Eating Disorder Awareness Week: Eating Disorder Myths and Misconceptions
Although conversation about eating disorders seems to be increasing, eating disorders are still greatly misunderstood. This video discussing eating disorder myths, created by the Looking Glass Foundation, is especially salient for the tail-end of Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Here's a Coles Notes version of these topics:
Eating disorders are not about vanity: In reality, eating disorders run far deeper than the desire to be thin or look a certain way.
Eating disorders are not about food: "It's what that food represents," food and eating can serve as an affect-regulating tool.
Eating disorders are not just a young person's disease: "The reality is people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s have eating disorders."
Eating disorders affect men too: "It's known as a woman's disorder and so if you're a man and you're suffering from an eating disorder, then you have that whole other layer of 'what's wrong with me?'"
Eating disorders are not a simple problem: Most people struggling with an eating disorder also struggle with other mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, or self-harm.
Eating disorders are oversimplified: Eating disorders are often reduced to being about body dissatisfaction, when the reality is the root of eating disorders is much more complex.
Eating disorders can't always been seen: Often, people struggling with an eating disorder don't look like they have an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are not a choice: Just like other mental illnesses, a person doesn't choose to have an eating disorder, and it takes a lot of support to fight it.
If you're struggling with an eating disorder, or have a loved one who seems to be, and are needing some support, get in touch with Chelsea and/or check out these other resources: