Where are the other young people in OA? Why is everyone so old in OA Meetings?
Hang in there
Here in Seattle we have been seeing more and more young persons come into our meetings – so hang in there while we get some teen meetings going. Meanwhile, we put together some resources for you. Remember, you are always welcome in our old people meetings.
OA.org Meetings sorted by ‘Young Persons’
Click Here
Help is on the way
TIK TOK – oayoungpersons
Reddit OA – Click here
Instagram OA Young Persons Click here
Facebook: Click here
Meanwhile, here’s 10 Questions for You
- Do you eat as a response to all kinds of feelings — highs, lows and in-betweens?
- Does your overeating make you miserable?
- Do your eating habits interfere with your social life; or does your social life revolve around food?
- Do you eat normally in front of others and binge when you’re alone?
- Do you drift off in class because you’re thinking about food or losing weight?
- Do you hate gym and other activities because of your weight?
- Do you spend more than you would like to on junk food?
- Do you sometimes steal food — or money to buy it?
- Do you pass up dances and other events because you can’t fit into nice clothes?
- Do you resent people’s comments and “helpful suggestions” about your weight or the amount of food you eat?
- Do you purge after overeating to feel clean?
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Do you have anxiety around food choices – enough to avoid eating altogether?
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Do you feel pressure to be perfect – to be a certain size?
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Have you observed any external indications of malnutrition – cold hands or feet, extreme fatigue, chronic illness? Brittle hair, lack of muscle tone or mental fogginess?
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Do you ever smile anymore?
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Do you exercise to eliminate each calorie that you ate?
- Are you lost without your fitness tracker?
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Can you take a compliment?
- Do you have an accurate appraisal of yourself in the mirror?
- Do you feel embarrassed, ashamed and anxious about your body?
- Do you feel nervous about more social events as COVID Restrictions are being lifted?
- Do you feel uncomfortable in your own skin?
- Do you obsess on a particular flaw in your appearance?
If the answer to most of these questions is “Yes,” you’re not alone. Many people, including a lot of teenagers, suffer from the disease of compulsive overeating, body dysmorphia, over-exercising, anorexia, emotional eating, and bulimia. By talking about things right out loud, we find that shame withers and dies. Examined in the light together, we can find a way to be comfortable in our own skin.
So stay tuned as we create some meetings in Seattle for younger people. Please don’t hesitate to call Stacey or email the webmaster@seattleoa.org if you want to talk.
