Read Kristen’s post at Lively Women about one of the worst parenting decisions… ever.  Then come back here and let’s discuss. 
(Just from my perspective, the whole story is truly insane.  You’d think the mom was a proana advocate, for crying out loud!)

It’s come to my attention that some anorexics are using food allergies/sensitivities as an excuse not to eat, especially when around friends or family whom they haven’t seen for a while.
(As a side note, I was concerned about mentioning this, for fear that some pro-anas might use it for their own “benefits”; but let’s face it — if you’re ana, you’ve probably already come up with all the “tricks” you need to continue your starvation tactics.)
In any case, I’m curious — have you ever lied about having problems with food just to avoid eating in social or familial situations? 
I haven’t …read more

Every culture, sub-culture and group eventually create acronyms.  That way, followers can speak in code and feel… well… united.
Today, I learned about a new term that is purportedly used by some (not all) pro-anas:  SNATT.  It stands for “Semi-Nauseus All The Time.” 
SNATT is considered a positive thing among a few ana groups as well as many non-ana dieters because if you’re sick to your stomach, you’re less likely to even consider eating.  And everyone who has dealt with an eating disorder knows the feeling of SNATT — I remember it well. 
SNATT. 
You learn something new every day.

As many of you know, I wrote a short story many years ago that I posted here at Breaking the Mirror.  The writing was pitiful (my apologies!), but the concept is one that still haunts me:
Are some mothers and daughters essentially “pro-ana” teams?
I’ve never personally known any mom-daughter relationships that fit this desciption, but I’ve heard through-the-grapevine reports that they exist. 
If you’re the daughter of an anorexic (or bulimic) and you’re struggling with eating disorders yourself, I’d like to hear your side of the story. 
Do you think that your mother’s battle with Ana (or Mia) had a huge impact on …read more

I only wish this were a joke.
On the web, there are underground programs and “schools” (loosely defined) of pro-ana and pro-mia supporters that, in essence, claim to help and support the anorexic, bulimic or EDNOS sufferer who does not want to get better.
Yes, these “thinstitutes” (my word) of ana/mia education are available.  And many of them have strict policies on who is allowed to become a “student”.  (I think they are concerned that people like myself might try to infiltrate their societies, which, I admit, is a legitimate worry from their point of view because I’ve considered doing so many times.)
Thinspiration …read more

Bracelets with red beads.  (Not just “red bracelets”, though.)
That’s what many followers of Ana wear.
Sometimes, they wear them on both wrists, sometimes just on one.
This helps pro-anas identify one another.
Parents, did you know this? 

I admit it.  I’m no longer a geek, at least not a techno one.  (Book smart, tech so-so.)  How do I know this?  I just recently found out about “Second Life“, the virtual 3D “world” where people can do just about anything they want — buy islands (using “linden”, the currency in “Second Life”), have affairs, raise families.
So it was with this fascinating knowledge that I began to muse — could there be a pro-ana contingent in “Second Life”?  Are there anorexics running around the virtual world, with skeletal avatars?  How about bulimics?  Or those with binge eating disorders?
If any …read more

Welcome and Happy May Day!
If you are new to “Breaking the Mirror“, I’d like to say hello and suggest that you check out the following links to some of the top April posts from the site to get acquainted with what’s going on around here. 
From pro-ana news to ED-related short stories, we aim to serve you.  So keep those comments a’coming and enjoy! 
From 4/23:  Please Tell Me We’ve All Been Punk’d ~  http://www.blisstree.com/2008/04/23/please-tell-me-weve-all-been-punkd/
From 4/12, 4/13, and 4/16:  “Her Father’s Daughter” (an original short story) ~ http://www.blisstree.com/2008/04/12/her-fathers-daughter-1st-installment/
http://www.blisstree.com/2008/04/13/her-fathers-daughter-2nd-installment/
http://www.blisstree.com/2008/04/16/her-fathers-daughter-3rd-last-installment/
From 4/30:  AnoSEXYa?  Some pro-anas think so!http://www.blisstree.com/2008/04/30/anosexya-some-pro-anas-think-so/
From 4/27:  In Mauritania, Anorexics Looking for Love Would …read more

I must say that I rarely felt “sexy” when I was anorexic.  Maybe late at night when I was checking out my hip bones in the mirror, but other than that, I usually felt that I was still too far from my “goal weight” to feel super attractive.
However, with the proliferation of hundreds of pro-ana sites and thinspiration YouTube vids, it seems as if many, many anorexics (and bulimics) promote themselves — and others who have BMIs under 18.5 – as objects of sexual desire.
What I wonder is if the majority of guys find these emaciated ladies inviting?  I’m going to assume that some …read more