Eating disorders are not the first thing that typically comes to mind when people think about anonymous support groups, but they do exist and one meets in Lower Bucks County.
Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA) is a local support group for people suffering from eating disordered behavior and those who are close to them.
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Mandy N. and Kayti P. are the co-chairs for the Lower Bucks County Eating Disorders Anonymous group. The two, who did not wish to reveal their last names, recently spoke with LevittownNow.com about the group and its goals.
EDA is “a fellowship of individuals who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problems and help others to recovery from their eating disorders,” Mandy and Kayti said.
Just like individuals suffering from any other severe disease, people experiencing eating disorders can find solace in confiding in others who understand their situation and can relate by attending EDA meetings.
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The Lower Bucks group, which meets at 1400 Veterans Highway in Bristol Township at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, consists of members who are all at different places in their recovery, said Kayti and Mandy. While some are in long-term recovery, others still struggle with disordered behavior. The group is diverse, and considerate, according to members of the group, different members have experience with a number of disorder related behavior including restricting, binging, purging, exercise addiction, and forms of disordered behavior.
“The community supports one another through the daily struggles of recovery while offering experience and hope for long-term recovery,” the organizers explained.
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The group, according to members who have interacted with the Lower Bucks County group, have found support and progress by joining into the proclaimed fellowship. According to the co-chairs of the group, many of the members have other issues that go along with their eating disorders such as chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, and other disorders. According to the co-chairs, as long as it relates to the problem of eating disorders, all conversation is welcome.
“For me, EDA provides a sense of community and connection to others who struggle with or are in recovery from eating disorders,” Kayti explained. Kayti has been involved in EDA since 2012 when she joined a group based out of Nashville.
“The steps within EDA provide me with a daily guide for living recovery. I am grateful for the opportunity to co-chair this meeting of EDA and to continue building a network of recovery for those with eating disorders,” Kayti explained.
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Mandy explained that while she is newer to EDA than Kayti, being in the group has given her a new perspective on on her disease, and has awarded her a deeper awareness of it.
Kayti and Mandy relayed that for them, first coming to the meetings was the hardest part, citing reasons like shame. “From my first meeting, I felt so at home being surrounded by people who understood what I was going through. I was no longer alone and I no longer needed to hide,” Mandy said.
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Both Kayti and Mandy recommend reaching out if you are in need of help or support, be it to a friend, family, or even Lower Bucks EDA.
“We understand the difficulties associated with recovery, the ambivalence that strikes from time to time, and the fear connected with letting go of past behaviors. We are a small group full of support, compassion, and understanding,” Kayti affirmed.
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Lower Bucks EDA is the only active EDA group within two hours, according to Mandy.
More information can be found at their Facebook page, or by emailing them at lowerbuckseda@gmail.com.
