I'm sure you've had a meal that you just stuffed your face with every bite in sight, and then waddled your way over to the couch complaining about why you ate so much. Who hasn't done that around the holiday season when the food is plentiful and oh-so-delicious.
Or maybe you wanted to fit into that little black dress, so you cut back on your calorie intake or do one of those "fast action cleanses" with water & lemon for a few days.
Or maybe you came home from work and literally ate everything out of your fridge and cupboard. Like, everything.
Eating disorders are serious but treatable illness with medical and psychiatric aspects. Anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorders are most commonly known.
Bulimia Nervosa is a disorder that is defined by the individual binge eating and purging - making themselves vomit everything they ate. It often becomes a sense of power, of control of one's body that they are the ones making the decisions for their weight, for their lives. Often, Bulimia is seen in young women, teenagers, and into 20's - but this is not an exhaustive age range. Eating disorders can be with someone their entire life, or begin later on in life.
Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder defined by the individual drastically cutting their food intake to a dangerous low-calorie level, for the irrational fear of putting on weight. Even one pound of weight gain can cause someone who is dealing with anorexia into a downward spiral. Anorexia is most popular in women, at about 85%, while 15% of people dealing with the disorder are men.
Eating disorders aren't just about binging, purging and starving yourself. Some individuals have problems with being able to stop eating. There are people who deal with the fact that they will eat all day long - and not necessarily healthy food. They may be eating 25 hamburgers a day, buckets of fried chicken, sweets and baked goods. And while they know what they are doing is not good for them, they simply cannot stop. They often become immobilized, and dependant on others to fulfill their food intake needs.
Some individuals may take laxative pills or teas to help them with the purging of the food they've eaten. This can create a real dependency on the OTC drug, cause internal issues that go unseen for a long time. Ulcers, colon and intestinal wall breakdowns, and more.
Purging (vomiting) causes the stomach to become weak, acid burning away the enamel on one's teeth, causing the esophagus to become inflamed and raw.
Starving one's self causes weakened organs, the heart to work and beat faster, exhaustion, the muscles to breakdown strength and bones to become brittle.
Over-eating causes heart concerns, obesity, organs to become sluggish and tired. There is also the financial factor - the food intake can cost hundreds of dollars every couple of days, thousands a month. Often this individual cannot work, and is supported by others or social assistance.
Many factors play into an eating disorder. There may be an underlying mental illness, there may be pressure from peers. Possibly, the person is obsessed with what the perfect body is - when Hollywood calls 150lbs "obese and fat" it's easy for a woman to question herself. There may have been a traumatic experience in the individual's life, and having this one thing that they are in control of, self-gratifying. Again, this is not an exhaustive list of possibilities for developing an eating disorder.
Do you have someone in your life who you may fear has an eating disorder? Here are some signs for you to watch for regarding Anorexia, Bulimia and Purge Eating:
Constant or repetitive dieting (eg. counting calories/kilojoules, skipping meals, fasting, avoidance of certain food groups or types such as meat or dairy, replacing meals with fluids)
Evidence of binge eating (eg. disappearance of large amounts of food from the cupboard or fridge, lolly wrappers appearing in bin, hoarding of food in preparation for bingeing)
Evidence of vomiting or laxative abuse (eg. frequent trips to the bathroom during or shortly after meals)
Excessive or compulsive exercise patterns (eg. exercising even when injured, or in bad weather, refusal to interrupt exercise for any reason; insistence on performing a certain number of repetitions of exercises, exhibiting distress if unable to exercise)
Making lists of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods
Changes in food preferences (eg. refusing to eat certain foods, claiming to dislike foods previously enjoyed, sudden interest in ‘healthy eating’)
Development of patterns or obsessive rituals around food preparation and eating (eg. insisting meals must always be at a certain time; only using a certain knife; only drinking out of a certain cup)
Avoidance of all social situations involving food
Frequent avoidance of eating meals by giving excuses (eg. claiming they have already eaten or have an intolerance/allergy to particular foods)
Behaviours focused around food preparation and planning (eg. shopping for food, planning, preparing and cooking meals for others but not consuming meals themselves; taking control of the family meals; reading cookbooks, recipes, nutritional guides)
Strong focus on body shape and weight (eg. interest in weight-loss websites, dieting tips in books and magazines, images of thin people)
Development of repetitive or obsessive body checking behaviours (eg. pinching waist or wrists, repeated weighing of self, excessive time spent looking in mirrors)
Social withdrawal or isolation from friends, including avoidance of previously enjoyed activities
Change in clothing style, such as wearing baggy clothes
Deceptive behaviour around food, such as secretly throwing food out, eating in secret (often only noticed due to many wrappers or food containers found in the bin) or lying about amount or type of food consumed
Eating very slowly (eg. eating with teaspoons, cutting food into small pieces and eating one at a time, rearranging food on plate)
Continual denial of hunge
Physical Warning Signs
Sudden or rapid weight loss
Frequent changes in weight
Sensitivity to the cold (feeling cold most of the time, even in warm environments)
Loss or disturbance of menstrual periods (females)
Signs of frequent vomiting - swollen cheeks / jawline, calluses on knuckles, or damage to teeth
Fainting, dizziness
Fatigue - always feeling tired, unable to perform normal activities
Psychological warning signs
Increased preoccupation with body shape, weight and appearance
Intense fear of gaining weight
Constant preoccupation with food or with activities relating to food
Extreme body dissatisfaction/ negative body image
Distorted body image (eg. complaining of being/feeling/looking fat when actually a healthy weight or underweight)
Heightened sensitivity to comments or criticism about body shape or weight, eating or exercise habits
Heightened anxiety around meal times
Depression or anxiety
Moodiness or irritability
Low self-esteem (eg. feeling worthless, feelings of shame, guilt or self-loathing)
Rigid ‘black and white’ thinking (viewing everything as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’)
Feelings of life being ‘out of control’
Feelings of being unable to control behaviours around food
Fear of growing up/taking on adult responsibility
If you need someone to talk to about yourself and a potential eating disorder, or someone you care about, our Crisis Line Specialists are here 24/7 at 613-238-3311. We have resources to help you get healthy again.
Quite often, we'll hear callers tell us that listening to, playing or composing music helps them through difficult times, stress, grief, loss, anxiety, depression. Music moves them to a happier, safer place, that it has its own healing powers.
Emotions can run rapid with a song, making us feel things by the melody, the lyrics, the harmony of the voices. Songs can remind us of past events, present situations, and inspire us. It's so remarkable how even the first 5 seconds of a song can take us somewhere. It's a natural coping strategy - there is music all around us on the radio, the tv, iTunes, YouTube, and more.
We find ourselves saying "This song was written for me", or "These lyrics are exactly how I feel". It's a great way to show we're not alone in what our lives have brought us - that someone else has been dealing with something similiar and has put it into song. It becomes relatable and we are able to understand.
Last night, I (Leslie, Community Relations Coordinator) was at the Xavier Rudd concert here in Ottawa. Xavier Rudd is an Australian artist, who sings, and plays the didgeridoo, while playing the drums at the same time. He truly is a one man band.
Now, I've been a fan of Xavier Rudd's music for a couple of years, and while I've listened to his songs many times, I wasn't prepared for the emotions I felt last night, when I heard him sing "Follow The Sun" live. The atmosphere of the people at the show changed, and you could feel a certain energy with the lyrics that made me want to share this post with you.
The song is about being inspired, that tomorrow is a new day. That following your heart, mind & soul is okay to do, that your energy can be refreshed in your own way. While we don't give advice to our callers, we provide support, and through this song, I hope you'll find support to get through your day today, and know that every day is a new chance for change.
Lyrics: Follow The Sun - Xavier Rudd
Follow, follow the sun and which way the wind blows when this day is done.
Breath, breath in the air. Set your intentions. Dream with care.
Tomorrow is a new day for everyone, rand new moon, brand new sun.
So follow, follow the sun, the direction of the bird, the direction of love.
Breath, breath in the air, cheerish this moment, cheerish this breath.
Tomorrow is a new day for everyone, brand new moon, brand new sun.
When you feel love coming down on you, like a heavy wave. When you feel this crazy society, headin' to the strand. Take a straw to the nearest waters and remember your place. Many moons have risen and fallen long, long before youve came. So which way is the wind blowin', and what does your heart say?
So follow, follow the sun, and which way the wind blows when this day is done.
We're always here for you to talk to. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, call us at 613-238-3311 in Ottawa, or 1-866-676-1080 in the Outaouais.
If you're in the Ottawa area, and love live music, while helping out a not-for-profit company - this post is for you!
This Friday night, November 30th at the Elmdale Tavern, there is an acoustic showcase benefit concert, in memory of Janet Vachon, and in support of the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region (us!)
One of our volunteers, Jessica, has been organizing this show, and has put together an awesome array of local musicians such as:
Apocalypstic
Claudia Acoustic
Tenaj
Tara Holloway
Fiona Noakes
I wanted to hear why Jessica decided to host this event, and this is what she said:
"I chose to create the Acoustic Showcase Benefit Concert
for many reasons. The event is close to my heart because it is in memory of a
dear friend who was part of the music community. It also combines the talents of
5 bands in Ottawa showcasing their music. All bands have a significant
connection to the cause in one way or another and we are hoping to raise
awareness and money to support the efforts of the Distress Centre to help people
in crisis. I also believe music is a beautiful way we can bring a community
together to support each other and remember that we are not alone." Cover is $10 at the door, and the doors open at 8:30pm. We hope to have a full house for the showcase - to both honor the passing of Janet Vachon, and to support the Distress Centre.
This past weekend, over 25 volunteers going through their 59 hours of training, took part in the 2-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop (ASIST).
This workshop is about helping caregivers (meaning you, who has the ability to care for another individual) become confident, comfortable & able to recognize those in risk of suicide ideations, and to intervene through active listening, reflection, and helping that individual get to a safe place through these steps.
The workshop started off with an introduction video, and some chatting about what we were seeing in the scenarios. Everyone was eager to voice what they were hearing from the actors, and how they felt they would start talking to the individuals at risk.
We then broke into 2 groups. We were asked to share a story about how suicide has made an impact in each of our lives. Through tears, pats on the back and a lot of "thank you for sharing" statements, we were all able to breathe and move forward with our training.
Hearing about suicide is a scary, surreal thing for people. There are a lot of leftover questions that mostly get left unanswered. There is guilt surrounding the "I never saw it coming" and "I wish I could have known so that I could have helped". There is fear associated with "If X could take her life, then maybe other people I know are at risk".
We worked through the scenarios from the video we watched, each taking turns to explore the risk at hand, understand what the person is feeling and going through, and contract with them to keep them safe.
We were asked to close our eyes, and envision our normal drive home from work, or school. That traffic is really backed up on this ride home. That as you approach the bridge you cross to get to the highway, you see someone standing on the edge, staring down at the concrete.
How would you react? Would you feel capable enough to get out of your car to try and get the person to talk, to get down from the bridge? Could you handle the level of personal and reflecting emotions? This is what the workshop is about - being able to help that individual step down from the bridge.
At the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region we don't have Facetime or Skype to be able to see our callers, but we hear the distress, the despair, and the feelings of hopelessness, grief, loss and desperation in their voices. We apply the same tactics we would helping someone face to face, as we would on the phone.
At the end of our workshop, we were asked how we felt about what we've learned, and everyone was in agreement saying that they would feel more comfortable, confident and would be able to help someone with suicidal thoughts.
We were also told to do something nice for ourselves after both days - caregivers also need to take care of themselves. We had people who went shopping for retail therapy, those who went to yoga, those who went out for dinner with a loved one or friends, just to take a breather again.
The ASIST workshop prepares our volunteers and staff to take on these calls, as 10-20% of our annual calls revolve around suicide ideations.
ASIST isn't just for the Distress Centre family - anyone can take this workshop. Businesses, corporations, management teams, organizations, teachers and school staff are encourage to look into taking the ASIST workshop. You'll be thankful you did, even if it were just for one person in your life.
Call our office today to inquire about booking your ASIST workshop at 613-238-1089.
Who's looking forward to turkey, family & friends, the long weekend, and yearly traditions this weekend?
Sometimes the anticipation of a holiday or family get-together can cause people anxiety, depression, and feelings that they don't know how to deal with. Maybe you're anxious about seeing that Aunt, who always puts pressure on you to get a husband, or maybe your brother in law always drinks too much and ends up embarrassing you. Sometimes it's just the panic of having so many people in one spot. Maybe you're dealing with issues that you don't want your family to know about, such as depression or PTSD.
Whatever the case may be, here are some great ways to cope!
Do what needs to be done, and don't feel the need to go overboard. Don't put pressure on yourself to pull off a Martha Stewart Thanksgiving meal for 50 people.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Did you promise to bring 3 appetizers and a dessert, and bring activities for the kids to do? Ask a family member or a friend to come over and help you prepare.
Steer clear of overindulging. Alcohol may cause even more anxiety, and prevent you from doing what you need to.
Stay within budget. Holidays and family get togethers can be expensive enough, so make yourself a budget, and stick to it. You don't need those fancy napkin rings with your family initials engraved on them!
Take time for yourself leading up to the event. You are important to take care of as well.
When others offer to help with clean up, don't shoo them away. Accept their offer, and you can go to bed without worrying about the massive pile of dishes that you need to do in the morning. If you're at someone else's home, pick up the sponge and wash or dry. Even spending time with other's children is a big help to parents.
Be respectful of others and their home. Sometimes putting aside your differences can make for an enjoyable event.
Enjoy yourself!
From all of us at the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region, we'd like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?
