Eating disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet they are often misunderstood and stigmatized. In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the complexities of these mental health conditions and the profound impact they have on individuals and their loved ones.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve persistent disturbances in eating behaviour, often driven by a preoccupation with body image, weight, and control.
It can be tempting to oversimplify eating disorders to only be able body weight and shape. This is not always true. Eating disorders can also be understood as creative psychological coping strategies that someone learns as a mean of survival, or as a means to cope with challenging events, thoughts, and feelings.
Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, but there are many others as well. These disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race, or socio-economic background. It’s also important to remember that disordered eating doesn’t have “a look” and can occur across a range of body types and across the weight spectrum.
The Hidden Struggles
While eating disorders may be outwardly associated with weight, the root causes are far deeper. They often stem from a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, including trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, and numerous societal pressures. The below illustration of the ‘Eating Disorder Iceberg’ created by Dr Juliet Young (or the @creative.clinical.psychologist https://www.instagram.com/creative.clinical.psychologist/) is a brilliant representation of how we might understand the what drives eating disorders;
Raising Awareness & Breaking the Stigma
Raising awareness about eating disorders is crucial in breaking the stigma that surrounds them. Too often, individuals suffering in silence fear judgment or shame. It’s important to understand that eating disorders are not a choice—they are mental health and medical conditions that require support, understanding, and professional care. These conditions can be life-threatening, affecting both physical and mental well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
How You Can Help
- Listen without judgment: If someone confides in you about their struggles, offer support and empathy. Avoid making comments about appearance or weight. Just listening can be incredibly powerful.
- Educate yourself: Understanding the complexities of eating disorders can help reduce misconceptions and promote compassionate care.
- Encourage treatment: If you suspect someone is struggling with an eating disorder, encourage them to seek professional help. Recovery is possible, and early intervention can make a significant difference.
By continuing to raise awareness, provide support, and promote a culture of curiosity, kindness, and self-compassion, we can help those with eating disorders feel seen, understood, and supported in their journey toward recovery.
Author: Georgia Mancroft
Psychotherapist
