Moreso than ever before, we find ourselves at an hour of change and challenge. A time of hope and fear. In an age of knowledge and ignorance. And as our knowledge greatly increases so too the greater our ignorance unfolds.

If statistics are to be believed, eating disorders claim the life of our loved ones at the rate of once every 52 minutes. All their hopes, all their dreams, all their aspirations, all their love and sacred beauty existing within their spirit and not just their soul, but our soul, extinguished and left scattered to the greatest unknown which awaits any human being.

And yet during these trying times, why does it seem like we have stopped striving to unleash the unlimited genius of humankind? I cannot, I will not believe that we have reached that dark place in our evolution that we place individual ego and self-absorption over the desperate, treasured needs of our families.

But, the divisiveness, the turmoil in the eating disorder community appears to be greater than ever before as we collectively place our individual demands and the flawed self-assurance of “our infallible wisdom and nature” above the needs of our families.

Surely, we cannot, we must now allow the ego, the fear, the self-loathing of individuals and cultural movements to predominate over life and death decisions. The needs of our most critically ill must come before all else … regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, wealth, privilege, age, gender or profiteering.

We cannot, we must not allow the continuation of the perpetuation of messages of fear, of misguided egos, of ignorance of science, medical and mental health wisdom and knowledge to predominate over that which can and will save even more lives.

A greater knowledge must be explored and expanded by intelligent discussion, debate and mutual respect. We must reach out to those whose views differ from our own. We do not have the luxury of ignoring studies or guidelines which can be used to educate our physicians.

For example, how many people in the general public were aware that the American Psychiatric Association issued new eating disorder treatment guidelines and implementation tools in February of 2023 … just a few short months ago? Where was the professional discussion of these guidelines?  How many families know about this? Why was this not front and center in explanatory articles issued by the REDC, and the EDCoalition, and NEDA, and iaedp and Project HEAL and AED and the National Alliance and every other organization? And this is not a solitary omission.

How many people and organizations committed to participating in the “Legacy of Hope” three (3) short years ago only to turn around and betray the very principles for which it stood because of their own self-loathing and flawed sense of self-importance?

What cataclysmic event must happen before this dysfunctional community recognizes the need to come together? How many more of our children must die? What must happen before our professionals put their own individual egos aside and agree to work in a great, collaborative movement from which only great deeds can be accomplished?

For that matter, what do we look for in those who have embraced enlightenment, understand that they do not have all of the answers and seek greater wisdom versus those who place themselves above all others?

Those with a higher self, a greater calling anticipate the next moment.  They pursue the next moment. Their arms are open … as are their eyes, hearts and souls.

And this must become the mantra of our professionals in the eating disorder community. For it is only through collaboration that we can accomplish great and mighty deeds. That we can dare to save lives.

We do not have the luxury of allowing yelling, protesting, attempting to boycott, and shrill screeching to become your calling card. For those qualities are merely a cacophony of loud noise. Noise that is drowned out by the quiet confidence of humility, grace and selflessness.

We must reach out to those who disagree with our views. And in the spirit of professional cooperation and with respect, discuss those differences. We will not always reach consensus. The issues perplexing our professionals and frightening our families are far too complex and beyond our current reach.

But, the opportunity to save more lives, to heal wounds caused by egocentric behavior and to establish a greater community is before us.

We must embrace it.