Welcome to the blog space of the Looking Glass community, where we post our own and others’ reflections and perspectives on eating disorder issues, programs and resources, journeys of recovery, and community news and events.
The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but they are often difficult for various reasons. If you currently have an eating disorder or are in recovery, the time of eggnog, gingerbread houses, turkey, and buffets can be more about constant anxiety and triggers than it is a winter wonderland...
DetailsFor decades, people with eating disorders have been living (and dying) in shame and misery all around us – but we don’t seem to be any closer to beating this disease.
DetailsThe gym I am a member at recently had a free personal training session. I took the chance because, well, it’s free. It started off with me getting weighed both for my BMI and my body fat and a discussion with the personal trainer about how to get both of those down, about coming to the gym more often, about having a meal plan—under the assumption that those should be everyone’s goals…
DetailsIn August, I attended Looking Glass Camp as a Cabin Leader. It was my first time at camp. I don't mean that it was my first time at Looking Glass Camp or my first time at camp as an adult. It was my first time at camp ever...
DetailsNot very long ago I was submersed in the throes of an eating disorder so rampant it nearly took my life. The question "will I ever by okay?" was forever in my mind. Although I didn't believe it at the time, the answer was yes...
DetailsSeveral years ago, Tyson Busby was the first young man to enter treatment at the Woodstone Residence on Galiano Island (now the Looking Glass Residence in Vancouver). Recently, we asked Tyson to reflect back on his experience, and to give us a man's perspective on eating disorder recovery...
DetailsWe are everywhere. The ones who had an eating disorder. Who clawed a way through and out of our respective nightmares. And who, more often than not, keep totally mum about it.
It was nearly 15 years after pulling myself free from a 20 year stranglehold with this disease before I could say the words, admit it, put it out there: I had an eating disorder.
DetailsThis year, the Looking Glass Foundation Scholarship Committee received so many compelling scholarship applications, all from inspiring young people with dreams for furthering their education. It truly was a difficult choice. (It was so difficult that, with the help of a generous anonymous donor, we even added an additional scholarship!)
DetailsWhat do I mean when I say “managing our emotions”, and what is the link between our emotions and the onset and maintenance of eating disorders? These days it is almost universally understood that our ability to manage or regulate our emotions contributes very positively to our mental health. Individuals who are less able to manage their emotions (particularly difficult emotions related to feelings of shame, anger, and fear) often find themselves at increased risk for a number of mental health disorders, ranging from anxiety and depression to eating disorders...
DetailsThe legacy began in 2001. Community-based programs for eating disorder recovery were overburdened, hospital admissions meant long wait lists, and families seeking residential care were forced to find it outside of Canada at tremendous expense and personal sacrifice. Several families, who all shared a similarly desperate struggle to find appropriate treatment programs for their daughters, came together in frustration. Looking Glass Residence co-founder Deborah Grimm remembers it well...
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