Publications
Publications - Eng
Over control is often cited as one of the causes of eating disorders (ED). Indeed, ED provides a tangible sense of control. It is difficult for those living in a world that feels uncontrollable to resist it. The sense of control can be considered as "basic" psychological need like food, water, and air which are essential for survival. However, too much control is like desperately clinging to the only rope available to climb towards an endless sky. Even though one knows that there is a soft grassy ground below the sky (it will not lead to death if you fall), or their hands bleed from gripping too tightly, or they are suffocating in the high altitude, people who tend to control excessively dare not let go of that "only lifeline." Over control only yields emptiness, driving away the loved ones and depleting one's own body and mind.
From the young girl lacking a sense of control over her own life, to the young mother exerting too much control over her body, to becoming a counselor who accompa- nies many other people suffering from ED on the path to recovery. Pat, the major character of the book, reflects on the ups and downs of her recovery journey and has learnt to adjust the extent of her control with each expe- rience. ED is no longer the only lifeline; you can truly achieve freedom with flexibility in your control.