Written by Michelle Nguyen
Edited by Cassidy Ho
The term “eating disorder” is oftentimes misinterpreted in today’s society. While the term contains the word “eating”, eating disorders have less correlation with food and more to do with one’s mental health and overall well-being. Now more than ever, social media platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok can paint unrealistic beauty standards and spread false information about eating disorders, resulting in harmful effects. With that, it is vital to educate ourselves on the background of eating disorders and support those who are struggling.
Graphic made by Liana Le, from Arts for Relief
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are medically defined by Mayo Clinic as “serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions, and your ability to function in important areas of life.” The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
As said before, eating disorders are much more significant than simply struggling with food. Most individuals with eating disorders have a difficult time accepting their body image and may suffer from mental illnesses such as stress, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other personal barriers. According to the American Psychiatry Association, heredity can also play a role in the development of eating disorders. Not only can eating disorders result in serious health damage, but they also cause self-isolation, anxiety, depression, and can destroy one’s relationship with one’s body and peers. As a result, those battling eating disorders can turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as food supplements, self-harm, and in some cases, even suicide.
The most common eating disorders include but are not limited to...
Anorexia nervosa, also known as anorexia, is an eating disorder that includes symptoms of extremely low body weight, persistent fear or inability to gain weight, and distorted perception of weight. Individuals who suffer from anorexia struggle internally and can restrict themselves from eating for a multitude of reasons. The fear of eating results in malnutrition and can lead to severe consequences if one does not reach out for assistance. Genetics can be a determining factor in the development of anorexia, but social and psychological factors are also large factors in causing anorexia. In today’s society, “healthy lifestyles” and unrealistic body standards are heavily praised and advertised, leaving individuals, especially younger generations, vulnerable to insecurity and self-hate. Statistically, according to the Center for Discovery, anorexia is the third most common illness experienced among the teenage population. The heavy dependency individuals have on social media pressure younger generations to “fit in” and can result in low self-esteem.
Bulimia nervosa, known as bulimia, is characterized by a pattern of consuming food and purging afterward. Bulimia can also trace back to one’s genetics, but poor self-esteem and other mental struggles can cause someone to develop symptoms. Symptoms of bulimia include eating large amounts of food and then forcefully vomiting afterward. The internal frustration one may have with their body image and life events can cause them to spiral into this eating disorder. A common misconception about bulimia is that only individuals of a specific size suffer from it. This is completely untrue, as one’s body size/shape does not determine whether or not they are vulnerable to an eating disorder. Due to fear of judgment in one’s culture or family, those with bulimia tend to not reach out for help and as a result, can develop serious health issues, such as strokes or heart attacks. Only 1 out of 10 individuals living with bulimia receive treatment, while others suffer in silence due to fear of societal judgment.
Binge eating disorder, known as BED, is the most common eating disorder among American adults and is characterized by the consumption of large quantities of food at a time, without being able to constrain oneself from doing so. Even if someone with BED is not hungry, their mental state can trigger them to consume food unintentionally and can result in feelings of guilt and self-loathing. A harmful misconception about BED is that those suffering from it can control their diet. Those suffering from BED are battling their emotions and negative mindsets, and they binge eat to temporarily alleviate these mental barriers. More than half of BED patients struggle with mood or anxiety disorder and seek food as a means of comfort despite the tragic aftermaths.
For further information about different eating disorders and what symptoms to recognize, visit: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Eating-Disorders/Support
How can I help myself overcome an eating disorder?
Overcoming an eating disorder is not an easy journey, and you are so brave for taking the necessary steps to heal. Remember that your thoughts and fears are valid, and there are outlets and individuals that want to help you combat your struggles.
1. Reach out to someone you trust
This person could be your close friend, your parent, counselor, or anybody you trust. You may feel scared or embarrassed to reveal your inner thoughts, but choosing to tell someone and receiving additional support and advice can help lift the weight off your shoulders. If you are unsure of who to reach out to, refer to https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help for immediate help and guidance.
2. Find healthier alternatives to cope
This can be a daunting task, but seeking comfort in creative activities such as art and music can help ease your mind from worries. You can also develop healthy habits such as cooking, cleaning, and exercising. For more tips on this, visit https://www.verywellmind.com/forty-healthy-coping-skills-4586742
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3. Stray away from toxic social media
Social media can depict unrealistic beauty and life standards that can cause you to feel unsure about yourself. Remember that not everything displayed on social media is true; there are healthier and more loving outlets for you to interact with. For example, watching body-positive websites can help you interact with others that are feeling similar to how you are.
4. Seek professional help
To ensure you can get back on track to being safe and healthy, consulting with a professional doctor is a major step to take. Seeking assistance from a professional therapist can also give you motivation and guidance in your journey to battle an eating disorder. If these steps sound too difficult as of right now, you can visit https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline for online screening tests and professional guidance online.
How can we target the issue and help those who are suffering?
Eating disorders are serious and can have detrimental effects on a person’s mind, body, and life outcome. It is essential to realize that eating disorders are not a lifestyle and should not be romanticized like many misleading and anti-body positive advertisements show. Be mindful of what you post on your social media, and always question yourself before commenting on eating disorders in general. Your words have an impact and can either be the cause of someone’s pain, or they can help motivate someone to overcome their eating disorder. Instead of adjusting to harmful beauty standards, preach body positivity and self-love on your platforms to uplift those around you. Last but not least, be sure to always reach out, and offer your time to listen and help.
Resources for help with eating disorders:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/resources-for-anorexia-bulimia-and-binge-eating-disorder
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