Outside looking in...

[RChandler07]

Hi,

I am a graphic design student studying at Sheffield Hallam University and I have recently been given a project to design an awareness campaign about a subject of my choice. I have chosen to raise awareness around eating disorders, the reasons being I didn't know much about them and thought this was the case for many people. I am writing on here to try and gain a few insights, as I don't want to portray this issue in a false way. I am hoping that some people on here are willing to help me, help you.

Questions I am hoping to have answered are

- Do people choose to have an eating disorder?

- Is it you?

- Where do you find help?

- Is there enough help?

- What is the publics perception and how can that be changed to help you?

- What would you like to see in a campaign to raise awareness around this subject?

I hope me writing on here doesn't offend anybody as I am only trying to gain an insight to help anyone suffering.

Thank you.

[crazycrossstitcher]

Suggest you email me your questions and I'll try to answer for you. [e-mail]

[RChandler07 in reply to crazycrossstitcher]

Thank you for this reply. I have emailed you now.

[Hidden]

Hi,

I will think about your questions and respond asap although that may be a day or so.

It's a good choice of project as weight and weight issues are such a big part of today's society.

anniephys

[Hidden]

Hi

Done this faster than I thought I would - they are great questions. I'd be happy to help or explain further if you'd like to know more.

Do people choose to have an eating disorder?

My experience is that I chose to lose weight by dieting but once I fell below a critical weight the eating disorder took a grip. The more I lost the worse the grip has got. It is an addiction and I didn’t chose to have that. I wish I’d known that this would be a consequence to dieting as I was happy before and now I’m not.

Is it you?

Yes I have anorexia.

Where do you find help?

GP was the first port of call then referred to a specialist eating disorders unit (worse than useless) and counselling (very useful).

Also there are organisations e.g. Anorexia Bulimia Care (phone line and buddy scheme plus forums like this one), B-EAT phone line, online support groups.

Other online communities that are PRO-Recovery e.g. somethingfishy

If in school or college there are often counselling services available.

Is there enough help?

I question the effectiveness of the help particularly the specialist help although perhaps that just illustrates that one size doesn’t fit all.

Otherwise I think there is a good level of advice, support and information.

What is the public’s perception and how can that be changed to help you?

“just get over it” i.e. “just eat”

What would you like to see in a campaign to raise awareness around this subject?

Eat for health. Info of where to get help before the addiction takes over a firm grip. That eating disorders are not something sufferers can just snap out of.

[RChandler07 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for this information. I hope my campaign will communicate these issues accurately and truthfully. The last thing I want to do is come across as ignorant towards an illness I have seen be so destructive. Thanks again.

Ross.

[Hellolife]

I'd like to see a campaign using a 'normal weight' person. this being in a healthy BMI range. because often when you see anorexia it's too late and there are many more eating disorders that people aren't aware of and you CAN be in an average weight range...

[RChandler07 in reply to Hellolife]

Thank you for this information, I already had this in mind. During my research I found out that the use of 'typical' anorexia imagery is used far too often. I also find it offensive to those suffering. My idea was to design a t-shirt in mens size medium and photograph people of all size in this one shirt. The t-shirt would have "One size doesn't fit all" printed on the front and the photographs would back that point up. This imagery can then be used to focus peoples attention on bespoke therapy/counselling to each individual case instead of putting every case under the same umbrella.