Has the Stigma Toward Eating Disorder Been Lifted?

There has always been a stigma associated with mental health. Not only are apathetic attitudes held by many in society but many (when tested ) were shown to be more likely to donate to a physically handicapped individual than a mental handicapped one. Maybe the story of Rachael Farrokh is a sign that the stigma is slowly being lifted, or maybe it’s a testimony to the power of the internet to connect us to those who will care.

Rachael Farrokh, a 37 year old Southern California woman who is 5’7’’ and weighs around 40 pounds has a posted a video on YouTube pleading for her life. As many as 20 million women in the United States suffer from Anorexia Nervosa. It is an eating disorder that is known for having the highest death rate of any mental disorder. Despite its high mortality rate only one in 10 people will receive treatment.

She has reached the critical point that she is in now after 10 years of suffering. The disorder has caused blood clots, heart, liver, and kidney failure. Due to the extreme condition she has been turned away from many psychotherapists, and doctors who viewed her case as a “liability”.

Despite the number of rejections Rachael has decided she is ready to recover and will fight regardless of those who say it is too late. “I’m not the one to ever ask for help, but I need your help” Rachael says in her video. “We need your help. Otherwise, I don’t have a shot and I’m ready to get better.” With the support of her husband Ron Edmondson they hope the video will get support for a treatment center in Denver that specializes in eating disorders that have reached extreme conditions. The donations would go toward moving from San Clemente to Denver and the costs of medical treatments.

As I write this, the video has been shared 3.7 thousand times, and after 21 days around 3 thousand people helped raise 95 thousand dollars toward her treatment. The pace at which the story took over the media, and the speed at which we can now touch people online makes one understand the power of the internet. We have created a new way to do charity.

To donate or send a kind message: http://www.gofundme.com/savemyrachael