Many of our readers know about my struggle with drug addiction and how I have been in recovery for a few years now. In my experiences of treatment centers and recovery I have met many incredible people who have struggled with eating disorders. Eating Disorders are one of the most deadly diseases known to man, and among men they are one of the most misunderstood.
Matthew Koma has been incredible open about his struggles and recovery with ED. Today he has held a full Q&A on twitter with NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association). I applaud Matthew Koma for getting vulnerable and honest about his struggles and recovery. You can read his full Q&A below. If you are curious about learning more about eating disorders or want to reach out for help for yourself or a loved one, visit the NEDA website here.
In my experience, it's very similar to the struggles that women have with body image and ED's… Pt1 #NEDAchat https://t.co/yeRQGQLxNz
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
Q1 Pt2 #NEDAchat … Because it isn't as frequently or publicly discussed, it's important to continue opening up the forum… pic.twitter.com/vinL1yWaeT
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
Q2: What are common myths about men with eating disorders? #NEDAchat
— NEDA (@NEDAstaff) June 13, 2017
A2: I think it's a lot easier to be a guy who "doesn't eat much" or "likes to exercise a lot" and not have people question. #NEDAchat pic.twitter.com/vEeJKG6kAT
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
Q3: How are men of marginalized groups uniquely affected by eating disorders? #NEDAchat
— NEDA (@NEDAstaff) June 13, 2017
A3: In my journey to recovery, it was very far and few between I'd find information that was directed towards men… #NEDAchat pic.twitter.com/tmfcIP4JSO
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
Q4: What is the distinction between engaging in healthy vs. unhealthy eating & exercising habits? #NEDAchat
— NEDA (@NEDAstaff) June 13, 2017
A4: It's 100% different for everybody & I can only speak to my experience… #NEDAchat pic.twitter.com/BPf1o6pZql
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
Q5: How does the “myth of masculinity” contribute to the struggle men may experience with body image? #NEDAchat
— NEDA (@NEDAstaff) June 13, 2017
A5:There's definitely a notion that admitting any sort of weakness or fear equals a lack of masculinity, but that just isn't true. #NEDAchat pic.twitter.com/lgyBF0kSwA
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
Q6: How can men open a conversation about body image/eating disorders with their loved ones? #NEDAchat
— NEDA (@NEDAstaff) June 13, 2017
A6: Honesty is always the place to start. With yourself most importantly. Nobody has to live in their head alone… #NEDAchat pic.twitter.com/r46saVm8Hr
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
Q7: What are some intervention strategies for men with eating disorders? #NEDAchat
— NEDA (@NEDAstaff) June 13, 2017
General awareness that life in 2017 lends itself to a belief that your self worth is attached to your appearance is very dangerous #NEDAchat pic.twitter.com/lwxiodk6OK
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
A8 Pt1: We're doing it by having this talk. By sharing stories & allowing the conversation to exist so the next time a man looks.. #NEDAchat https://t.co/3bGxeYfVJE
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
Q9: What are some ways to promote a healthy body image in men? #NEDAchat
— NEDA (@NEDAstaff) June 13, 2017
A9: Truth be told, the idea of a healthy body image is something that is between you and yourself. #NEDAchat pic.twitter.com/pOuBhNWxnO
— Matthew Koma (@MatthewKoma) June 13, 2017
