PrettyThin

Eating disorder communities seem to come and go. The people who create them often struggle with anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS, or some other ED and decide to create a website or profile with forum or blog, and people start listening, reading, writing, interacting. But then somehow the community falls apart. The sites become stagnant and no new activity seems to appear. So what makes PrettyThin different? How is it that PT has survived for all these years with as much popularity?

PrettyThin is a community for those with eating disorders, and it is largely a product of the many thoughts and experiences of the tens of thousands of members who use the day after day, and week after week. It's a collection of stories and journals, and not enough can be said about the complexity and depth that exists in the forums. And though it has changed a lot since it first started, there is a thread underneath it all that stays constant.

Unlike other eating disorder (ED) communities, PrettyThin tries not to define anything for anyone. We all have our individual experiences of life, and no words or actions can ever change a person unless they are looking to change and willing to look inward, be honest about who they are, and truly take the steps to become who they want to be.

People come to PrettyThin (PT)  for just about every reason imaginable. Some are looking for diet tips, or ways to hide their disorder from their family or friends; to ask questions about purging and other activities which we all know are harmful. And there are those who come to the site to share their experiences with an ED, or to ask about recovery; to ask about something going on with their body, or to try to help someone who might be pushing themselves to the point of true physical hard. We even have creepers and perverts who try to seduce the weaknesses of others; filthy predators and beasts of prey. (please report these Sh#%s).

But no matter the "what," the why is that PrettyThin remains a place where people can ask question without fear of being judged, and with near certainty that they will be understood. Not because someone read something in a book or got a certificate or degree, but because they have been there and have experiences the same demons, voices, fears, complications, ups, and downs.

What allows PT to stay relevant is that fact that it doesn't try to choose anything for anyone. People are condemned to making their own choices. And though it is unfortunate that those around a person with an ED also suffer, the change does and must come from the individual.

As a community, this site is awake 24 hours a day, with people from all over the world contributing to the family and home that is PrettyThin. We're not always certain - but can you claim to be? Do you dare take the risk of such self-righteousness?

No matter who you are, you have something to contribute to this eating disorder community. And what you contribute doesn't have to be in words or with authority on this site. Simply reading and hoping to understand is a contribution. What you learn can permeate and help increase the awareness that is greatly needed for this deadly "disease."

And you may have something to share. You might have an answer, you might just let someone know that you understand, or that even if you don't understand you are there to listen. 

If you're a health professional or someone with a strong opinion, a parent or a friend...whoever you might be....take the time to try to understand. The people here do not wish what they are experiencing on anyone else. They are not asking for your compassion or charity; they are simply asking to be heard without judgement. 

If you have something to share, please do it respectfully. Remember that the words you use and the way you express yourself is a reflection of who you are. The power of your words will be lost in hostility, so if you are passionate about something, just take a breath and take your time, and always remember that on the other end of the line is another human being with experiences of their own. You don't have to agree or have the same experience to exchange thoughts and opinions.

How can you contribute? Get creative. Just about everything is welcome on PrettyThin so long as it helps increase awareness and open communication around eating disorders. 

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