Pro-ana and pro-mia: good, bad or neither?

Breaking the Mirror is a pro-recovery blog. As such, I feel it fills the need to bring support, awareness and discussion among persons with and without eating disorders.

But there are many other blogs and forums that discuss anorexia, bulimia and ED-NOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified). Those I’d like to discuss today designate themselves as pro-ana or pro-mia.

There’s a great deal of controversy about those communities. Some people believe they are evil; others feel they have saved their lives by providing a connection with likeminded individuals. Many people don’t care either way.

Today, I’d like to start a dialogue about pro-ana and pro-mia websites.

Do you think they are innately good, bad or neither? Do they provide a welcoming place for lonely girls and guys who are suffering in silence? Or do they legitimize the social acceptance of extreme thinness?

My only request (perhaps rule) for our conversation about pro-ana and pro-mia sites and societies is that it is held respectfully. Please refrain from name-calling, as it does nothing to prove a point. Anorexia and bulimia are life-threatening conditions, so let’s treat this discussion seriously.

It’s your turn.

Tell me about your thoughts on pro-ana and pro-mia, the good, the bad, the ugly, the neutral.