The Eating Disorder Harm Reduction Community Circle
Radical Compassion and Self Preservation for People Living With EDs
Welcome
Welcome to the Eating Disorder Harm Reduction movement!
We recognize that dealing with eating disorders can be incredibly challenging, both emotionally and financially. Many individuals are unable to access proper treatment, and some may even experience relapses along their journey. We understand that eating disorders are influenced by a wide range of factors, and each person's experience is unique.
We acknowledge that past and present systemic violence and oppression can contribute to dysfunctionality, which may extend to one's relationship with oneself and food. We believe in fostering understanding and empathy, recognizing the complex nature of these disorders.
The Eating Disorder Harm Reduction (EDHR) Community Circle’s goal is to provide a supportive environment where we can embrace versatile and innovative approaches to eating disorder support. We are here to provide an intentional space where everyone can be themselves without fear of shame or pressure. We firmly believe that every individual deserves access to education and support, free from any form of coercion. We are committed to creating a space away from the eating disorder treatment industry to enhance our mutual aid skills and the sacred witnessing of the twists and turns of your journey.
We understand the need of neutral spaces that allow individuals to come as they are without being shamed. Everyone deserves access to education and support free from coercion.
Come when you want to and leave when you're ready!
That is why we created the first eating disorder harm reduction based community circle. This is a space for folks who have lived eating disorder experience can find ways to break isolation, increase eating disorder literacy, and reduce harm.
What is Eating Disorder Harm Reduction?
Eating Disorder Harm Reduction is a political health movement that recognizes the power of individuals living with eating disorders, regardless of their economic background or desire for abstinence. It is a movement led by the people, challenging the authority of punitive and ineffective treatment & corporations that fail to consider the complete nature of health and autonomy.
The EDHR movement is composed of individuals who actively question and challenge Eurocentric and for-profit approaches within the realm of eating disorder healthcare. They recognize the limitations and biases that can arise from Eurocentric perspectives, which may not adequately address the diverse experiences and needs of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
Eating Disorder Harm Reduction (EDHR) is a compassionate and pragmatic approach that seeks to enhance the overall quality of life for individuals living with eating disorders. Unlike approaches solely focused on abstaining from eating disorder behaviors, EDHR aims to empower individuals through education, self-awareness, and risk assessment. It consists of practical strategies, many of which are easily accessible, that help individuals mitigate risks and minimize the negative impacts of their eating disorder.
Eating Disorder Harm Reduction should always be led by the most affected by the inadequacies of the eating disorder healthcare industry.
In addition, the EDHR movement recognizes the impact of colonialism, capitalism, transphobia, and anti-Blackness on health disparities within the eating disorder healthcare system. We raise important questions about the influence of these systemic issues and challenge treatment corporations that fail to acknowledge or address them.
We will not tolerate a depoliticized formulaic and non-profit version of eating disorder harm reduction. EDHR is for the people by the people. It is an autonomous health movement.
By fostering critical thinking and promoting alternative perspectives, the EDHR movement aims to create a more equitable environment for individuals seeking support and treatment (although treatment is not enforced) for eating disorders. We advocate for a seperate approach that unlocks and uplifts the wisdom and resilience inside low-income communities. We prioritize mutual support, embrace diverse cultural viewpoints, and aim to counter the impact of profit-driven interests on healthcare delivery.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Individuals older than 18 who are living with an eating disorder or have lived experience. People questioning recovery and not in recovery are welcome. Open to people who understand that food and body-image are political matters. Open to white co- conspirators.
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Closed captions are currently provided. Pls let us know if you need any other accommodations at npppride@gmail.com
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Yes, we respect everyone's choice to not disclose personal information. The responsibility lies with the individual to modify their displayed name and photo as per their preference.
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That is our goal. Abolitionism requires co-designing with others a world without police, prisons, coercive psychiatric institutions, DCFS, and more.
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Sessions will not be recorded or made available to protect people's privacy.
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Sessions will take place every 2 months. Sign up to receive alerts.
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The goal of this group is to help as many people as possible. The EDHRCC is open to white co-conspirators. With that said, our goal is not to be another white eating disorder group, otherwise we are repeating white supremacist patterns that currently exist in the eating disorder field. Harm reduction has always been Black, indigenous, POC, transgender, poor-led, and drug-user led. If you are white, could you share EDHRCC to BIPOC?
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Nalgona Positivity Pride
Before joining community circle
Make sure to be in a setting where others cannot hear what is being shared otherwise use a headset.
Make sure your mic is muted unless sharing during meeting
Using video is not required but we do encourage using video to foster trust and create a more personal healing space.
If you would like your personal information to stay anonymous make sure your display name and photo reflect what you would like others in the session to see.
If desired, add your pronouns to your display name.
We cannot guarantee a safe space. EDHR is still an experimental process and we cannot guarantee that every session will be suited for everyone. Give yourself permission to exit sessions if you are feeling activated. We encourage folks to attend a few sessions to try it out. We firmly believe in, "come when you want to, leave when you’re ready"
Read the group agreements below.
Group Agreements
Unless necessary to brainstorm ways to keep each other safe, avoid stating specific eating disorder behavior and avoid stating specific numbers when talking about body size, weight, body movement (exercise), food, calories, and disordered eating behaviors. For instance, instead of saying, “I burned blank amount of calories,” say, "I burned a lot of calories.” Mentioning numbers can make people with eating disorders uncomfortable.
Participant's names and identifiers are not allowed to be disclosed outside sessions.
Pronouns must be respected. If unsure, ask people what their pronouns are before referring to them inside or outside of the meeting.
Body shaming and food shaming are not allowed in this space.
EDHRCC is not a diet or weight-loss club. People are welcome to speak about their relation to diets and exercise but please keep the space free from diet and or exercise recommendations to others. Fatphobic comments are not allowed.
Participation is not mandatory but we encourage folks to be open and share. Meetings are much more powerful with participation.
No driving is allowed while attending sessions.
Please be in a private room during meetings or use a headset during meetings to respect people’s privacy.
In solidarity with our fat community members this group will not discuss ways to lose weight or tolerate fatphobic comments.
Please refrain from using the words “obesity” “obese” and “overweight” as these are terms that stigmatize and pathologize people in large bodies.
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If you believe in the mission of the EDHR Community Circle and would like to make a positive impact, consider donating to support our work. Your contribution will help us provide accessible resources, organize educational events, and foster a supportive environment for individuals living with eating disorders. By donating, you become an integral part of our movement, actively challenging Eurocentric norms, profit-driven models, and systemic oppressions in eating disorder healthcare. Together, we can create lasting change and empower individuals on their path. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking support and transformation. Join us in making a collective impact by donating to the EDHR Community Circle today.