Workshop to help sufferers of eating disorders

December 6, 2011 (WPVI) -- The holidays can be stressful, especially for those struggling with or recovering from an eating disorder.

Shari Botwin says she is living a life better than she had imagined. She is a new mom, an author, and has recovered from an eating disorder.

She says it started when she was a young girl and got worse.

To distract herself from dealing with multiple traumas, she would cut calories and over-exercise.

"I think I was feeling like this is all I can think about; this is the only thing I can do to make myself feel good about myself," Botwin said.

The eating disorder soon took over her life.

"I would say that at times I was severely depressed, hopeless," Botwin said.

Until she met friends also struggling but were getting help.

So she also got help through counseling and years later is now a counselor herself helping others heal from eating disorders.

She and other experts are holding a workshop to help people with eating disorders get help and to assist their friends and family.

"Because a lot of times they feel at a complete loss as to what to do, they don't understand why some people have an eating disorder," Botwin said.

Botwin says they will be spreading hope and the message, "if you need help, get it, don't wait."

Workshop Information:

The workshop is Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at night at the Kaiserman Jewish Community Center at 45 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096.

It is $25 if you pre-register or $30 at the door.

Shari will be joined by Jane Shure, Ph.D. and Beth Weinstock, Ph.D.

It is an educational forum for:
People struggling with eating disorders
Family and friends
Educators
Medical and mental health professionals

For more information, visit: www.selfmatters.org

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healthcheck, ali gorman, r.n.

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