For those struggling with mental illnesses and addictions, the holidays can present a real threat to recovery. If the mental illness is anorexia — the most deadly of all mental illnesses — support over the holidays could be the difference between life and death. Author Jordan Lee Knape’s just-launched memoir, Best Body: Pretty, Miserable, Perfectness, published by Speed Honey Press, helps families combat the significant confusion surrounding eating disorders and recovery. “Parents and patients are especially worried about the holidays. Well-meaning comments by family members can cause significant damage. There is a great need for education about anorexia – a need that I hope to fill” “Parents and patients are especially worried about the holidays. Well-meaning comments by family members can cause significant damage. There is a great need for education about anorexia – a need that I hope to fill,” said Ms. Knape. “That’s why I decided to launch the book now.” Ms. Knape, a 26-year-old Dallas native who took up residence in New York after attending Pratt University, has now fully recovered from her eating disorder. She was first diagnosed with anorexia at age 13 and was admitted to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas’ adolescent psychiatric unit for eating disorder treatment a few days before Christmas. “There was a real fear that I might not survive the night,” said Ms. Knape, “yet up until I was admitted into treatment by Dr. Setliff, my parents could not find a doctor who could recognize the disorder. From child practitioners to ER doctors, time and time again my parents were told nothing was wrong with me. It was only until I was so close to death that the true problem, a severe eating disorder, was finally recognized. The disparity between my actual life-threatening illness and the perceptions around me were mind-boggling.” Ms. Knape survived and surpassed her eating disorder, but only after years of work to fight the illness. She believes the tools she used to recover are useful to those currently struggling with eating disorders. She also offers advice to family members who may be especially concerned about the upcoming holidays. Best Body: Pretty, Miserable, Perfectness offers hope to those struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety and addiction as the holidays near. About Jordan Lee Knape Jordan Lee Knape is a NYC-based marketing writer, speaker and the author of Best Body: Pretty, Miserable, Perfectness, a memoir published by Speed Honey Press. She has written for brands ranging from jewelry boutiques to Fortune 500 companies and legal services. Ms. Knape is a sought-after speaker for women’s groups of all ages about how to handle the tough situations life throws at you. She is an advocate for girls and women with eating disorders and strives to remove the secrecy and shame often associated with this illness. |
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