For more than two decades, my life and the lives of my family and close friends have been impacted by my struggles with eating disorders. Since leaving residential treatment many years ago and living in different communities, I have found that there is often a gap in availability of support groups. There are support groups on social media, and through treatment centers. However, finding available
and affordable support groups in the community can be extremely difficult. My family and I have formed this organization to help fill this gap, not just for all of us afflicted with eating disorders, but for our families and closest friends who try to support us in any way possible. Those afflicted with eating disorders live in a world of secrets and loneliness, afraid to share with those around them in fear of judgement or hurting their loved ones. SAFE will provide the space in which these people can openly discuss their feelings. Through education and the sharing of experiences, parents, siblings and friends will better understand their loved ones struggle and how to support them without judgement. The other objective of SAFE is to provide education and awareness for the health care professionals. So often the health care professionals and their staff are completely unaware of how their comments and practice trigger those with eating disorders. They also do not always recognize the early warning signs. SAFE will be working with a group of highly qualified medical, dental, and alternative medicine professionals to create written materials and presentations to improve their knowledge in dealing with this population. Together, with a strong unified front, SAFE hopes that it can help anyone afflicted with eating disorders, their families and friends, as well as work to spread awareness of the early warning signs in hopes that others do not have to suffer in the same way.
