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.