Today we’re talking about psychological disorders that have to do with you, food, and exercise that have the power to damage your child’s body image and self-esteem as well — no matter how you try to keep it out of their life. Both moms and dads can have struggles that not only damage their own happiness and fulfillment, but can greatly affect how the way their children feel about their own bodies and selves. . I’ll share my own story of my struggle with anorexia and anorexic thinking and how my mom, despite her love and good intentions, taught me that you could never be too thin. The three disorders we’ll focus on today are anorexia, orthorexia and exercise addiction. There’s a lot of info here so hold on tight. The good news is that I’ll also offer seven vital steps that you can take as a parent to help prevent this from happening… and help yourself while you’re building a safer, more stable relationship with food and exercise and your body.
Here’s the Dove commercial that I mention right at the beginning of the episode.
The listener email is from a woman who emotionally broke down at work and didn’t understand what could possibly be happening, mortified that it had happened at all.
Important Links:
Article on the various types of anorexia
Article on the seriousness of anorexia and how more people die from its complications than any other mental illness.
Orthorexia and exercise addiction article
Article on how “body positive” dads influence their kids’ body image
A little more of my own story and how I confront those voices.
You can hear more about body image issues and many other topics by listening to Dr. Margaret’s new podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to this website and receive her weekly blog posts and podcasts!
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My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.
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