Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding eating disorders that can prevent people from seeking help or receiving the support they need.
Let’s take a look at some common myths about eating disorders and the realities behind the misconceptions:
Myth 1: “Eating disorders are just about food.”
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that involve a range of emotional, psychological, and physical factors. While food and weight might be a focus of the disorder, they are not the only factors involved. Recovery from an eating disorder involves addressing the underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to disordered eating behaviours.
Myth 2: “Only females have eating disorders.”
Eating disorders do not discriminate based on gender. For every three people struggling with an eating disorder, one will be male. Eating disorders can also occur at any age and for any ethnicity.
Myth 3: “People with eating disorders are always very thin.”
An eating disorder isn’t solely diagnosed based on body type or weight. Someone of average weight, or who’s overweight, can have an eating disorder. Additionally, not all eating disorders involve restrictive eating behaviours. Binge eating disorder, for example, involves episodes of uncontrollable eating and can lead to weight gain.
Myth 4: “Eating disorders are a choice.”
Mental health problems are not a lifestyle choice. People cannot simply choose to stop their disordered eating behaviours. To best support people with eating disorders, it’s important to educate ourselves about the experiences of someone who is struggling with such complex issues.
If you suspect that someone you know might be struggling with an eating disorder, approach them with compassion and care. Encourage them to seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider who specialises in eating disorders. Recovery is possible with the right treatment and support. In addition to seeking professional help, there are several things we can do to offer our support. Here are some tips:
- Avoid commenting on a person’s appearance or weight (this is a helpful tip in general).
- Don’t pressure someone to eat or comment on their food choices.
- If someone chooses to share their experiences, listen to them without judgement.
- Encourage them to participate in activities that promote self-care and self-love.
- Learn more about eating disorders and how to best support someone who is struggling.
The more we learn and understand about eating disorders, the more we can be sensitive toward those who are struggling. It’s not always easy to help someone going through difficult mental health issues but if we can be compassionate and understanding, it can go a long way to aid them in their recovery.
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