How can I stop hating my body?

Don't overlook the possibilities for support that can be found in online support groups. Here are a few that may interest you:

* WebMD Eating Disorders Support Group ( http://boards.webmd.com/webx?14@@.5987f423 )

* iVillage Anorexia & Bulimia ( http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bheating?ice=...,searchmb ) (they also have a body image support group but it feels very focused on beauty to me and I'm not confident in my recommendation of it.)

*Something Fishy ( http://fishyvb.something-fishy.org )

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings ( http://www.flamingohouse.net/ )

i have tried to find some support groups but have not been sucessful.  i am also moving home for the summer and my parents dont really understand this whole thing..... but i will still try and find some anyway.

i'm also having trouble communicating with friends and family about my problem.  they dont understand what i am going through no matter how many different ways i explain it. what should i do?

 i have never had a blog before and i really appreciate your advice.  i really like this website.

Have you talked to the student health center about support groups for women struggling with eating disorders and body image? You could also contact your local women's clinict or the health department in the town you live in to ask if there are any support groups.

Yes, what you're saying makes sense. There are many women who feel the way you do.

Have you read the Letter to My Body ( http://www.blogher.com/blogher-topics/body-image/l... ) posts? You probably won't find the "answer" to your question but you will find many women who have experienced similar feelings and some of them have even overcome them. You aren't alone in this.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings ( http://www.flamingohouse.net/ )

im not sure what caused me to hate my body, but im only a freshmen in college and this already has taken over my life. 

I have been called fat my whole life, even when I wasn't.  I do want to try therapy again but have used up all of my appointments at the couseling center at my school.

I will try again when I move hom soon, and hopefully that will help.  I am just so tired of living life in front of the mirror you know?  I know that I have so many good qualities and I still am able to see them but not to the full extent because I am so insecure about this.  Does that make sense?

But I REALLY appreciate your response, thank you!

There are as many answers to your initial question as there are people in the world. The answer for one woman is probably not going to be the same answer for you.

What causes you to hate your body? You have to answer that question for yourself. From there, you have to learn to let go of whatever it is - and move forward.

I know you said that therapy didn't help - try again, please. It isn't like a round or two of antibiotics and then you're cured. It can take a long time, a lot of work and some false-starts are to be expected. Don't give up on yourself.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings ( http://www.flamingohouse.net/ )