People, frankly, expect

This line, dripping with condescension, says so much about the public's understanding of eating disorders:

"things that people, frankly, expect somebody to do."

The state of New York is shutting down its hard-won network of eating disorder clinics because they want to concentrate on obesity and obesity related illnesses INSTEAD.

This is, "frankly," the problem: that people think eating disorders are the opposite of and in competition for attention with all health conditions relating to weight. They are not.

Why are we pitting one against the other, anyway? Why would eating disorders - a range of mental illness that includes anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder - need to be ranked by priority with other health conditions? Why one or the other? Why are these two issues competing with one another and not other illnesses?

ADDED: Here are some efforts to fight the budget cuts

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-c-2010-02-08-65344.113122_Ortiz_Eating_disorder_services_must_be_funded.html

Comments

  1. I am so sorry to hear that. It must be so disheartening to say the least...If there are any petitions, letters to write, please let us know.
    It's beyond ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so sorry to hear that. It must be so disheartening to say the least...If there are any petitions, letters to write, please let us know.
    It's beyond ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  3. such bad news.

    i don't like the term childhood "obesity". i thing it stigmatizes some kids. maybe child wellness -- which would so include eating disorders.

    i see my 14 year old niece and her friends. diet, diet, diet. it terrifies me.

    why are we so worried about our kids being overweight and not about eating disorders, particularly as eating disorders are probably even more devastating to health?

    keep us informed please. i learn a lot from your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ugh! This is so frustrating and maddening for so many reasons.
    Let's see...Those of us who have eating disorders aren't necessarily "thin" and may very well be obese. It's all about what's going on in the mind. D'uh. Just as it is with obesity, in many cases.

    I'm sorry, I can't write eloquently. This is so frustrating and infuriating. :( Do/did these clinics offer lower-cost services to those without health insurance?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I know that this network of clinics was hard won and needed. There are so few clinics that specialize in eating disorders and it really REALLY requires specialists. I hate to see a program that was considered a real innovation be cut, but especially to be cut for this reason!

    ReplyDelete

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