Welcome to the blog space of the Looking Glass community, where we post our own and others’ reflections and perspectives on eating disorder issues, journeys of recovery, and other helpful tips and tools.
Advice by Kaela Vlog (First Ever!): Navigating ED + COVID-19 Anxiety
In our first ever vlog, Kaela answers questions submitted from our community about navigating eating disorders while simultaneously navigating the uncertain times we are living in due to COVID-19.
"All that we are facing is difficult, there is no doubt about that. But it is also true that whatever else is going on in the world, there is also the most beautiful kindness and a sense of collective camaraderie. We’re one tribe once more. One heart. One team brought together to support one another through this process. Our collective efforts making a difference towards one common goal. There is something quite beautiful about that and I hope we remember the feeling when this has all passed."
The Looking Glass Foundation programs are still open. If you, or someone you know, are suffering during these challenging times, please reach out to us. We are here to help.
My hope is that through the Looking Glass Foundation’s many resources, and through our community at large you will realize you are not alone as we all go through this global pandemic that is triggering at large, and also presents some unique experiences to individuals experiencing an eating disorder.
"Try to lessen any judgement toward yourself and bring self-compassion into your personal dialogue. It’s important to be aware of the nature of the situation at our hands; however, I encourage you to protect your heart and mind during this anxiety provoking time, if you find yourself overwhelmed in fear. Take care of you!"
"For those in the eating disorder world, the list of self-neglect is usually long. While for many slowing down to appreciate a nice cup of tea is a huge win, I do think we need to sometimes push into the forms of self-care that can be quite challenging."
Motherhood. Career. Travel. Love. Adventure. It just looks different now, a different body, one that is stronger and more capable than I gave it credit for. One that created a beautiful little girl and continues to have the resilience and courage to show up to (almost) every moment with her. And for those moments that I don’t show up as intended, I have so much more compassion, love and forgiveness for myself than I knew was possible.
"Which is why when we are fighting to create change, it is so important to be kind to ourselves, to look at the next step before us if the whole picture is too overwhelming to face, to acknowledge the heaviness of this work, and to always come back to hope and the things that nourish it for us. Because change is possible, and recovery is possible. Because human beings are resilient, tenacious, and capable. Because there is always hope, whether it is a thing with feathers, a single step forward, or a buried seed deep within the soil."
"We are starting to see that mental illness, in and of itself, is far less damaging and problematic than the stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion that commonly surround it. We are learning that there is no shame in living with mental illness, that it need not be treated as an intractable hindrance or as something that has to finally be “cured,” that there are many methods for coping, and that it is possible to live with it and still have a good life."
Looking Glass Foundation respectfully acknowledges that our work takes place on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
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