A vast number of Web sites are related to eating disorders on the Internet. The quality of the information varies, but it can point you to organizations that offer support nevertheless. At many sites, the stories and personal experiences provide a real sense of support for anyone who is struggling with a disorder, whether it is their own or someone else’s. But it is wise not to sign on and get too involved: At these sites and throughout the Web, you don’t know who’s actually on the other end of the wire. Still, sharing the experience of struggling with an eating disorder with someone “nearby” can give you the feeling of not being quite so alone.
For example, the sister of a young woman who died of an eating disorder started a Web site that not only helps ease her pain, but it also gives support to others who are going through the same anguish. At another site, a father describes his journey through his daughter’s eating disorder and gets relief while sharing his strength and experience. You can do the same because Web sites and home pages are easy to set up. But again, caution is in order: Unfortunately, the vulnerability you reveal may attract interest and contact from people whose intentions are not sincere. Be careful. Some people use the Web to exploit and manipulate others, whether they are conscious of it or not.
Perhaps the most useful service offered by Web sites is to help people see the value in finding support and to point them toward sources closer than cyberspace.
From the inside
These stories from people who are close to someone who has an eating disorder are fairly typical of the personal experiences you’ll find on the Web:
A 21-year-old college student in New York has a girlfriend who has been suffering from anorexia for almost eight years. She was doing okay at school, he says, but over the summer break she has relapsed. A lot of her friends have given up on her; for the most part, her family has, too. But he refuses to give up, he says, because he can tell when her disease is talking and when she is. He says that he “really hates this thing that is trying to kill her,” but he tries to deal with it by separating her from the disease-and he loves her all the more.
A woman whose sister has been struggling with anorexia for over three years talks about going through the agony of watching her deteriorate, despite hospitalization and counseling. She understands that there’s a “monster” in her sister’s mind and despairs of ever seeing her recover. At the same time, she also admits that she is in pain herself, from being forgotten about and put aside while everyone-especially family and friends- pour their time and attention into caring for and worrying about the person who has the disorder. “Siblings,” she says, “experience pain waiting for recovery.”
These very personal stories from the Web give an idea of the kinds of struggles people endure and have the strength to share.