The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) defines eating disorders as “serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.”
Like many illnesses, no one is excluded, though some people may be more prone to developing an eating disorder (learn more about risk factors and prevention).
“Maybe I’ll have you speak to a group on body image sometime. Would you be interested?”
It was an innocent question that followed a misguided statement. I could speak to a group…but no, probably not about body image. Eating disorders are complex illnesses that take hold of people for a wide variety of reasons, and body image wasn’t a primary concern in my personal journey.
Though I’m well into a recovery lifestyle and can easily talk about it, I rarely do. It was a chapter of my life that, with the hope of a future when I’d thrive, I worked hard to survive it. It is part of my story, but (thankfully) my story keeps going. It’s not that I’ve shut that metaphorical chapter of my life. In fact, I do not go a day without inwardly appreciating all that a life of recovery has gifted me.
Support Is Why I’m Thriving
In the daily appreciation for recovery, I’m immeasurably grateful for the support from my family, then-boyfriend (now-husband), friends, and treatment team.
Like many people who love someone struggling with an eating disorder, my family, friends, and now-husband struggled to understand the eating disorder.
What mattered to me was that they tried.
After all, wasn’t I trying to understand it too?
Some loved ones read books or went to group sessions meant for supporters to learn more. Others prayed hard and were good listeners. Still, others weren’t comfortable with the conversation but were present when it mattered.
Maybe you love someone who is just starting the journey to recovery, someone who is in denial they have an eating disorder, someone who has been doing the hard work towards recovery, someone who worked hard but lost the battle, or someone who is thriving in life beyond the eating disorder.
Supporting a friend, family member, or child who has an eating disorder is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging work. Your support is also generous and life-giving work. If you don’t know where to start, here are three quick ways to jump-start your journey of support and advocacy:
3 Ways To Support and Advocate For Someone With An Eating Disorder
- Get educated! Exploring the NEDA website is a great first step. There are so many free resources and tips available through NEDA. Be sure to explore the self-care information and the section for parents & caregivers.
- National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is February 24-March 1, 2020 and there are many ways you can learn more and get involved. From social media posts to financially supporting NEDA to legislative advocacy and everything between, the opportunities are endless.
- Put your walking shoes on and support NEDA locally! Columbus, Ohio is hosting a NEDA Walk on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Ohio State University’s Richard C. Larkins Plaza. Click here for more details.
