A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

Dear Alliance Community, Today, the National Alliance for Eating Disorders turns 25. 25 years?! Even as I sit here to write these words, I honestly cannot believe it. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I would be here. What began as the most personal of journeys — my own recovery from an eating disorder — has become…

As humans, we learn from others, lean on others, and rely on others to give us hope in times of need. We have a universal need to share and hear each other’s stories, whether for mere entertainment or for a deeper benefit. When it comes to recovering from an eating disorder, hearing stories from others who have been through similarly…

Recovering from an eating disorder is a complex journey, one that often involves challenging long-held beliefs about food, body image, and self-worth. For many individuals in recovery, learning to approach food with a healthy, balanced mindset is one of the most important steps they will take. One of the key principles that can help guide this process is the idea…

Watching a loved one struggle with an eating disorder can be heartbreaking. You may feel helpless, unsure of what to say, or afraid of pushing them away. While eating disorders are serious and complex, recovery is possible—and your support can make a difference. Encouraging someone to seek treatment requires patience, understanding, and a compassionate approach. Here’s how you can help…

When most people hear the phrase “eating disorders,” they often think of adolescents or young adults. Media depictions, research, and even clinical training have long reinforced the stereotype that anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa primarily affect teenagers. But the truth is that older adults also experience eating disorders, sometimes for the first time in mid-life or later-life. Because symptoms in…

If you’ve been told you need residential treatment, you may feel torn. The idea of leaving your town—or even your state—can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone in that hesitation. Deciding to enter residential care can be one of the hardest choices people and families make. Concerns about leaving school or work, paying for treatment, and being away from loved ones…

Eating disorder statistics reveal just how serious these illnesses are. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and binge eating disorder (BED) all carry significant health risks; deaths from eating disorders are often linked to medical complications or suicide. A review of the latest eating disorder stats emphasizes the urgent need for early intervention, compassionate support, and access…

Each year on World Mental Health Day, the world unites to raise mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for care as a universal human right. Organized by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the day brings global attention to mental health as a shared priority. Yet within these critical discussions,…

What exactly is expressive arts therapy? At its core, expressive arts therapy involves the use of creative art forms like drawing, painting, writing, movement, or even acting to help individuals process and communicate difficult emotions. It provides an alternative and often powerful way of expressing feelings for those who struggle to articulate them verbally. The premise is simple: by tapping…

What is Refeeding Syndrome? Refeeding syndrome is a serious and potentially fatal complication of nutritional rehabilitation. It occurs in significantly malnourished patients when a diet of increasing calories is initiated orally, enterally, or parenterally. Refeeding syndrome can cause: Cardiovascular issues Respiratory failure Seizures Death Refeeding Syndrome Definition The most recent definition of refeeding syndrome proposed by the American Society for…