Collaborations with my colleagues at the University of Minnesota have allowed us to investigate several factors on problems associated with sexual and physical abuse (emotional abuse and neglect are likely associated with the same problems, but weren't included in the survey).

In 2001, we were discouraged when we learned that 18.1% of girls and 11.9% of the boys studied reported being physically and/or sexually abused. Abuse was significantly associated with binge-eating and purging behavior. It was further upsetting to learn that less than a third of abused youth chose to talk with someone about the abuse. Our findings suggested a trend toward those who talked with someone being less likely to engage in binge-eating and purging behavior. Of those who did decide to discuss their abuse, they most often turned to a close friend, a parent, or another trusted adult.

Sexual and physical violence have multiple negative effects, including but certainly not limited to eating disorder behaviors. Talking about the abuse may reduce shame and lessen emotional distress related to the abuse, however it's essential to find safe, trusting, and accessible environments and persons to approach about these difficult issues. If you or someone you know has been abused, please seek help from someone you trust.

Consider that your mental health is like a bank account. For a higher balance (stronger mental health), make regular deposits (self-care) that are larger than the withdrawals (stressors, demands, genetics, etc.) in order to avoid overdrafts (such as significant depression, anxiety, using unhealthy coping skills like drinking or binge-eating) and to build a buffer zone for times when you may need to make larger withdrawals.

Words to ponder:
"Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult - once we truly understand and accept it - then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters." - - M. Scott Peck

Sometimes, in the frenzy of a busy and complicated life, we can lose sight of the present. Dwelling too much on the past or focusing too far into the future can blur our vision to the point that we are not able to see things accurately. It's like this little experiment: Hold 1 finger up in front of you, an arm's distance away. When you focus your gaze on the finger, you see only 1 finger, but if you focus on a point beyond (farther away from) the finger, you may in fact see 2 fingers. Focus on the present - - you may find yourself thinking more clearly.