Fact or Crap is the name of an actual game (not sure by who – and I’m too lazy to go downstairs and look) The game has cards with declarative statements; and the players ‘vote’ on whether the statement is fact or crap. Welcome to my ED version of Fact or Crap!
First the quiz… then scroll down for the answers and my completely subjective assessment of the results.
FACT or CRAP
1. Anorexia has the highest fatality rate of any mental illness.
2. Eating disorders affect people of all genders, age, and race.
3. In most cases, families are to blame when a child has an eating disorder.
4. There are proven treatments for ED, that if followed carefully, and with the guidance of appropriate providers, can cure any ED patient.
5. The media causes anorexia.
6. You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.
7. Recovery is possible.
8. Dieting usually does more harm than good and is a common gateway for eating disorders.
9. Most health insurance covers ED treatment with a minimum of hassle.
10. YOU can help.
Answer Key
1. Anorexia has the highest fatality rate of any mental illness. FACT: the precise percentage varies on which study you read: but approximately 15% of those diagnosed with anorexia will die of either medical complications or suicide. (Yet, research and prevention remains grossly underfunded when compared to other mental illnesses).
2. Eating disorders affect people of all genders, age, race, weight and body size. FACT: You simply cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.
3. In most cases, families are to blame when a child has an eating disorder. CRAP: In fact, families are usually the patients’ best allies in treatment.
4. There are proven treatments for ED, that if followed carefully, and with the guidance of appropriate providers, can cure any ED patient. CRAP: While there are excellent treatment facilities and providers, and many patients DO recover: each case is unique and there are no guarantees of success, even if the treatment providers and family members do everything ‘right’.
5. The media causes anorexia. CRAP. The meda certainly CONTRIBUTES to the prevelance of eating disorders; but it is not solely responsible for causing a serious eating disorder; nor does everyone exposed to the same images develop an eating disorder. Having said that, I am the FIRST in line to rally against the impossible standards of beauty and THINNESS that is imposed on all of us.
6. You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them. CRAP: There are many people with eating disorders, including anorexia, that appear healthy outwardly. It is common for an ED patient to have a normal or even above-normal weight, but their body can be malnourished due to the damage caused by restriction and/or purging.
7. Recovery is possible. FACT! In addition to participating in and seeing my own daughter’s recovery, I have talked to many former sufferers who shared that they never thought they could get better… but they did. While recovery is not guaranteed – its is possible!!
8. Dieting usually does more harm than good and is a common gateway for eating disorders. FACT: There have been many studies that demonstrate that dieting is very rarely effective for a sustained weight lost. Dieting should be discouraged – especially for young girls and teens.
9. Most health insurance covers ED treatment with a minimum of hassle. CRAP: Unfortunately, many carriers don’t cover residential treatment in particular; and will push back unless (or rather, until) there is a MEDICAL emergency. Finding appropriate treatments is often a significant financial burden on the impacted families.
10. YOU can help. FACT!!! Read my blog, go to the NEDA site. And WALK and/or contribute to a NEDA walk. We need you! NEDA Walk
Results (aka your role in my fictional ED band)
9-10 correct: you are an ED rockstar!
6-8 correct: On the right track to achieving rockstar status. Maybe you are a backup singer, or a bass player.
4-5 correct: Kinda lame, but there is hope. Maybe a groupie? or a drum player?
1-3 correct: Definitely Lame. You have no rhythm. Remedial reading is needed. You should definitely read: the recent NEDA Blog: ED Truths