Expert: Dawn McNamara - 1/27/2012

Question
I don't have an eating disorder, neither do I want one, and I am not pro ana either.
I was just wondering how a former anorexic/bulimic felt about pro-ana.
Also, were you ever a part of the pro ana 'cult'?

Answer
I to be honest, have a problem with the pro-ana, pro-mia movement. While i do believe in free speech i see these as a sickness, akin to trying to spread any disease. Its a disease of loneliness and secrecy, often with many roots. Commonly self mutiliation occurs at the same time. many of these girls, and boys have serious dual diagnosis. So the desire bond together has even more levels, not just ana and mia.
 I have gone into these rooms and gone "fishing" for girls to talk out of this lifestyle. Some i have convinced to confront their parents about their ED. Others i have talk into seeking outside help. Many girls that i  have talked to have learned about the consequences (i can no longer have kids) and that some of these are permanent. So the girls (and boys) that are learning about, and going to these sites in the early stages of their Ed, (some try to adopt anorexia and bulimia as a short term fix) can be recruited back out. Unfortunately these sites are here to stay. And all we can do really is try to use them as a tool to find and help these kids.