(Just from my perspective, the whole story is truly insane.  You’d think the mom was a proana advocate, for crying out loud!)

Post from: Blisstree

Want your jaw to hit the ground in disbelief?

(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 done it overtly, though I definitely have pretended to feel sick to my stomach so people would stop telling me to eat.

Post from: Blisstree

Have you ever lied about having a food allergy?

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.

Post from: Blisstree

Yet another new acronym embraced by some pro-anas…

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 your own ED tendencies?  Or do you feel that anorexia and bulimia are more “nature” than “nurture” (e.g., you share some of your mom’s genes, so perhaps you both got the eating disordered ones)?

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Oh, and don’t forget to VOTE for a winner in our “For Keeps” contest!

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Post from: Blisstree

Moms & daughters — ana together?

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 abounds on those sites, and although they are quick to say that they are for people who already have EDs and notthose who desire to have an ED (the so-called “wannarexics), I’m dubious and concerned.

However, I have no hatred for either the “teachers” or the “students” — the sites are run by webmistresses (I’ve yet to find one operated by a man) who are in the grips of an ED and sincerely believe that it’s a-okay to simply live with an ED, embracing it rather than fighting it.

I’d be interested in hearing from any readers who have past or present experience with the pro-ana movement.  Did you “matriculate” from Ana U?

Post from: Blisstree

Is your daughter attending Ana U?

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? 

Post from: Blisstree

Could the jewelry your child wears signify she is “pro-ana”?

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 “Second Life” inhabitants and/or aficianados want to let me know, I’m all ears! 

(Incidentally, if you’re curious to know more about this strange land, there’s a Second Life blog.)

Post from: Blisstree

Is there a pro-ana group in “Second Life”?

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 Be Out of Luck ~ http://www.blisstree.com/2008/04/27/in-mauritania-anorexics-looking-for-love-would-be-out-of-luck/

From 4/2:  Just don’t tell me, okay? ~ http://www.blisstree.com/2008/04/02/just-dont-tell-me-okay/

(After you’re done browsing, check out the other b5 Health and Wellness channel blogs for some humor, insightful commentary and news you can use!)

Post from: Blisstree

Pro-Ana, Thinspiration, ED Stories — Break the Mirror Today!

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 do, but I know few men of this caliber.  Most I have spoken with like a little “meat” on their bones. 

To investigate, I’d like to ask the readers of Scott’s blog, Health and Men, to tell us what you like to see in a woman’s body. 

Don’t be shy — if you love anorexic ladies, say so and tell us why.  If you want more “cushion” in your significant other, say that, too.  It’s an open forum.  (Be tasteful, though — at least a little!) 

Post from: Blisstree

anoSEXYa? Some pro-anas think so.