November

For those who have not personally experienced an Eating Disorder it is hard to see it outside of vanity for what it is: a disease. Understandably so, many of the actions of the disease involve much of the clients own cognitive control. However, recent research is paving the way for Eating Disorders to be taken seriously as a genetic, mental disease. Which is a huge step in getting health insurance to cover the costs of treatment, more awareness programs for children and compassion for those suffering from the disease.

The New York Times is currently featuring a series online called, Patient Voices where they feature people suffering from a variety of mental disorders. You can hear all of their testimonies about the experience with their disease. Please take a listen to the Eating Disorder testimonies. There is a variety of men, women and teens who talk about their disease. Take a listen to their experience with their Eating Disorder here. Awareness, is the first step to finding a solution. We are so glad so many are stepping out and bringing awareness to this painful, deadly disease. 

The last time I got a massage the masseuse started with my neck. She moved up to my jaw line and said, “Oh! I see that you are tense around the jaw. That means you are afraid to really say what’s on your mind. You’re holding back.” My thoughts were, “Well that’s unfortunate considering I’m a WRITER!” After being slightly annoyed that my masseuse was crossing over into marriage and family counselor territory I gave a bit of thought to what she said. I think there may be some validity to it. Though, I am a writer who proudly says what’s on my mind,  I am also am a recovering Anorexic, Bulimic Compulsive Overeater. A lot of my Eating Disorder stemmed from my core self-worth, feeling not good enough physically or emotionally. Though I have over 3 years of recovery, I still have a disease that challenges my ability to speak my mind. Even though I do speak my mind, at times I find it challenging to do so. More than others perhaps. Which is exactly why I need to take care of myself and go get massages. To relieve some of the tension that goes with carrying this disease.

I found an article awhile back ( that you can view here) that reports that massages help reduce eating disorder thoughts and behaviors. It is due to the decreased levels of cortisol and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine that a massage provides. Fascinating isn’t it! Getting a massage is like taking a vitamin!

The Vic Girls love their massages! We go and get ours at:

Spa Gregorie’s

200 Newport Center Dr

Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 644-6672

My personal favorite place is:

Total Body Care

154 Broadway

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

(949) 574-2400

A great place to take all your girlfriends for a spa day is:

Glen Ivy

25000 Glen Ivy Rd.

Corona, CA 92883

(888) 453-6489

I hope this post inspires you to do some self care and go get a massage!

You can tell the Holidays are approaching The Victorian in Newport Beach when the blazing coastal sun is cooled by the fall chill and the clients ditch their flip flops for Uggs. Ah, the Holidays! A very merry and scary time of the year considering the Holidays are focused around two very triggering things: Family and Food. But in eating disorder recovery we offer hope. The hope being that there are things we can do to keep our abstinence and sanity this Holiday Season 2010. The hope is BOUNDARIES. Yes, big emotional and physical boundaries. Check out some of these boundaries before you take a slice of pumpkin pie….

1. Supportive Pie – Think about being at the dessert table with the option of picking one of the assortments of pies. There’s apple pie, cherry pie, pumpkin pie and then there is some moldy pie with ants crawling all over it. Which pie are you going to go for? Please tell me you will NOT for for the moldy pie obviously because it will make you sick…..Think of this pie choosing analogy when you select who you are going to spend time with over the holidays. Are the people you’re spending time with going to pull you back into your disease and make you sick? Are your parents judgmental and critical? Is the emotional baggage that comes with being with these people going to cause you to relapse? If so, then don’t chose that pie. You deserve the best and you deserve to make wise and healthy decisions for yourself.
2. Under the Mistle Toe- When we think of the holidays we think of places of celebration, parties and people kissing under the mistle toe. Sadly, however a lot of the places we used to go for holidays don’t bring us great mistel toe memories…..Hanging out in a bar, with others in their addictions and at parties where alcohol will be served can be triggering. Put up your boundaries and protect yourself. Avoid environments that might tempt you to return to your past bad habits. If you have stopped drinking, don't go to holiday parties at bars or even homes where alcohol will be a major focus. Politely decline. Your health and lifestyle are more important than social obligations.
3. Strolling through the leaves  – Fall and Winter are great times for soothing walks because the air feels so crisp and enchanting…. When times get stressful with the family and friends take yourself on a de-stressful walk. Take a deep breath and just get out of the house. Call your sponsor or a friend and ask them to blow off steam with you as you walk.
4. Christmas Carole – There is something fond about the tradition of reading the Christmas Carole year after year. It’s our own tradition that reminds us of gathering with people we love. This year start your own tradition. Start knitting, having bon fires with friends, writing or taking an art class. Own the Holidays for the good and the bad and stick it out with your creativity. You can create your own Holiday you just have to do it!