I found a new site that seems quite positive.  It covers all kinds of teen issues, including Eating Disorders.  There is a support forum and chat room, which is monitored by staff.  The staff are young also, in the early twenties mostly it seems from the discussions I read.  There are also options of asking for help directly from staff if you need it.

http://www.teenhelp.org/getadvice/

Anti-ana?

I recently read a blog entry by a young woman who was very disappointed that this site was not actually a pro ana site like the one in the novel.   It seemed as if she felt a bit cheated and was hoping to find some of the same types of “support” that Maddy found in the novel.

I think the idea of a support network is a wonderful one and can be of great benefit to anyone having difficulties of any kind.  The concern surrounding the pro ana sites like the one depicted in the novel is the idea that manyof these sites are actually encouraging young people to believe it’s OK to lose ever more weight by whatever means they can find, regardless of the affect on their health.  It’s easy to get caught up in the support and understanding you find on a site with other people who share your struggles but I believe the danger comes from following the advice of others who are stuggling as much as you are.  It’s hard to find perspective when you are right in the middle of something so tough.

I’ve been doing some searching for a site that would provide the benefits of a group support network without the potential negative side effects of receiving encouragement to get thinner instead of healthier.   There are a couple in the resource section that focus mainly on self image rather than ED specifically.  If anyone has suggestions of really positive sites that could be helpful for young people, let me know and I’ll check them out and post the addresses.

Thanks