Do you think someone close to you has an eating disorder? Do you have a problem with an eating disorder? Either way, there's no need to go it alone. You need support right now and the organizations below can lend a hand.
Self-help groups can complement and extend the effects of professional treatment.
The most prominent self-help groups are those affiliated with Smart Recovery® which is based on a cognitive-behavioral (thinking/doing) model.
Support groups are offered at counseling centers, hospitals, churches and places of worship, community centers, and schools -- and at online Internet support communities.
We encourage parents who have teens with behavior problems to attend a parenting group for support and guidance, such as Families Anonymous .
You will find that a support group can provide emotional support, practical coping skills and strategies, and empower you towards personal growth, positive changes, and healing.
www.Acne.orgA noncommercial site that provides unbiased information on acne
Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous ABA is a fellowship of individuals whose primary purpose is to find and maintain “sobriety” in our eating practices, and to help others gain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop unhealthy eating practices.
Aspartame Victims Support Group E-mail group where victims of aspartame poisoning discuss the issues of aspartame recovery and aspartame activism.
Celebrate Recovery Christian support groups not only for alcoholics but also for codependents, people with eating disorders, those struggling with sexual addictions, anger, those dealing with past or current physical abuse or sexual abuse issues, those in need of financial recovery and -- anyone dealing with any kind of hurt, hang-up or habit.
Christian Recovery International A coalition of ministries dedicated to helping the Christian community become a safe and helpful place for people recovering from addiction, abuse or trauma.
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) A fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships through the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions.
Compassionate Friends 1-877-969-0010 National self-help support organization that offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. There is no religious affiliation and there are no membership dues or fees.
Eating Disorders Anonymous 12-step group based on the steps, traditions and principles of Alcoholics Anonymous that believes people can and do fully recover from their eating disorders.
Emotions Anonymous 651-647-9712 Supports individuals who want to achieve and maintain emotional health by understanding and utilizing the 12 Steps in their daily lives.
Families Anonymous 1-800-736-9805 12-step, self-help, recovery and support fellowship for families and friends concerned about a loved one's past, present or suspected use of drugs or alcohol, and/or behavior-related problems.
Family First Aid Parents and other adults should know the signs of teen eating disorders so they can get help for teens who have a problem.
Obsessive-Compulsive Anonymous 516-739-0662 12-step fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from OCD.
Overcomers Outreach 1-800-310-3001 Christ-centered 12-step recovery program addressing all addictions, compulsions and codependents.
Overeaters Anonymous 505-891-2664 12-step fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet in order to help solve a common problem -- compulsive overeating.
Recoveries Anonymous 12-step fellowship formed to offer support to anyone, with any self-destructive or dysfunctional problem.
Self-Help Sourcebook OnLine Searchable database that includes information on over 800+ national, international and demonstrational model self-help support groups, ideas for starting groups, and opportunities to link with others to develop needed new national or international groups.
Hey, I’m Adam
Visit us on Facebook! or email me
“We’ve created a place on the internet for you to ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. So take a look around, then let us know what you think about it. You might make a really good point about something, then see what others think about it as well. It’s getting involved, and sharing ideas about all kinds of subjects.”
Hi I'm Adam. I joined this web site because I really appreciate what In Search of Me Cafe is trying to do. When I was faced with tough choices I never really had a lot of people to talk to. Often I was embarrassed asking for advice on awkward stuff from my friends and family. I think if there had been an In Search of Me Cafe when I was making tough decisions it would have really helped me.
Any way enough about why I like this site so much. I have always liked to party and I love chillin’ with my friends. Obviously partying can lead to some tough life choices; I had my first alcoholic drink when I was 13. That may seem pretty young but I grew up in Europe where the legal age was 16. Yes I know... that’s still underage.
It’s true, I was underage. It’s easy to drink when your friends drink. Needless to say, from the first drink till now, I have experienced a lot. Partying was probably the best tool in learning about me which may seem strange but I really learned a lot about how I treat my friends and relationships, how I trust …you name it. Good times and bad I have gained valuable life lessons. If you ever need to talk about stuff or you have a question you’re burning to ask or if you just wanna share stories. Go ahead and holler. I won’t judge and it’s pretty hard to faze me. I’ll give you my honest opinion and you never know, you may have an experience that’ll teach me some things too.
Hey, I’m Taran
“Every teen has to face the same type of problems and try to figure out who they are. This is a place where you can do that.”
Hey, I’m Maddie
“Up until this year I was picked on a lot and it really brings down your self esteem. Kids don't think about how they're really affecting other people with their words and eventually the other kids' self esteem goes down and down and they start to believe what the bullies are saying. After a while you just start to give up and think, ‘Oh, what's the point. I suck anyway’ and your grades and everything else goes down.”
Hey, I’m Chelsi.
Visit me us Facebook! or email me
Each morning I see in my mind what I’m working hard to obtain. I know I can achieve anything I set my mind on by putting in the time & effort needed. I believe one can learn from every experience. I like to ‘take the best and leave the rest’!“
As a rule I don’t like talking about myself. However, I want you to know a little about me, the “teen” likely not much different than you and thinking a lot of the same things and having similar questions etc.
I try to treat everyone with respect and kindness, just as I would hope to be treated! Hopefully I can help answer questions you may have or concerns you don’t want to discuss with an adult… you know teen-to-teen!
Here’s a bit of what I like to do…. I love hanging with my friends at the movies or the mall, and staying in with my family. I love music, sometimes when I’m upset or “heartbroken” I go in my room and just listen to music. It just lets me cool off and just not have to think.
Although I’m only 13 on paper, I’m told I’m much wiser than my years. If there is a problem, I am the first person anyone calls. I may be nice but, if someone hurts anyone I know (whether I like ya or not) they are in trouble… haha. They call me “the haha queen” because I can make any situation funny.
I hope after hearing this little bit “about me” you want to ask me your questions, and if you just want to chat, I’d love to. I like meeting new people.
-Chelsi♥ Archambeau
“And it's now, now or never when we're chasing our dreams.” -Mercy Mercedes
“I'd like to make myself believe that planet Earth turns slowly.” -Owl City
“Do you know what's worth fighting for? When it's not worth dying for?” –Green Day
What my friends have to say About me - Chelsi♥ ……
“I like talking to you because you can always make me feel good about myself and make me happy no matter what. I like you as a person because you really are a great friend and I thank you for being there for me, and you’re just fun to be with.” -Jessie
“It’s hard.. To put into words.. The uncanny ability you have to put a smile on my face and that’s just online, from reading the nearly poetic replies. Where as over the phones it’s near impossible to explain the warmth that washes over me when I hear your voice. For some reason when I heard you for the first time. Chelsi you inspired my first poem I wrote … -Sean
Hey, I’m Brittany
“When people go to parties just to hang out, other people come and bring drinks or cigarettes, and try to get you to do it. They keep trying and trying to get you to drink or smoke, and you might be tempted do it because you want to be known as a cool person.”
Hey, I’m Trent
“I have cousins my same age and younger who are Haitian and Filipino, which allows me to connect with other cultures. Even with different styles and different issues, these other teenagers still have some of the same dramas we have here in America, such as peer pressure.” Hey, I’m Trent
Hey, I’m Forrest
“You can post video blogs on this site -- voice your opinions about topics here as well as responses to what others are saying in their blogs. So it kinda builds upon itself.”
Hey, I’m Connor
Hi, I’m Connor Cottle. I’m 17 and a junior at Fernandina Beach High School in northeast Florida. As an only child, my friends are really important to me, so I’m either hanging out with them or texting them when we’re apart.
I spend my free time on the tennis court, the golf course, and at the beach. I volunteer frequently around my community and enjoy every minute of it.
I am also the Lead Youth Advisor of the In Search of Me Café program and I’m involved because I like how connecting teens all over the world can help them help themselves.
I’m always around if you need any advice or if you just want to hang out.