Peach Friedman
author, educator & trainer
intuitive fitness for women

Periodically I search the web for mentions of my book on blogs, hoping of course to find someone saying that it’s helped or inspired their recovery in some way. Usually that’s what I find; in fact, I receive dozens and dozens of emails from women across the world telling me that my story has in some way connected with them, helped them to move forward in their own journey toward recovery. This sort of feedback means the world to me. It’s why I wrote my book.

Today, though, I found my book on a list of favorites on a pro-ana blog. People often ask me if I was nervous publishing my book. What did your family think? Were you scared to reveal all those personal things?? No, I wasn’t scared to reveal details about my eating disorder, my sex life, my struggles. And my family supported me 100%. But what did concern me was the possibility that I might in any way trigger anyone who is struggling, or that material used in my book would be considered “tips” for someone with an eating disorder.

Am I responsible if my book is used for the “wrong” reasons? This is a question worth investigating. As someone who has had anorexia myself, I know how easy it is to be triggered. I was triggered by any thin woman walking down the street. I was triggered by every television show, every restaurant menu, any media image that portrayed women as sex symbols. I argued with my mom over every thing she said, blaming her for my eating disorder and holding her accountable for many well-intended efforts she made to talk to me.

From this perspective, I know that if my book is going to trigger someone, it’s because this person is sick, this person’s perspective is skewed by the dementia of their illness. And, this person would be triggered by any number of things, any billboard on the side of the road, any peer in their science class whose legs are lean or who chews gum between meals. Still, am I responsible?

I’m not doubting myself; I’m only being curious. I know that my book is reaching thousands of women who need the support of knowing they’re not alone. I know my book has launched women from New York to California forward in their recovery. I know that professionals in the field are using my book with their patients. I know that I have touched lives.

But even with that said, I’m saddened by the fact that just one person might read my book and use it as encouragement to stay sick. To anyone out there who might think that having anorexia or exercise bulimia is at all glamorous or desirable, I send my most heartfelt wishes for a turn of heart, for an opportunity to see another perspective.

I recovered from my illness and am living a full, healthy, happy life. I know you can too.