Bothered by Pro-Ana sites

coyote

Well-known member
A while ago I heard about a controversial trend of some websites and forums that discuss, explain, and recommend good strategies for practicing not just anorexia, but also "mia," and self-harm.... I'm wondering if anyone else agrees with me on this--supporting and sharing advice on how to maintain an eating disorder, esp. considering the well-documented health concerns, is just over the line? (And I am not alone on this, as Facebook and Yahoo, for instance, have taken these sites/forums down countless times.)

that'd be like a forum for people with Social Anxiety where the members reinforce each other's view that human society is a horrible, unfriendly, scary place that should be avoided...
 
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Quirk87

Banned
that'd be like a forum for people with Social Anxiety where the members reinforce each other's view that human society is a horrible, unfriendly, scary place that should be avoided...

The difference is though that pro ana sites advocate self harm and starvation as well as fostering a distorted and impossible standard of absolute perfection. Behaviours that are extremely detrimental to their health and well being.

I understand the point to this post, but the difference between the two - is that sometimes the world *is* unfriendly and scary - and understandably so, especially to people who are genetically predisposed to anxiety - acknowledging this and allowing those who feel that way to express that is important. Finding a balance between this reality and developing skills and nurturing protective factors is ultimately beneficial - whereas a pro ana site is not.
 

coyote

Well-known member
sometimes the world *is* unfriendly and scary - and understandably so, especially to people who are genetically predisposed to anxiety

of course - but that mindset is also a symptom of the disorder

encouraging social phobics to maintain that outlook and support their avoidance is as unhealthy as supporting an anorectic's desire to become thin and encouraging them to take whatever action they want to achieve that goal
 

nodejesque

Well-known member
So sad... I understand that we all have insecurities, but I find the pro anorexia sites to be very saddening. As a woman with many nieces and nephews... im so scared that one day they'd feel the need to resort to such things in order to feel better about themselves. Anorexia is a disorder.. its harmful not only to your body, but its also bad for your mental health.

I understand the need to be "thinner" because no matter how small you are, you could always loose 3 more pounds. At least that's we always tell ourselves... but why not visit a health forum? Loose weight in a healthy manner? Eat right and work out?

You can accomplish your goals and actually be and look healthy. Not be exhausted with lack of energy and look haggard. Which is what frequently happens with people who suffer from this disorder.

Anyway... that's my two cents:)
 

Bronson99

Well-known member
Oh, that's upsetting.

But difficult as it may be to accept, people can do with their bodies as they please. All you could do is give advice where and when you can.

To a lesser extent self destructive tips and tricks are on this site too. How many topics are there that endorse a negative attitude towards social behaviour and improvement?

Misery loves company.

This I understand, and I have done the same thing and read the same thing, basically being so despondent that I've said "why not give up" or someone else says it. However, this place and most others like it are still less controversial, and almost *always* when bad advice is given, someone who knows better will correct it, or mods will take care of it. From the little I have seen of Pro-Ana sites, that's not usually the case there, because the sites allow suggestions and tips regarding practices that could cause *physical* harm.

To me this issue is different. Of course any forum can cause psychological harm, but those that discuss and recommend strategies for doing something that can damage your physical body... to me, it is different.
 
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Bronson99

Well-known member
The girls on the site I go to are nicer and more supportive than most the people I've interacted with on social anxiety sites. Everybody has issues that are often self destructive.

I agree, most people do. I am no exception, and please do not take any offense for me bringing the subject up. I'm not above anyone. For example I used to have a drug addiction, which when I quit, then led to an alcohol addiction. I had to learn the hard way to quit everything which meant seeing how it seriously threatened my health--lemme tell you, it was bad. But now I know, you have to take care of yourself. And I know I've got a highly addictive personality and have to be very careful.
 

Hellhound

Super Moderator
I see. Is it working? Are you noticing any results? Not just in looks, but energy levels, mental health, etc.?

Looks? I don't know. I always see myself ugly. I think I look slightly more decent now though.

Energy? mental health? I don't know. I've always felt tired and unfocused. I don't think it has to do with it. When I used to eat, I was like that too.

encouraging social phobics to maintain that outlook and support their avoidance is as unhealthy as supporting an anorectic's desire to become thin and encouraging them to take whatever action they want to achieve that goal

You forgot about the folks that give friendly advice.

I was told to give alcohol a chance, try weed, quit taking my meds, change who I am, have sex with random men...

How is that any better than a group of anorexics sharing their thoughts? You guys aren't saints.

There is a difference between encouraging a negative outlook and being realistic about the nature of world we live in

"You have to be outgoing, muscular, bad boy, macho man, millionaire, blahblah, to get a girlfriend"

"Nobody likes me because I'm shy" -doesn't realize he/she pushes everyone away-

"I will go meet the mother of my children in a bar. I shall approach her after a few drinks"

"women r betches baww"

"If a man has no experience in sex, he's not good enough" Yes, nevermind his personality.

"Looks are important" See above.

"Sex is the most important thing evur plz" Nevermind about love.

"You're a virgin at 25? ONHOEZ TEH HORROR"

"You have social phobia? Go get laid, that will totes cure it"

I can keep writing, but it would take me forever and I'm too lazy at the moment. And I would add a comment, but I don't want to get banhammered. I'm sure it would be taken in a majorly negative manner.

but why not visit a health forum? Loose weight in a healthy manner? Eat right and work out?

Same reason some people here resort to substances instead of a doctor.

the sites allow suggestions and tips regarding practices that could cause *physical* harm.

To me this issue is different. Of course any forum can cause psychological harm, but those that discuss and recommend strategies for doing something that can damage your physical body... to me, it is different.

No different than suggesting a fellow sociophobic to drink alcohol to loosen up.
 

Flanscho

Well-known member
How do you expect me not to starve myself when I'm constantly told by men and the media that I'm worthless?

That's silly and sexist at the same time. Did I ever tell you to get thinner? No. Did your mailman tell you to get thinner? Probably not. Did the guy living next door told you to get thinner? Unlikely.

A lot of women also like very tall men. Why am I not going to have a surgery that includes breaking several of my bones and letting them grow back a bit longer, so I can be taller and more "attractive"? Because I got common sense.
 

Hellhound

Super Moderator
You sound angry, Hellhound.

hmcx.jpg
 

Flanscho

Well-known member
I was told to give alcohol a chance, try weed, quit taking my meds, change who I am, have sex with random men...

How is that any better than a group of anorexics sharing their thoughts? You guys aren't saints.

You know, if some people give you advice, don't just blindly follow it. Think about it. Because there are stupid people in the world, who give you stupid advice. If you follow advice without thinking about it, then that's not very clever.
And the fact that there are stupid people out there who give stupid advice is not an argument to help these pro ana disorder people to destroy their bodies.

It's as if I say "well, someone gave somebody some bad advice about how to store milk, so I will now try to help someone saw of his perfectly healthy arm. It's both stupid advice, so it's even."
 

MikeyC

Well-known member
I sense a lot of hypocrisy here, that's why.
I think what everyone can agree on is that anorexia isn't healthy, although sufferers can't realise it/do anything about it. It's like any unhealthy act - pornography, alcoholism, gambling - it can take a hold and it can get hard to break out of.

Do you believe you have anorexia?
 

Kiwong

Well-known member
It's sad that so many intelligent and independent women and girls are so influenced by the media. That thin and starved is the way to look good is one big ugly lie.
 

Flanscho

Well-known member
I think what everyone can agree on is that anorexia isn't healthy, although sufferers can't realise it/do anything about it. It's like any unhealthy act - pornography, alcoholism, gambling - it can take a hold and it can get hard to break out of.

Do you believe you have anorexia?
How is porn unhealthy?
 

LeDiskoLove99

Well-known member
As someone who used to self harm (I don't go near these sites they can be a major trigger for me and.....just no) and someone who has friends who are affected by eating disorders I'm horrified at these kinds of sites. It's made of people who are very sick, and have a problem. And it's sad, it's sad to see people wasting away and ENCOURAGING each other to do it. I agree with you on freedom of speech....but it doesn't count here to me because this is just dangerous and terrible to see. I do everything I can to keep my friends with eating disorders off sites like these but...it doesn't always work.:sad:

I can't even begin to imagine how it feels to deal with such a thing, but I know for me if I ever were to end up in a place that encourages self harm it would really trigger those old feelings and I don't think there would be much to stop me from doing it. That's what worries me so much for everyone else with these problems.

I never judge because I cannot begin to understand and I've even been there. and, I get that these people feel a sense of support on these places.....but I just don't like seeing people hurting themselves. Especially my friends.

it's like when I used to go on the pro-suicide sites. It felt so supportive but in the end I learned it was only hurting me more. I just wish that everyone could see how beautiful they truly are, everyone has worth, everyone deserves to be happy. It makes me sad that people think otherwise.
 
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