No front teeth, so hard to smile — getting the drill on ED
No front teeth, so hard to smile — getting the drill on ED
Eating disorders rob us of many precious things – including our smile. It’s hard to smile without front teeth – I know. Anorexia affected my teeth, especially my two top front teeth, as an eleven-year-old. I felt self-conscious and tried not to smile. And we need to smile, for smiling allows light and warmth into our starved and hungry soul. If only my dentist had known about eating disorders, he may have been able to help me more.
The good news is that we live in a time when dentists do want to learn about eating disorders, and they want to help us. Several years ago, I co‐presented with Prof. Susan Paxton at the 35th Australian Dental Congress in Melbourne. This provided a great opportunity to give dentists insight into what it feels like when our eating disorder starts to ‘eat’ and destroy our teeth. Some of you, my wonderful friends in the ED world, shared your experience to help the dentists know how to help others. Our presentation was listed on the main scientific program. Our topic: Reflux and related diseases.
The wonderful staff at EDA (Eating Disorders Association Inc, Queensland) recognise, and want to raise awareness about, the importance of taking care of our teeth. They include an article of mine in their latest newsletter which focuses teeth. It is worth sinking your teeth into, and chewing on. Share it with others, too. Here is the link:
As founder of Life Stories Diary my prime motivation is to connect with people who want to share their story. Why? Because your story is important. My goal with this blog is to provide a platform for you to share your story with others. Building on the accomplishments of The Diary Healer the Life Stories Diary blog will continue to be a voice for people who have experienced an eating disorder, trauma or other mental health challenge, and provide inspiration through the narrative, to live a full and meaningful life.
My nine books about eating disorders focus on learning through story-sharing. Prior to writing books, which include my memoir, I had a long career in print journalism. In 2017, I graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy (Creative Writing), researching the usefulness of journaling and writing when recovering from an eating disorder or other traumatic experience.
Today I combine my writing expertise with life experience to help others self-heal. Clients receive mentoring in narrative techniques and guidance in memoir-writing. I also share my editing expertise with people who are writing their story and wish to prepare it to publication standard. I encourage everyone to write their story. Your story counts!
Contact me: Email june@junealexander.com and on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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The diary, a book in which a daily record of events and personal experiences can be kept, offers a window into life in the past.
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