Eating Disorder Misconceptions
by Aleema, she/they, California, U.S.
I have been in recovery for my eating disorder for the past few months in multiple levels of care. During that time, I have learned not only about how malicious this illness can be, but how misunderstood it is. If there was one thing that I wish I could convey about eating disorders it would be this: eating disorders very well do take a toll on your physical health, but at the end of the day, they are a detrimental mental illness. I have seen too many eating disorders invalidated due to how the patient appears physically, only for them to be suffering severe mental torment. Many eating disorder patients can appear “healthy”, while simultaneously suffering beneath the surface. Eradicating the eating disorder’s mental grip is often the hardest thing a person will overcome.
Living with an eating disorder and multiple other mental illnesses has made me realize how misunderstood, stigmatized, and lonely this experience can feel. For that reason, I compiled & published a collection of poetry portraying my experience.
a dark cloak envelops me entirely
in security, comfort, control
she covers my eyes
too blind at times
and squeezes me tight
too tight at times
still, how can you ask me
to shed my lover’s hold
after her being
all i’ve ever known
For more of Aleema’s poetry, check out her book, Turmeric Milk, on Xlibirs Online Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble: