A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

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 disorders impact people of every age, gender, body type, and background, yet they are still misunderstood and surrounded by stigma. It can be difficult to recognize the signs, understand the risks, or grasp just how widespread these conditions truly are. Eating disorders show up in different ways, and each condition has its own patterns, challenges, and impact on daily…

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…

Co-occurring substance use and eating disorder symptoms are common and clinically complex. When these conditions exist together, they interact in ways that increase medical risk, complicate behavioral treatment, and demand coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team. This article explains why integrated care matters, how separation of services can create gaps, and what patients, families, and referral partners should look for…

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…

For a young person in eating disorder recovery, going back to school—whether at the end of summer or after taking time off for treatment—can be a cause for celebration. It’s a milestone of progress, a chance to reconnect with friends and activities, and a return to some semblance of normalcy. But it can also be fraught with challenges, not the…

What is Lanugo? Lanugo is fine, soft hair that typically appears on newborns to help regulate body temperature. During fetal development, this delicate hair helps regulate body temperature before an infant has enough body fat to stay warm on their own. In healthy adults and adolescents, however, lanugo does not typically grow. However, when it develops in an adolescent or…

Eating disorders are serious, often life-threatening conditions that affect many individuals, including teens. While eating disorders are typically associated with early adulthood, the reality is that they often begin much earlier, even as young as six years old. Early intervention and treatment are essential for a successful recovery. If you're considering eating disorder treatment for your teen, it's crucial to…