You searched for eating disorder - Page 2 of 30 - Everyday Feminism

It was the summer of 2006. I met Ben at the movie theater where we both worked. He seemed somewhat uncomfortable in his skin, but, hell, so was I. Eventually, I became acutely more aware of Ben’s extreme insecurity and unhealthy habits. At the time, I naively thought my words and support alone could help him. But I didn’t know then what I know now.

Have you ever struggled with disordered eating, but felt left out of common images of what’s “bad enough” for treatment? You deserve support, too – and this is for you.

Person standing on a weighing scale

Why does it matter if some stories are left untold? This story sure makes it crystal clear.

There seems to be a disconnect between the reality of eating disorders, and what most people think is the reality of eating disorders. Our media misrepresents EDs so much that most people don’t recognize their complexity. Here to lay down the facts is Melissa A. Fabello! Whether you’re trying to learn more about EDs, or are feeling frustrated and alone, be sure to watch Melissa’s informative video.

This is stunning. And it shows just how long the medical community has to go in properly caring for patients with eating disorders.

It’s not always as simple as wanting to “look like a model” – these connections between sexism and eating disorders aren’t often talked about.

“That’s what’s so hard…no one sees it.” Do you think you can tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them? Think again.

A sad young man is resting his head in his hand

Do you know anyone with an eating disorder? You may think saying these things would be helpful – but here’s how they can cause harm, and how to offer support instead.

A meme reads "You Are Not Fat – You Have Fat." Written under it is "Umm, seriously?"

The campaign this author came up with sounds like a good idea – but once you realize how it feels to fat people, you’ll know why we all need to do better.

Heart in the sand with " I love me!" written inside

We think that this advice could be useful to folks with all kinds of body image struggles. Did you find any ideas that might work for you?

A dinner set-up: A white plate with a heart-shaped pillow on it, a fork and knife tied up with a red ribbon, against a wooden table

Dear partner, I understand that you don’t understand what it’s like to have an eating disorder, and I know that you’re not trying to trigger me. But if you really want this relationship to work, we’re going to need to talk about my eating disorder recovery. Because eating disorder recovery affects all aspects of a person’s life, and I need you to work with me on this.

Part of why we feel so scared to get help for having an eating disorder – to admit it to ourselves, to talk to other people about it, and to get professional help – is that there is a stigma around it. But we can’t let that stigma stop us from getting the help that we need. So let’s explore, together, what eating disorders are and how to get help for them.

An older television set, showing static, on top of a dresser

If you’ve been personally affected by an eating disorder, you know they’re complex – and often misunderstood. Here’s some information we miss when we only focus on the link between eating disorders and mainstream media.

Person with painted toe nails standing on a scape, covering up the number with their feet, embarrassed

Conversations about eating disorders, body image, and beauty standards often focus on straight, cisgender women. But they’re not the only ones struggling. If you’re transgender and dealing with body image concerns and disordered eating, you’re not alone. And you deserve support. Here are some barriers and solutions for trans folks learning to love our bodies.

Unlike in the past, men are increasingly dealing with eating disorders and 40% of of people who binge eat are men. However many men do not seek treatment for fear of appearing weak, strange, or like less of a “man” and many health professionals fail to screen men for eating disorders as closely as needed. But a man who binge eats needs treatment and support just as a woman does.

You’ve probably said or heard these things around the holidays – but do you know how they can contribute to disordered eating?

Person looking toward the camera, sad

Many suggest “loving your body” is the key to recovery but for this author, that feels impossible. In this narrative she shares her struggles and how she’s come to work towards recovery without being able to love herself.

Hopeless. Desperate. Defeated. Disgusted. Guilty. Ashamed. None of these adjectives describe feelings that any of us like to experience. Yet people with binge eating disorder (BED) may experience them every day. Eating controls their life, but there’s really no control there. Indeed, BED is characterized by a feeling of being out of control. So what is it, exactly?

Person sitting by a window, their head resting on their hand, looking sad

Trying to be body-positive is hard enough without the complications of binge eating disorder. How can you celebrate “Eat what you want!” while also recognizing that you can’t?

Were you taught any of these damaging lessons about food, “health,” or weight? Here’s why we really need to stop passing them on to our children.