THE ONTARIO LAWYERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Suffering for Appearances' Sake

Jill told her story of eating disorders to the Wellness for Women’s Conference recently at the University of Guelph Women's Resource Centre. She talked about altering between bouts of bulimia and anorexia and her hospitalization. Why did these disorders touch her? As a perfectionist, she set high standards that did not allow her to be satisfied with what she saw - - her own body and shape. She felt a false sense of control when she denied herself food.

“We give magical power to thinness. Somehow, we think we’ll be happier, more joyful, have a greater sense of fulfillment if only we could lose a few pounds.”

The Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program provides volunteer peer support for lawyers, judges and law students who struggle with issues of stress, burnout, addictions, behavioral obsessions like eating disorders and mental health issues.

July/August 2000

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