Anonymous asked: People never believe I have an eating disorder because I struggle with going through periods of binging, and periods of restricting, and am actually overweight. It causes a lot of embarrassment for me because people act like my problems aren't valid because I'm not underweight. How should I respond to these situations?
You could try explaining to them your different behaviors and what causes them. Unfortunately many people don’t understand and may not be very sympathetic, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t suffering just as much as anyone else with an ED or that your feelings aren’t valid. Just remind yourself that an ED is a mental illness, not a physical one (though many people happen to have physical side effects). You can also watch this video for some other ideas. :)
Anonymous asked: Hi, Kati. My little brother was just diagnosed with an eating disorder. He's in an intensive outpatient program now, but it's really hard for him to adjust to the idea of opening up. I think a lot of it comes from the fact that where I'm from, boys are 'supposed' to be "strong" and never talk about their feelings. I don't want to press him to talk before he's ready, but I also really want to make this at least a little easier for him. What can I do to help him feel a bit more comfortable/safe? x
The best thing you can do it just let him know that you love him and that he can tell you anything, anytime he is ready. You can also watch some of the videos I did in this series with heykayli to see if that helps you at all. :)
Anonymous asked: My social worker keeps telling me that she has a story about her eating disorder that she would tell me if I give her permission to...I don't really want to know it but she keeps saying that what should I do?
She might be saying that to make you more comfortable with sharing things with her, but if you don’t want to know, try to be blunt about it. You can tell her that you’re grateful that she’s willing to be open with you, but that you think at this point in time knowing about her ED would be triggering to you.
Anonymous asked: My friend thinks I have ptsd, and now I'm scared I do but I don't know. And I dont know what to do because I don't want to tell anyone cause in to scared to :/
It’s possible that you might have PTSD, but the best way to find out is to see a psychologist. You can set up an appointment with your regular doctor to get a referral. If you do have PTSD, then you can get the help you need. Sometimes it can be scary, but you’ll have plenty of support to recover. :)
Anonymous asked: Is it normal for someone with an eating disorder to physically see a fat person when looking in the mirror, when they're actually underweight?
This is a common characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder. If you’re seeing a therapist, try bringing this up with him or her. Working to fix body image can be very helpful in recovery. :)
Anonymous asked: How can I stop thinking about cutting so I dont relapse anymore
Right now self harm serves a purpose for you, whether that is venting emotions, numbing out etc. You need to find another outlet for what you’re feeling that can take the place of cutting. Some ideas you can try are playdoh, painting nails, going for a walk, playing with a pet and of course, journaling. ;) You’ll have to find what works best for you, but you can recover from self harm! :)
Anonymous asked: Hi Kati. Today at school a girl told me a few things. She told me about her cutting, depression, ditching schools and suicidal thoughts. I feel obliged to tell someone but I have been right in her shoes and I know what it feels like to be "told on". The guidance counselor would likely make her feel bad as she is not very excepting. Do I tell the guidance counselor or do I not say anything?
You could instead try arranging an appointment with your guidance counselor where are three of you can sit down and talk, that way she feels like she is part of it and not being told on behind her back. I’m very glad she has someone looking out for her. She may be upset about it all, but getting her help is what is best for her in the long run.
Millions of people around the world suffer from mental health issues. My problem: 80 percent of our audience might not understand my videos… If there are no captions created, they miss out on most of the video.
SOLUTION: Help us caption a video (it’s super easy)
2) Pick one of the videos and click the green button below it. If you speak English, creating an English subtitle would really help us. If you speak any other languages (perfectly or not) we’d love your help with those too. :)
Help other people in their journey towards a Healthy Mind and a Healthy Body!
Please Reblog this. I am hoping to raise a mini army of people wanting to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Are you going to help?
One of my two main inspirations. Inspiring in the way that Kati has been my rock through my recovery. She believed in me and was always proud of the progress I was making, no matter how small. ‘Recovery is a process, not perfection.’ Her support and friendship helped me through, and her friendship now is helping me to love life even more.
