Dear Anonymous...

I know that not all of you hiding behind the grey face are nasty and spiteful people, but I am furious that there are people out there who continually judge and interrogate vulnerable people fighting for their lives.

Most of you know NOTHING about the details of the lives of the people you are judging. I'll accept that perhaps you do have good intentions, and simply do not understand the complex nature of Eating Disorders and the difficulty that recovery entails. I'll accept that ignorance of Eating Disorders is unfortunately common place in our society, and many people simply do not know better.

But I will NOT accept that anyone hiding behind the anonymous button has the right to send judgmental, unqualified messages that clearly do nothing but harm the recipients. If you somehow are under the impression that you are helping or that your persisting insistence that you know better than the person in recovery AND/OR their PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED treatment team, please take note:

JUDGING, CRITICIZING, CHALLENGING AND DIRECTING A PERSON IN RECOVERY TO ACT IN THE WAY YOU THINK THEY SHOULD IS DANGEROUSLY HARMFUL AND DESTRUCTIVE. PLEASE STOP. JUST STOP.

If you genuinely care about people struggling to recover and have an interest in preventing others suffering, direct your energy into more positive channels. Support organisations such as NEDA or The Butterfly Foundation. Challenge those who run pro-ana or thinspo blogs. Express yourself in a positive, thoughtful way in your own space. And if you must write to others, carefully consider the impact of your words. If you truly have good intentions and believe what you have to say can only help, have the courage to put your name and face to your words.  

And if you are suffering yourself, please, seek the professional help and support you need and deserve. Love and light to all.