BLOG #3

Mental illnesses should not be taken lightly. Of all mental illnesses, both anorexia and bulimia have the highest fatality rates. Based on statistics like this one from Mim Udovitch, websites that are pro-ana and pro-mia (supportive of anorexia and bulimia), should be shut down. The websites that are on the internet these days that are supportive of those who have these mental illnesses are leading their viewers in the wrong direction. The goal of the sites are to support those who have one of these eating disorders, but the difference between these sites and constructive sites is that they are simply offering a place for someone to fit in, not offereng any help or support to change. Eating disorders are dangerous and shouldn't be accepted, but should be more like other mental illnesses in the fact that everyone should be searching for ways to treat and hopefully abolish it all together.

Recently there has been a lot of controversy surrounding pro-ana and pro-mia websites. Many people have slandered these sites and find them completly unacceptable. However, if someone was to ask someone affected by bulimia or anorexia, I am sure they would not say the same thing. The sites, however controversial they might be, are not promoting these eating disorders, even the site House of Thin states clearly that if new users are looking to become anorexic or bulimic, they have come to the wrong place. These are mental illnesses and though many who do not have them argue that the sites should be shut down, the site provide a place for those who are anorexic or bulimic to feel welcome. They offer a place where people don't have to be ashamed or hide who they really are. These sites should be allowed to operate for their help in acceptance and moral support if someone wants to try and change.

Pro-ana and pro-mia websites can be viewed in a few different lights. Many call them harmful while those affected by these illnesses call them helpful. Despite differing opinions, these website should be allowed to exist mainly for the fact that they provide support and acceptance. For those who do not agree with these sites intentions, they are definitely harder to see, but upon closer examination, should be seen as a helpful place. These are mental illnesses we are talking about, and they should be handled carefully, and anything that can be done to help prevent and abolish them should be done so that these websites are not even necessary, and those looking to lose weight or keep figure should look elsewhere to a more healthy means.