the writing that you exhibit was most likely not written by an anorexic. Most (if not all)of these religious style pieces were parodies written by anti anorexia people, psychologists and such who passed them out duing eating disoder treatment groups to try to make anorexics see ana as negative. Some people decided to post them on their sites instead as thinspiration. I was relieved to learn this, as some of them did not sound like ana at all (I don't mean "sound" in the literal sense, I don't want the next person to ask if I am hearing voices), especially the "Letter From Ana" (if you seach the web for that I believe you will find it, the first line is "Let me intoduce myself"). Indeed, it sounds a lot like the stern, authoritative tone of some of the eating disorder treatment professionals. If, you want a cult, look to the people who try to forcibly convert anorexics to their beliefs and lifetyle. I learned after my experience in an inpatient anorexia clinic that the techniques used on us were similar to the ones used on U.S. P.O.W.S. during the Korean War. They have also been used to try to forcibly brainwash homosexuals into being straight, in a time when that was thought of as an illness. They did more damage to me than ana ever did. They taught binging (being forced to eat such huge quantities of food that the other patients pitied us, all to gain the weight in about a month) and inactivity, as if it would be so easy to stop either. Some patients have become bulimic this way, others gained so much weight that those 2x joke tshirts that boast of having overcome anorexia would fit.
Also, the "prayer" to ana gives the impression that anorexics are also bulimic; not all anas vomit or use laxitives. Not all of us have low self esteem. We want freedom. Free speech, freedom of assembly, freedom to the life we choose. If someone would choose treatment, let her (or him). But the girl who is 5 or 10 (or 15)pounds under some doctor's chart should not be locked up to be attemptedly altered against her will, especially not when so many people are obese or smoke. A person who smokes that has lung cancer is advised of treatment options and may choose to not even try to quit. If an obese person survived a heat attack, he or she would undergo emergency treatment and would be released to the eating habits that he or she would choose. The person with a cigarette in one hand and an oxygen mask in the other is free, as is the person who was so fat he had to have part of his house removed so he could get out. No one put them in forced nicotine rehabilitation of a fat farm. They are not forcing the cigarette industry or Burger King to pull all their ads. And homosexuality is no longer considered an illness, much less one that they can be committied for. Most pro anas wish to be left alone by the industry that wishes to change us into who we want to be. Yes, "who", not just a jean size. They wished to break from me a part of my soul, a part I doubt they (or you) even understood.
Sorry, I meant trying to change us into who we DO NOT want to be.
Thanks Ana - I know most people want to be left alone. I noticed this on profile of some who follow me on Care4Anorexics on Twitter and I feel like saying to them "why follow me, if you love being Anorexic?" but I will just leave them be....
By the same token I have a few who are in contact with me personally and benefit from the support I give to them. A lot of them are anorexic because of something deep that is hurting...
Reading your comment, I don't like the fact that some people are force feed. They should be told lovingly the effects of Anorexia and coarsed into recovery also in a caring way.
People who have anorexia have a choice. I just hope they make the right one. Life is too short to waste.
Thanks for all the info and Best Wishes.
Fyi, 1 in ten anorexics is a male, and anorexia isn't simply a wish for thinness but a disease who's focus is upon control via restriction.
Thanks Hello.
Pro Ana is not the same as Pro Anorexia. Pro Anorexia is what you have described.
Break it down, Bubba....
Nightmares for life u thought u were fat wow scary
Sweety there anerexic not thin there is a difference im 125 and im thin insulted thin people comparing them to anerexics
Sara perfect is not a skelton this is gross u can exercise and eat right if u want a relationship one day and ur a skelton it wont work out
How can they be doing satanic acts no such thing is satan and god but these girls do look gross if people keep on telling them the truth and this people who luv this ana things
U R NOT FAT
UR A SKELTON
UR WARRPED IN THE HEAD
When u look in the mirror to see fat by the way no one wants a bony girl
Stop getting rid of my comments it is a america freedom of soeech
@Nightmares
@Eat
@Bony
@To Sara
Interesting names....
Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you a wonderful Xmas. Do take care of yourself.
Another Teenager, Kate Chilver Died of Anorexia this week
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2074086/
For Anorexia Support, you can find me here:
http://www.inspiringtalk.com/anorexia-support
Love and Best Wishes
Elena xx
Quite pathetic, disturbing and disturbing. I pray that many be made to understand the dangers of anorexia. God help us
@ubanichijioke
Thanks for your support.
"Amen" to your prayer.
I can't imagine there are websites that promote having a disease. Hopefully they areg oing over the top to convince people to stop as a form of reverse psychology. These pictures are disturbing - these girls have the wrong idea about beauty.
it is the world we live in, i have been an over weight, yo-yo dieter all my life..i have felt envy for the skinny and good looking. But i thank god, i have never become so desperate to reach this level... however..i still at 47yrs of age thrive to just once feel sexy and slim...
@Millionaire - It's true some have the wrong idea but when you are young, it's easy to be gullible. Thankfully there is more help/info out there for them Thanks for stopping.
@DJ - I'm glad you are fine now.
Keep healthy, Keep Happy.
Best Wishes.
The internet is freedom. Don't you see that if they shut down sites that promote unhealthy things like disorders and mental illnesses they would have to shut down a lot of other things, if not everything. Everyone has a right to have their say and it's so much easier online with your identity hidden.
I can't believe that anyone would want to hurt themselves to this extent, yet I see it....... The men and woman who are promoting this as a "life-style", should be imprisoned for murder, this is by far worse than anything that
Dr. Kevorkian ever did...... this is people taking pleasure in assisting people to destroy their health, lives and self-esteem and love....... pro-ana??? how to make your body shut itself down, through not giving it the nourishment it needs, a car won't run without gas, a child will not grow to a healthy adult with out food, love and water --- why would anyone think that their bodies in adulthood would be any different. This does not make you beautiful people, just to opposite, it's like looking at skeletons, covered in skin, skin that has aged beyond it's years. Stop - get help - be happy and healthy instead - for God's sake and yours.
@LJ Thanks for stopping by to post some words of encouragement. I hope people take heed to what you have written. I will look up Dr Kevorkian to see if he has any websites, videos or other resources.
Best Wishes.
deepestwisdom 2 years ago
Wow, this is such an eye-opening hub. I can understand why you don't want to write too much about it, but it's great that you are helping to warn people. Those pictures are very shocking. I had heard about these sites before, but never seen what's actually on them before.