When combined with other forms of treatment and therapy, support groups can be a very big motivator and strength to the people fighting eating disorders.
Here are a few places you can turn to for support group information:
Healthyplace.com - Offers comprehensive information on most mental health issues, active online support, current mental health news, online documentaries, a mental health t.v. show and more. This is really a site with something for everyone.
Eatingdisordersanonymous.com - A great support network of people willing to share their issues with eating disorders within the framework of a 12 step program. They offer meetings, facts about eating disorders and encouragement.
Overeaters Anonymous (oa.org) - Another 12 step program for those that suffer from binging or overeating disorders. This company offers worldwide support to individuals as well as online tools and help.
Anyone who has been through or been close to someone with mental health issues knows the importance of support groups. Everyone needs to feel like they are not alone. Imagine a room full of teens that all have anorexia. As one teen shares their feelings of never looking in the mirror and accepting themselves they have a room full of peers that know exactly how they feel but can also tell them verbally that they really are beautiful and to help that teen overcome their self esteem issues. There is power in numbers and everyone needs to feel like they can reach out when needed. Disorders like anorexia, bulimia, pica, and binging are very real. Support groups are not a substitute for treatment and psychological care but they are a great help.
