Personal Testimony on Anorexia/Bulimia

Guest: Stephanie Yates

Stephanie taught at PCA Plano as a writing coordinator and 7th grade English teacher, then moved to 5th grade and taught before returning to teaching at PCA North Campus.

Stephanie was diagnosed as “anorexic, exercise bulimic” - which is an eating/identity disorder. Her parents divorced when she was young and always identified as a “pleaser.” A boyfriend made a comment about her weight. When things seem difficult, there are times that a person wants to “control” something in their life and controlling what they eat is one default and many young people select.

What’s the difference between being thin, healthy, or anorexic? Looks for signs that things are not “healthy” - wearing baggy clothes to “hide” a person’s real appearance, not eating enough to maintain a growing, healthy lifestyle (consider what they’re involved with), working out constantly, eating by themselves, going to the bathroom immediately after eating, an obsession with body image, etc…

Note that an eating disorder isn’t just something that young women struggle with, many boys and young men struggle with this issue as well.

How do you get help? Here are a few places that Stephanie recommends for help in either understanding more about eating disorders or to actually get assistance with a loved one:

Eating Recovery Center - Plano

Girls to Women Health and Wellness

The Center for Pediatric Eating Disorders (Children’s Hospital, Plano)

Recommendations by Stephanie are not to be considered endorsements that these institutions address issues from a biblical perspective. Prayerfully proceed with getting the needed attention and help that your child needs, but also remember to address the spiritual components that exist as well.