11 Comments
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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

Wow. What a bold and vulnerable piece of writing! Agreed, we mostly associate eating disorders with women and girls. This story has me on the edge of my seat, I'm really looking forward to hearing more.

I'm so sorry you're going through this with your daughter. I don't know how it feels but my mother does. My older sister ghosted our family about 8 years ago and I can't imagine how it makes my mom feel. I do know how it feels to lose a child but not in the ghosting way.

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Thanks, I struggled about whether or not to write about either issue. It was a rough go last year and it’s still a bit raw.

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Jack Dixon's avatar

Tim, this was realer than real. I admire your courage to tell this story and share so openly -- this is the kind of writing I'm striving to create. And you nailed it. There are a ton of men out there with eating disorders ranging from dysregulated eating to major mental health issues around food. Most men battling one of those issues hold them in a deep, dark area of their heart. Terrified for anyone to find out, unable to show the vulnerability required to seek help. I've managed to stay lean so far in my life (granted I'm 25) but have tangoed with absurd overeating on countless "cheat days." Creating a healthy, sustainable relationship with food is a battle that must be fought anew every day.

Thanks for doing this work. I'm psyched to have discovered your writing and will be back for more!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Thank you for this thoughtful comment. It made my afternoon!

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samani's avatar

Tim,

Tim you’re a winner.

When you uncork the disorder, that can begin recovery.

And yes, you cannot out will an eating disorder which is not a weakness but a disease.

It’s taking ACTION, as you’ve done here: instead of binging, you’re writing:-)

I recovered from this addiction through a 12 step program. It took this very stubborn ego driven but eventually more determined person

awhile, but I’m totally free.

And, most importantly like others, I would love to hear more from your courageous lovable Self.

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

Thank you for sharing this important perspective.

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Thanks, maybe it will help someone else open up and get help.

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

We never know how our words might help

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David Perlmutter's avatar

It's sobering to hear this. Like many, I tend to associate eating disorders with young girls put in positions where they are practically ordered to succeed (gymnastics, ballet, etc.) and sacrifice themselves to keep their "perfect" weight. But clearly it can hit anybody of any genre put in a tight spot.

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

It’s easy to self-medicate with food and avoid dealing with your problems. That’s how it started for me

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Thanks for your words- and you are totally right. Willpower can’t win against an addiction.

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