A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

Gideon Whitehead says he’s struggled with ARFID for as long as he can remember. Because many people aren't aware that ARFID in adults even occurs, this was often isolating. “As an adult, I've felt secluded with my diagnosis. I tried a lot of things to hide it from those I loved,” he says. Whitehead, who is a peer mentor at…

The holidays usually fill our lives with joy, cheer, and the spirit of unity. They typically include times for celebration, enjoying feasts, and expressing gratitude. However, for those on a recovery journey from eating disorders, the holiday season might present a unique set of challenges. The holiday season is usually characterized by an emphasis on food, festivities, and occasionally, stressful…

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can impact anyone. They can be caused by a wide variety of reasons, from cultural and social influences to biological factors, such as genetics and hormones. This article will help you better understand these biological factors, primarily the relationship between hormones and eating disorders. The role of hormones in eating disorders can…

Body image issues are a growing concern for adolescents, and parents and family play a crucial role in shaping their children's self-perceptions. While social media is often blamed for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, parental attitudes and behaviors are also significant contributors to body image concerns. Understanding the impact parents have on their children's self-esteem and eating habits can help children…

On October 25, 2024, Meta and the National Alliance for Eating Disorders hosted the first-ever Eating Disorder & Body Image Safety Summit, a collaborative initiative dedicated to creating safer online spaces for individuals impacted by eating disorders and body image concerns. This one-of-a-kind summit brought together voices from various fields, including clinicians, policy experts, advocates, and creators, each driven by…

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors are dangerous conditions, and they’re on the rise. (1) A number of factors contribute to the development of eating disorders, including psychological, biological, and environmental considerations. But an issue that’s gaining increasing attention is body shaming. A form of bullying, this behavior is a double-edged sword, working to both target and torment individuals and…

You look in the mirror for what feels like all hours of the day. You cannot stop fixating on your perceived “flaws,” frequently examining your face for blemishes and picking at your skin to try to make it look “smooth.” These near-constant thoughts about your appearance are taking over your life, affecting your relationships, passions, school, and work. You may…

Animal companions undoubtedly bring us joy. But how much support can we expect from a dog, cat, or horse? Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is the use of trained animals to help patients during their healing process for many types of mental illnesses. AAT can be a beneficial addition to the treatment plan for those living with eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa,…

Everyone’s experience with an eating disorder is different, making it difficult to know when and how to seek help. You don't need to "hit rock bottom" to ask for support. If you’re feeling shame about food, avoiding meals, experiencing “picky eating,” or having changes in mood – know that recovery is possible. If these symptoms are impacting your daily life,…

Eating disorders can be extremely isolating. This makes sense when you consider that these illnesses thrive in secrecy, and so they protect themselves by cutting people off from others. But the good news is that the reverse is also true: connecting with others can help weaken the eating disorder and support recovery. Eating disorder support groups help those who are…