Archive for January, 2009

MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION: A New Program for Families and Caretakers of Individuals with Eating Disorders

 

“Mindfulness brings us back to life, because life can

only be found and touched in the present moment”          

- Thich Nhat Hahn

Mindfulness is a meditation practice that is rooted in tradition over 2500 years old, but is also quite relevant in today’s hectic world.  Mindfulness has been described by many, but the simple and direct teaching of the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thick Nhat Hahn1 has something to offer those new and old to the practice.  Thich Nhat Hahn describes mindfulness as “the capacity of being aware of what is happening in the present moment.”  He goes on to say that we all have the ability to be mindful, as we are always paying attention to something, either inside ourselves  or outside ourselves. When we consistently and gently bring our attention back to the present moment, we begin to practice mindfulness.

Research has shown that mindfulness practice can not only quiet and calm the mind, it can also lead to health benefits such as improved immune functioning2. So while your loved one is on the road to recovery for an eating disorder, consider letting yourself be cared for as well in a supportive group environment that will enhance your physical and mental well-being at the same time!  

The Center for Eating Disorders is excited to announce that Dr. Jeanne Serafin, a psychiatrist in our outpatient department, will be offering a new mindfulness-based group, developed specifically for families and caretakers of individuals with eating disorders.  The Mindfulness-Based Multifamily Group Therapy Program, will be offered on Thursday evenings from 6:15-7:45 pm, and it will be covered by most insurance carriers accepted at the Center.  The group, which will begin in February 2009, is an eight-week, structured family group that will help caretakers feel less isolated, learn skills to help decrease their own stress and negative thinking and help families get back on track as their loved ones improve with treatment.

In addition to the ongoing group, Dr. Serafin will also be providing an open workshop on Mindfulness-Based techniques for families and caregivers of individuals with eating disorders on February 26th, 2009 during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.  Visit our Events page to find out how to register for this free workshop.

Still not sure what mindfulness is all about? Try this brief experiential practice: 

1. Find a quiet place

2. Close your eyes

3. Allow yourself to concentrate on and follow your breath all the way in and all the way out.

4. Each time your mind wanders (and it will wander) return to focusing on your breath.

5. Try that for a few breaths.  If it helps you may count slowly as you watch the breath move in and out, (in) 1-2-3-4, (out) 1-2-3-4, or you can silently say to yourself “in/out” or “deep/relaxed”.

6. Pay attention to the breath, don’t try to change it. Does the number you count as the breath moves in and out vary? Watch and see. 

Use your own judgment to determine the best method for you in trying this introductory exercise.  Experiment with this little “practice” several times a day for a few days and see what you experience.  Be aware, mindfulness is a practice, the benefits of which are seen and felt over time with continued use of the techniques.

For more information about the mindfulness programs at The Center for Eating Disorders or if you’d like to inquire about joining the Mindfulness-Based Multifamily Group Therapy Program, please contact Dr. Jeanne Serafin at 410-427-3873 or send an email to mindfulness@sheppardpratt.org.

References

1 Thich Nhat Hahn, http://www.plumvillage.org/

2 Davidson, et. Al, (2002), Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation

Above photo courtesy of www.earthheartfarm.com

Published by Kate Clemmer
January 26th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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Q & A with Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund: Part III of III

Photo courtesy of www.magazine.uc.edu

In today’s blog, The Center for Eating Disorders wraps up a three-part Q & A discussion with Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund.  We asked her to share her own thoughts on the role of the media and suggestions on how we can all get involved in promoting awareness and change.  If you missed Part I or II you can check them out below!

Q & A: PART III of III

You do not disclose your weight as a way to avoid setting standards for youths obsessed with weight. What role do you think the media plays in encouraging youths to be weight obsessed?

The media and diet industry doesn’t necessarily market its message to young people, but kids, who watch the most television, see those same weight-loss commercials, blaring obesity news specials, and Victoria’s Secret commercials that middle-aged adults do.  They’re hearing the same thing. Fat is bad, skinny is good, everyone needs to lose weight in order to be happy, at last.  The best thing we can do is get away from this idea of “OH no we’re all going to get FAT and die,” and move to, “How can we as a society move toward whole foods that give us energy and fuel, let’s enjoy food as life sustaining, respect it, respect ourselves… lets live healthy lifestyles, get active and love ourselves.”  There is much too much negativity in the media pertaining to our bodies.  Self-loathing never led to anything productive.

What do you do daily to maintain your recovery?

My number one defense against ED is God.  I read a devotional every morning, read the word and pray.  Prayer is essential.  I can’t shoulder the entire burden of recovery.  God carries me.

How can the community get involved and help spread awareness about eating disorders?

Be a shining example of loving and respecting your body yourself.  It can be as simple as monitoring the way that you speak in public about your body, and others’ bodies.  Even if it is simply eliminating speech like “ughh I’ll need to burn this off later,” or, “I feel so fat” or, “I need to go on a diet.”  So many people simply say these things for conversation filler or because everyone talks this way.  Just don’t say it.  Don’t fill your speech with negativity.  Speak in a way that lifts your spirit and that of those around you.  We’re all in this together.  The way that you feel about your body projects to those around you, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE.  Similarly, be on guard to those young people around you.  Encourage them to love those things about themselves that don’t necessarily have to do with appearance.  Build people up, always.

If you have children in school, make sure coaches/teachers/counselors are educated about Eating Disorders and how to recognize them.  Ask to see “nutrition” curriculum, and encourage other parents as well to make sure that schools address wellness in a balanced way, encouraging a healthy lifestyle; programs in school that focus on obesity, fat, and negativity related to food and diet are HUGE triggers for Eating Disorders.  If you are a parent whose child has struggled with an Eating Disorder, see what parent support groups the local treatment centers/hospitals offer. [*see info about CED's support group below].  If they don’t have one, start one.  It could save a child’s life.  Parents often don’t get their children help because they feel isolated, alone, and insignificant.

The Center for Eating Disorders would like to thank Kirsten Haglund for taking the time to share her personal experiences and a message of hope.  Her accomplishments in promoting eating disorder awareness will be felt long after she completes her year of service as Miss America this month, and we wish her continued success in all that she pursues! 

*CED SUPPORT GROUP INFO: The Center for Eating Disorders offers a free support group every Wednesday evening in Towson, MD.  This group is open to individuals with eating disorders as well as parents, family members and friends of those with eating disorders.  Download the flier for more details. 

The Center will also be hosting several events in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week beginning February 22, 2009.  Visit our Events page at http://www.eatingdisorder.org/events.php for the details.  All events are FREE and open to the public so they will fill up quickly. Register soon!

Published by Kate Clemmer
January 16th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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Q & A with Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund: Part II of III

Kirsten Haglund delivering a talk at her alma mater, University of Cincinatti

photo courtesy of www.magazine.uc.edu

On Monday, The Center for Eating Disorders introduced the first of a three-part series highlighting the accomplishments of Kirsten Haglund throughout her year as Miss America 2008, during which she has helped to educate others and increase awareness about eating disorders.  Today’s blog continues with her perspectives on dealing with negative pressures about body image and the process of seeking treatment for an eating disorder.  

Q & A: PART II of III

How does the pressure of being in the public eye affect the way you feel about yourself and your body image?

I’ve had to learn and adjust of course, but I have come to realize quite profoundly this year how impossible it is to achieve perfection, to please everyone.  Since I know this deeply, I feel no need to hurt my body in order to “succeed.”  Additionally, I take my job very seriously, and want to provide hope to those struggling, that you can go on to recover from an eating disorder to live a healthy, happy, productive life… one outside of the treatment center, in the real world.  Yes, of course there are pressures, and there are some bad days.  That is reality.  But the key to healthy recovery is being able to recognize triggers, and how to dissimilate the distant voice of ED from reality.  And thank God only, I am now able to do that.

Drawing from your own experiences, what advice can you offer to other young people who are struggling with eating disorders?

It takes time.  I know there are bad days on the road to recovery. There may be setbacks, and it is okay to not be perfect in recovery.  No one will think any less of you if you make a mistake, because you will never be perfect.  No one is.  Even those beautiful people that you think have it all.  You will never have complete control.  Surrendering your will to God and letting go gives you all the freedom in the world.  Accept help, embrace the love of the people around you who want you to get better.  And it will take time, but I promise, because I know, that there can be days that do not revolve around the amount of calories you consume or the number on the scale.  Wear clothes that fit you.  Step away from the mirror.  Focus on relationships with the 3-dimensional people around you, not the 2-dimensional images on the page or the screen.  Live in the moment and praise God that you have this day to decide that recovery and health is the only goal worth committing yourself to every day… because in that, you are loving your creator and loving yourself.

What role did your family and friends play in encouraging you to seek treatment?

My mother made the appointment and took me to the doctor for the first time, my pediatrician, who then recommended us to an Eating Disorders specialist at a nearby hospital.  From there I was set up with my treatment team of doctors, which included a therapist (psychologist) and an excellent nutritionist, with whom I still remain in contact.  My family was and continues to be my biggest support in that they hold me accountable, but are loving, patient, and leave the doctors’ work to the doctors. 

If you missed Part I of this series be sure to check it out below, and join us again this Friday, January 16th for Part III when Kirsten addresses negative messages in the media and what individuals can do to make a difference and help spread awareness about eating disorders.  

If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for an eating disorder or have questions about this process, please call (410) 938-5252 to speak with an Admissions Coordinator at The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt. 

Published by Kate Clemmer
January 14th, 2009 in Body Image, Celebrity Topical News
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Q & A with Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund: Three-Part Blog Series

Kirsten Haglund

 photo courtesy of 43kix.com

During her reign as Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund helped to bridge the gap between popular culture and an awareness about the prevalence and seriousness of eating disorders.  Since being crowned last January, Kirsten has devoted much of her time and energy to her platform, Raising Awareness for Eating Disorders.  Throughout Kirsten’s year as Miss America she advocated for change and helped focus widespread attention on the important issues surrounding eating disorders.   As a national role model for young girls, Kirsten helped to decrease the stigma associated with seeking help for eating disorders by sharing her own story of recovery from anorexia. As she prepares to crown a new Miss America on January 24th, The Center for Eating Disorders asked Kirsten to reflect on her year of service and her commitment to this very worthy cause.  We are glad to share her informative and inspiring responses below in the first of our three-part series.        

Q & A: PART I of III

Why did you choose eating disorders as part of your platform?

I chose to help raise awareness of Eating Disorders as my platform because I saw a need, having struggled with Anorexia personally for several years. I saw what an incredible opportunity it was to seek to create open dialogue about eating disorders in entertainment media, the fashion and beauty industry, as well as have the access to many young women who look to Miss America as a role model.

It has been an amazing year helping to encourage young women and being outspoken about the fact that these are serious, deadly illnesses, not glamorous, and we as women have the right and the responsibility to define beauty on our own terms, and to love and respect ourselves and our bodies first and foremost.

How are you currently helping others who are battling eating disorders?

I speak to young women on a regular basis, whether they be high school or college girls, young women competing in pageants, dancers, girls in treatment centers or those in hospitals.  There are also many young women recovering from an eating disorder that I continue to correspond with through email, Facebook, and written letters.  I also had the privilege of joining ranks with the Eating Disorders Coalition in Washington D.C., to lobby Congress for the passage of Mental Health Parity (it passed!!!), as well as speak at a Congressional Briefing introducing the FREED act. 

I have done interviews (of the correct nature, with my insistence of responsible content) for [several television entertainment shows] and SHAPE Magazine to expose the dangerous reality of Eating Disorders.  I was also able to help filmmaker Darryl Roberts promote his documentary [America The Beautiful - http://www.eatingdisorder.org/events.php] exposing the world of underage modeling, cosmetic surgery, eating disorders and the perception of American beauty during his premiere in New York City. 

I cannot emphasize how important media attention to this illness as a women’s health issue is to gaining the support and credibility from the public and from the medical community.  I could accurately estimate that in 95% of my interviews conducted all over the country this year, I have been able to talk about Eating Disorders.

Please join us again on Wednesday, January 14th for Part II of The Center for Eating Disorders’ discussion with Kirsten Haglund.

Published by Kate Clemmer
January 12th, 2009 in Celebrity Topical News
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