If looks could really kill...

I haven’t weighed in on the new tumblr policy yet

I have had my facebook inbox bombarded with friends sending me articles about it. No, most of them dont know I have a tumblr… they just know I work to raise awareness for EDs. I have seen the petitions and posts on tumblr. But I have kept relatively quiet on the issue.

There are two reasons for this.

1. I agree.

2. I worry.

I agree with tumblrs policy, and to be fair, you were kidding yourself if you thought it wasn’t coming. It has happened on other blogging sites, and was bound to eventually reach Tumblr. In fact, I am not surprised they waited until Eating Disorder Awareness week was in full swing in the US (and canada and the UK). Ive been watching a few american talk shows this week and have noticed a considerable increase in content and dialogue for EDs - though most of it seems to be centred on Anorexia, and none of the rest (criticism where criticism is due). The smartest time to roll this out was when this is at the forefront of peoples minds (in the US at least, where Tumblr HQs are)

It isnt just Pro-ED blogs that are being targeted either. Another win.

As many others have said, Pro Eating Disorder blogs are dangerous. There have even been accounts where girls running them ARENT EVEN DISORDERED. They simply think it is funny. Someone is exploiting a mental illness, and they think it is funny. So this is a win. These accounts are triggering. There is a difference between suffering, and promotion. Yes, I think many blogs where the girls are suffering really tread a fine line. Mine would have when I first started, and this is where we get to why I worry.

So many blogs started by straddling that line between ED and Pro-ED. We dont like to admit it, but most of us straddled that line. We were suffering and we needed that validation. Some of us still do. Some of us have moved on, as we have realised that it wasnt helping in our circumstances. It was actually more triggering. It was more triggering to have people convince us not eating and purging was OK. over exercising was fine. We needed to see other people validating our illness. THAT said, so many others need that journal outlet. Their Tumblrs arent an avenue to promote eating disorders. They warn people off. its an outpouring of their inner most fears, thoughts and behaviours. By purging their words, they are aiming to lighten the load they carry. No More Secrets. Keeping this from our friends is harder than anything. biting our tongues when they make ED jokes and references… all of it. 

Tumblr will make mistakes. Some blogs will be deleted that aren*t Pro-ED, but a lot of that is because of that fine line that is straddled.

Tumblr was instrumental in my recovery, and so many others. So, that worry also extends to how many people wont be able to get there without the love and support of their community friends. However, Tumblr is also the most triggering influence in my life sometimes. And thats without following any Pro-ED blogs. sometimes I check out new followers, and they seem to be pro-ed. I check in on old followers who I know are suffering or are pro to see how they are going. These sites are easily accessible to people who havent progressed into full ED yet, and it is our job to protect them. The quicker you can get treatment for disordered eating or eating disorders, the more likely you will have an easier time in recovery - and it will be successful.

I do worry about the new policy.

However, I support it 100%.